Municipal leaders have stressful and difficult jobs. Elected officials and tenured public servants struggle to provide more citizen services with less funding and fewer municipal resources.

Public leaders at the local levels of government are guided by mandates that could easily be categorized as 'stretch goals'. And, they provide services to a diverse group of citizens and taxpayers who are demanding, often impatient, and focused on reducing taxes but increasing quality-of-life amenities. This situation exists because, throughout the country, the public at large is extremely busy and few have time to ponder the plight of municipal leaders. Their lives are also stressful, and the demands on them are just as significant.

However, in spite of funding restraints and stressful times for all parties, progress is being made. Municipal leaders throughout the U.S. are launching new quality-of-life enhancements for the regions they serve.

Crystal Township in Michigan has hired a firm to evaluate options to either launch a major renovation and expansion project of their current community center or the construction of a new facility. Cost estimates currently associated with the renovation and expansion option are $2.38 million. Construction costs for a project that would salvage half of the current facility and add an extension would be approximately $2.63 million. The last option, which would be to sell the current building to a private owner and build a new community center in another location, has an estimated cost of $2.88 million without a new gymnasium or $3.97 million with a new gymnasium. Once a decision is made about which option to pursue, plans will be announced about a timeline and solicitation documents will be issued to potential contractors.

Friendswood's City Council in Texas has authorized a November bond election to ask voters to approve $76 million for a number of projects - one of which is a $9 million construction project of a new activities center. An advisory committee appointed by city leaders has recommended the project. The current 49-year-old building is in poor condition, and remodeling the facility would cost as much as building a new one. The new facility would likely be designed to serve as a community civic center, an emergency shelter, and also as home for senior adult programs.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Larson introduced the America Wins Act to the House, a bill that would establish a levy on carbon pollution and invest $1.2 trillion into infrastructure.

The bill's key feature calls for a carbon tax on businesses, which would start at $52 per ton. This rate would increase 6 percent annually above inflation and ultimately raise an estimated $2.3 trillion in revenue.

Of the tax revenue, the bill calls to invest $610 billion into federal highway programs, $71 billion into sewer systems and drinking water, $66 billion into railway infrastructure, and $40 billion into broadband deployment. Another $5 billion would go to fund airports and aviation, and billions more of the $1.2 trillion total would fund other infrastructure projects.

Beyond infrastructure, the bill would invest $44 billion into clean energy and climate research, and $70 billion into climate justice initiatives.

Texas - Trustees at Arlington ISD (AISD) recently reviewed $965.9 million in potential bond items for a possible November election.

A citizen steering committee unanimously recommended all proposed projects to the board with $846.37 million allocated for facilities, $97.12 million directed to safety, security, and technology upgrades, $15.49 million dedicated to transportation needs, and $6.96 million focused on fine arts.

More than 70 percent of the bond package total would go toward making districtwide condition renovations and rebuilding aging facilities to address significant condition needs, according to the committee's presentation.

Webb, Thorton, and Berry elementary schools would be rebuilt to replace Roark and Knox elementary campuses for $100.3 million. Carter Junior High School, which opened in 1958, would be rebuilt for $61.88 million. The district would "right-size" one of its high schools to house a fine arts-dual language academy for $52.05 million. Another similar academy would be built at Gunn Junior High School for $34.98 million. Districtwide pre-kindergarten improvements would constitute $45.74 million. A new $12.57 million building addition would be constructed at Bailey Junior High School.

The committee recommended renovations for an additional high school competition field for $19 million. Elementary school playgrounds would be replaced districtwide for $20.19 million. More than $31 million would be appropriated for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, including technology infrastructure. Administrators said the proposed bond would allow for entry-level career technology classes at AISD's career and technical center.

Safety, security, and technology upgrades would comprise $97.12 million of the bond package with district officials considering razing and rebuilding security and transportation facilities for $11.7 million. Other bond items could include funds for buying new school buses and acquiring property.

The deadline is August 19 to call a bond referendum for November. If passed, the bond would not increase the district's property tax rate, administrators said.

Kansas - The state's transportation department is reinstating the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program, a plan that helps cities and counties repair and replace structurally deficient bridges.

Gov. Laura Kelly authorized $216 million in tax revenue to remain in the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) highway fund, which led to restoring the program. The program aims to reduce the number of deficient bridges in a cost-effective way.

Cities and counties can acquire up to $150,000 to repair or replace a local bridge. To be considered, structures need to be on low-volume routes and span 20 to 50 feet. Additionally, bridges need to be classified as deficient and maintain a daily traffic count of less than 100 vehicles. Agencies awarded funds must provide a 10 percent match.

About 3,800 of the state's bridges are in poor condition and are insufficient for modern weight requirements. KDOT is accepting applications for the program through mid-September and will begin selecting projects in October.