Executive Summary
The 12th annual National League of Cities State of the Cities Report highlights how mayors are balancing limited federal support with growing demands for innovation, public safety, and economic development.
- Only 25% of city leaders feel “very prepared” for natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for stronger local readiness.
- Fire departments are emerging as critical partners in advancing technology, disaster response, and community safety.
- Innovating solutions like SAM, SAM BOOST, and Captium help firefighters automate waterflow, collect real-time equipment data, and increase response efficiency.
- Technology adoption also plays a key role in recruiting and retaining the next generation of firefighters who expect digital tools on the job.
- By pairing data-driven insights with smart technology, city leaders can build safer, smarter, and more resilient communities for the future.
This is perhaps one of the most challenging times in recent history to be a mayor or local government leader. Between federal and state budget cuts and the demands for technological advancement, local governments are being forced to manage several critical issues often with fewer resources. Leaders are having to make difficult decisions that will have a big impact on the safety and overall well-being of their constituents.
Essentially, leaders are doing more with a lot less. As federal funding is set to expire in many places, leaders have been forced to pivot and think creatively about how they are going to manage during a difficult time.
“City leaders are doubling down on innovation, technology, and workforce development to grow resilient local economies, but they can’t do it alone. As historic federal investments begin to expire, the need for sustained, strong federal-local partnerships is more important than ever.”
Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director the National League of Cities
The National League of Cities State of the Cities Report
Based on reporting and survey results in the recently published 12th annual National League of Cities State of the Cities Report, public safety, innovation and economic development are among the top issues facing America’s mayors. Deciding where and how to innovate is proving to be a delicate balance. Local leaders want and need to stay on top of technology as our economy continues to evolve with the quick rise of AI while also ensuring they are creating job opportunities for the communities they serve and keeping everyone safe.
“As the politics of the world change, one thing is clear: the role of municipal government is more important than ever. Cities will have to be nimble and creative to address the needs of their residents, no matter the turbulence of the times cities must always continue to deliver services.”
Mayor Keith James, West Palm Beach, Florida
The National League of Cities State of the Cities Report
Bringing Economic Development and Innovation Together
While not typically seen as a hub of innovation, local fire departments are starting to prove that they might be the perfect place to start implementing technology and help mayors and local government leaders reach their public safety goals.
With the recent flooding in Texas and wildfires in Los Angeles, it is becoming increasingly clear how important it is for cities to be prepared for natural disasters regardless of their size. When a large-scale disaster strikes, local fire departments are on the front line of helping tackle the problem and saving lives.
According to the State of the Cities Report, only 25% of those surveyed feel ‘very prepared’ for a natural disaster. Because you never know exactly when a disaster might strike, having the right people and tools in place are vital to city leaders keeping everyone safe. With products like SAM, SAM BOOST and Captium currently available in the marketplace, small and large cities have an opportunity to not only innovate but also put safety front and center—where it belongs.
Automating Waterflow to Increase Response Times
Close-Up of SAM Panel Installed on Fire Engine.
SAM, an advanced waterflow system was designed to assist fire truck pump operators in managing waterflow. This allows them to focus on the fireground and attack crew and not have to worry about the actual fire truck. While the SAM technology has proven to make firefighters more efficient in doing their job day-to-day, SAM also helps in reducing stress—making those who are saving lives better at their job because they have a lot less they need to worry about when they are on the scene of an emergency.
Similar to SAM, the retrofit technology of SAM BOOST allows the pump operator to focus on supporting the crew. SAM BOOST integrates with the rig and manages the pump, tank, intakes and discharges. For departments looking to make truck updates quickly, SAM BOOST can be installed in just 3 to 5 days.
While SAM and SAM BOOST are significant investments, those who have implemented the technology feel it is worth it. A wide range of cities and municipalities have embraced the innovative technology, including Wooster, Ohio and Hernando County, Florida. The fire captains and other leaders who were early adopters agree, it is worth the time and investment. SAM and SAM BOOST has not only made their jobs easier but has also allowed them to put a new focus on recruiting the next generation of leaders in the firefighting industry. With SAM and SAM BOOST in place, they are confident their fire departments are set up for long-term success.
For most leaders, bringing technological advancement to their communities aligns with their vision of making sure their city is ready for the future—no matter what it may bring.
“We’ll modernize our city’s financial operations with updated technology that enhances efficiency and transparency. These improvements, coupled with strengthened cybersecurity, aren’t just upgrades – they’re investments in protecting our city and ensuring we’re prepared for the future.”
Mayor Carmella Mantello of Troy, New York.
The National League of Cities State of the Cities Report
A Fresh Perspective on Recruitment and Retention
As cities work to keep their communities safe and well-served, attracting top talent remains a key priority for leaders. More than 40% of the State of Cities survey respondents said recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce is a top priority. Technology will be a critical piece of recruiting the next generation of firefighters and other public works professionals.
With Baby Boomers continuing to retire from a variety of local government jobs, including firefighting—preparing Millennials and Gen Z for those roles and opportunities is critical. Younger generations, specifically Gen Z, were born with technology at their fingertips and are seeking roles where technology will be front and center. As SAM and SAM BOOST continue to grow and advance, they will be valuable in helping local communities support recruitment efforts. Embracing technology at the local level can lead to young talent moving to cities where technological opportunities are available.
Earlier this year, IDEX Fire & Safety launched a recruitment toolkit dedicated to helping local communities find the next generation of leaders in the firefighting industry.
Bo Cheney, a 20-year veteran as both a firefighter and paramedic currently serves as the Chair of the Human Relations Committee for the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) believes the right approach to recruitment will be a game changer for cities and municipalities. “Staffing is one of the most pressing issues currently facing fire departments. The industry is currently in the midst of a significant transformation,” he stated. “As Baby Boomers retire and technology begins to play a larger role in our operations, recruitment is more important than ever. It’s essential for leaders to adopt a fresh perspective on how to attract and retain the next generation of firefighters. The toolkit developed by IDEX Fire & Safety is the first step in helping fire departments plan for the future.”
Data Will Drive The Future
Firefighter reviews apparatus using Captium on tablet.
As mayors and other local leaders continue to change their mindset and overall approach to leadership in a challenging time, data will be an important driver in how decisions are made. By relying on accurate insights and not assumptions, leaders can prioritize resources, anticipate community needs, and create strategies that are both effective and sustainable.
Tools like Captium can help firefighters make appropriate decisions and overtime help maintain city budgets. Having functioning fire trucks are vital to every city, whether they are urban or rural. Firefighters rely on equipment performing accurately every day to help ensure the safety of the citizens they serve.
Captium puts critical information in front of firefighting teams, ensuring they are prepared for any emergency or challenge they may face. Firefighters need to be ready at a moment’s notice—non-functioning equipment is simply not an option. By utilizing Captium, cities and municipalities can reducesurprise maintenance problems and prepare for service needs rather than having to take the equipment offline. Capitum allows teams to have real-time access to the equipment’s health.
The benefits and capabilities of Capitum include:
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Knowing the status of the equipment
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Reducing surprise maintenance issues
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Getting ahead of service needs before taking the equipment offline
Having access to critical data allows leaders and cities to make smarter, faster, and more effective decisions—improving how communities function, building infrastructure and staying safe.
Firefighters and City Leaders: Partners in Building Safer, Smarter Communities
As cities navigate shrinking budgets, rising risks, and accelerating innovation, the path forward is clear: pair data-driven decision-making with tools that multiply force, speed, and safety. Fire departments are uniquely positioned to help mayors deliver smarter infrastructure by automating waterflow with SAM and BOOST, capturing actionable insights with Captium, and attracting the next generation of talent with technology they expect.
As Milla Austin, Director of Marketing for IDEX Fire & Safety North America, notes, “Without question implementing new technology takes time, money, effort and training. But as technology continues to play an outsized role in what we all do day-to-day, firefighters and city leaders need to have access to what is going to keep everyone safe. The technology that IDEX Fire & Safety is developing will help local municipalities bring economic opportunities to their communities.”
IDEX Fire & Safety is committed to delivering innovative technology and solutions that equip fire departments and city leaders with the tools they need to protect lives and ultimately enhance public safety.