City of Romulus

Kevin W. Krause is a public-sector leader focused on community safety, economic development, and technology-driven community initiatives. His approach emphasizes collaboration, workforce development, and the practical integration of emerging technologies to create opportunities for communities.

Rethinking Community Readiness

I see becoming a drone-ready community as much more than purchasing aircraft or training pilots. It requires an approach that integrates public safety, infrastructure, regulatory compliance, education, and economic development. In Romulus, Michigan, home to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, we recognized early that drone technology would change how communities operate. Rather than treating drones as an individual department’s initiative, we began developing an ecosystem to support government, commercial, educational, and recreational applications.

Our priorities include implementing a drone flight authorization platform, improving airspace awareness, expanding training access, and working with federal regulators. Public education is equally important. Residents need to understand the opportunities and responsibilities associated with drone operations, including safety, privacy, and accountability. My goal is to help make communities drone-ready, equipped to support an emerging industry safely while creating tangible benefits for residents.

Turning Regulatory Challenges into Opportunities

Working near Detroit Metropolitan Airport has taught me to approach regulatory challenges as opportunities for collaboration. Rather than accepting airspace restrictions as permanent barriers, we engaged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to understand operational limitations and identify pathways for expanded access.

Our efforts include using the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) to support authorized drone operations and advancing public safety applications. We have also secured an approved waiver supporting a Drone as a First Responder proof-of-concept initiative.

I recognize that the FAA’s primary responsibility is aviation safety. My advice to public-sector professionals is to engage regulators early, build relationships, understand the rules, and demonstrate how proposed operations can be conducted safely. Comprehensive planning, operational safeguards, and clear objectives help create a foundation for productive collaboration.

Connecting Education with Career Opportunities

I see drones as an educational and workforce development opportunity, not simply a technological advancement. In Romulus, we have incorporated community education and supported drone competitions involving local schools and STEM programs. These activities introduce students to aviation, engineering, robotics, and programming through practical experiences.

“Successful innovation requires leadership, a clearly defined vision, cross-departmental collaboration, and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches to municipal operations.”

We are also working with Eastern Michigan University to explore opportunities connecting students with real-world drone operations, research, and regional economic development initiatives. I believe municipalities can serve as living laboratories where educational institutions, private industry, and government work together to develop skilled professionals. When students encounter advanced technology in their own communities, they can begin to see how their interests translate into meaningful careers.

Making Regional Partnerships Work

Drone technology does not recognize municipal boundaries, and our planning should reflect that reality. When municipalities independently purchase equipment, develop policies, and build infrastructure, they risk unnecessary costs and missed opportunities for coordination.

In Romulus, we have engaged regional organizations, including the Conference of Western Wayne, Downriver Community Partners, and Wayne County, alongside private-sector partners such as Airspace Link, to explore coordinated approaches to drone readiness. Regional collaboration can strengthen emergency response, search-and-rescue operations, disaster assessments, and situational awareness while allowing communities to share resources and expertise.

I also see significant economic potential. Regional coordination can help attract drone manufacturers, technology companies, logistics providers, training institutions, and entrepreneurs seeking communities prepared to support advanced aviation operations.

Treating Technology as a Community Investment

My advice to public-sector professionals is to view technology as an investment in community infrastructure rather than an isolated purchase. Start with an achievable application, establish measurable objectives, and build on demonstrated success. Involve elected officials, employees, residents, educational institutions, and private-sector partners early.

I also encourage leaders to consider economic development alongside a technology initiative’s immediate purpose. A program developed for public safety may create opportunities for workforce development, entrepreneurship, private investment, and new industries. Communities do not need to be the largest or wealthiest to lead innovation. They need leaders willing to establish partnerships and create conditions in which new ideas can succeed.

My objective in Romulus has never been simply to operate drones. I want our community and region to participate in and benefit from the future of aviation technology.