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Adapting Permitting Services in a Virtual World

The UPROW committee will present lessons learned in implementing electronic permitting systems. This is an opportunity to showcase the challenges and benefits experienced by various agencies that implemented a new…

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Sustainable Winter Operations: Results & Best Practices

The Town of Ellington began experiencing contaminated wells in 2017, prompting them to take a close look at their winter material application. The findings were significant and prompted change. Several strategies were implemented to reduce salt usage and environmental impact. After the first year there were positive, noticeable results. These results were shared with the UCONN T2 and briefly with the NEAPWA. The strategies outlined can be adapted by any other town/state and will provide positive results.

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AI/Machine Learning and Cloud Platforms-Water & Sewer Pipes

AI/Machine Learning and Cloud Platforms for Water and Sewer Pipe Condition Assessments.  Understanding the condition of underground water and sewer infrastructure is critical in determining maintenance strategies, repair and replacement costs…

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PWX 2022 Keynote – Navigating What’s Next: Leadership Insights for the New World of Work

Seth Mattison is an internationally recognized thought leader, author, advisor, and top-rated keynote speaker on change and innovation, sales and influence, leadership, and the future of work. His research, case…

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Liquid Operations: Grow Your Own Winter Liquid Program

This session will inform participants regarding options and opportunities available to initiate a liquids operation into their current winter maintenance plan. Starting from the ground up is somewhat difficult without some tips and understanding of where one might go or end up when looking at implementing liquids into an operation. Class subject matter will consist of brine production, application equipment, calibration, record keeping, and outside information or sources utilized to assist in implementing a liquids program. Further information will be provided on the growth of the City of Waconia’s agency liquids operation to blending and on-demand liquid production and blending.

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Turning the Page – Adapting to New Roles Throughout Our Careers

Throughout our careers most of us change positions and roles numerous times. Adapting to new challenges, responsibilities, and authority are keys to successfully navigating one’s career. Progressing from technical positions into leadership roles can be the most challenging change of all. As Rick Rigsby states, leadership is about combining technical knowledge and wisdom to grow your impact. During our careers, we must learn from those who came before us and then be prepared to pass on our wisdom to the next generation. This presentation will focus on two long-time public works professionals who have greatly impacted one another’s careers. Learn how a now retired Baby Boomer and a Generation X Leader supported, collaborated, mentored and then reverse-mentored each other to help grow their influence in the public works field.

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Winter Weather Operations: Adapting to Changing Times and Roles

Over 70% of U.S. roads and 70% of the population are in regions with five inches or more of annual snow. Most of those roads are the responsibility of local jurisdictions. Though lane-miles and vehicle-miles traveled continue to increase each year, agencies do not gain a proportionate increase in budgets to offset operations costs. Faced with high public expectations, environmental regulations, and insufficient funding, agencies must find ways to improve efficiency and maintain effectiveness. Advances in weather forecasting, pavement condition reporting, route optimization, materials, application methods, equipment, training, and tracking provide many ways to improve operations. Due to changes in travel patterns, road classifications, population, etc., levels of service for certain routes may no longer be justified. This presentation examines how agencies can improve winter operations using new technologies, materials, vehicles, innovative strategies and tactics, and other techniques.

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How Innovative Thinking is Preparing Dallas Stormwater Operations for a Resilient Future

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU)—Stormwater Operations shows how to chart the course for a more resilient future through an ambitious comprehensive assessment of their Storm Drainage Management program. Their approach demonstrates ways to identify and communicate resource needs, satisfy regulatory requirements, allocate budgets wisely, enhance efficiency, and improve customer service. The assessment includes a review of their organizational structure and business practices; an asset inventory and data management; hydrology and hydraulic modeling and solution development for chronic flooding areas; and development of a strategic approach to capital project planning financing and implementation. The presentation includes DWU’s initial findings and preliminary recommendations on organizational structure, business practices, and data management.

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Learn How to Secure Funds and Use Best Practices for Your First Roundabout

Many suburban communities are concerned about building roundabouts as they are not convinced about its benefits. Government officials may not know how to start the feasibility study, available funding sources, design details, and best practices. The biggest challenge is to convince residents of the benefits and use of roundabouts. The Village of Orland Park successfully built its first roundabout in 2019. The Village went through various design, funding, and approval processes and successfully delivered its first roundabout to its residents. The Village is now in the process of building a second and a third privately-funded roundabout. This presentation will discuss and provide real-life details of designing and building a suburban roundabout in a community where seniors (55 and older) exceed 30% of the population. The presentation will discuss practical tips that should be included in the design of roundabouts.

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APWA Government Affairs Update for the 117th Congress

APWAs Government Affairs team will present the latest regarding APWA’s public policy priorities in the U.S. The focus of the presentation will be a legislative update related to Congress and federal agencies and APWA’s public policy priorities: Transportation, Water Resiliency, and Emergency Management. The presentation will also include an overview of APWA’s advocacy resources for our members to be “the voice of public works” to government leaders, the public, and media.

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