Committee News
Tracy Warner, PE
Chair, APWA Technology Committee
Born of change and evolution, the newly formed Technology Committee is hitting the ground running in 2025. The committee’s goal is to be responsive to the changing trends and demands of technology within public works. The committee seeks to understand how technology supports the day-to-day operations of public works departments, and we will work with APWA committees to identify public works challenges where technology provides opportunities. The committee will provide top-notch, collaborative education opportunities, leveraging the expertise of our knowledgeable and experienced membership.

Tracy Warner, PE
Currently rising to the top for public works professionals is the growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In response, the committee is hosting the AI Summit, scheduled for the end of this month. Presentations will range from covering basic terminology, ethical and legal considerations, various engines within AI systems, and real-world AI applications in public works technical areas. The committee welcomed collaboration from all APWA committees during the planning of the summit and will feature committee members from Asset Management, Solid Waste Management, and Facilities and Grounds as presenters.
The world of public works includes an array of communities, perspectives, job responsibilities, and challenges, and it requires a variety of technologies and technological applications to meet these different needs. The Technology Committee is up to the task of keeping public works professionals informed of best practices, innovative tools, and success stories from the field.
If interested in joining as a knowledge team member, we would love to hear from you at education@apwa.org.
Technology and Public Works Survey
APWA’s Technology Committee wants to create comprehensive and timely educational resources for public works professionals, but in order to do that we need to know how technology is affecting your public works community. Please complete this short survey so we can tailor our educational offerings to fit your needs.
AI Summit
January 29–30, 2025
The AI Summit will define AI and its key components, providing public works professionals with a clear understanding of the terminology and areas of public works already being impacted. Attendees will explore the various engines within AI systems, such as neural networks and machine learning, and consider how AI is trained using data, including the role of large language models. The summit will also examine the ethical and legal challenges AI presents, addressing risks such as training bias and cybersecurity, while equipping participants with strategies to mitigate these issues. This comprehensive program will demystify AI, facilitate conversations around its future, and offer opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration.