Subcommittee News
Matt Morreim
Chair, Winter Maintenance Subcommittee
Winter maintenance plays a vital role in keeping communities safe, connected, and functioning during the harshest months of the year. The professionals responsible for plowing, treating, and managing winter roads are often the unsung heroes who ensure that emergency services can respond, businesses can operate, and families can travel safely. The Winter Maintenance Subcommittee (WMSC) is proud to help lead the way by providing resources, training, and connections that support winter maintenance professionals at public agencies and companies of all sizes.
This year has been an exciting one for our group. The Winter Maintenance Supervisor and Operator Certificate programs continue to grow, reaching record numbers of participants in 2025. More than 7,000 people have now completed the supervisor program, and more than 5,000 have earned the operator certificate. Both in-person and virtual sessions ensure as many professionals as possible can benefit from these trainings.
The team gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the North American Snow Conference in April. The subcommittee welcomed new members, hosted lively discussions, and connected with hundreds of winter maintenance professionals. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Snow Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
You can also find the WMSC in the pages of the October APWA Reporter, as well as monthly with our “Open Your Winter Toolbox” series, which offers practical tips and fresh ideas from experts across the industry.
As the work of winter maintenance continues to evolve, so do we. The WMSC is committed to supporting public works professionals with the training, knowledge, and tools they need to keep communities safe and moving.
Live Programs
APWA Defining and Implementing Levels of Service for Winter Maintenance Operations
October 23
Determining the appropriate level of service (LoS) for winter maintenance is a critical component of effective public works operations. This live virtual program will guide you through the process of evaluating, establishing, and refining LoS standards that consider your agency’s unique operational context and community needs.
Winter Maintenance Operator Certificate
November 4–5
This virtual four-hour certificate program is targeted toward those staff in the trucks performing winter operations, including operators, crew leaders, and foremen. The program focuses on snow and ice control materials and how they work, equipment, and operations.
Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate
Spring 2026
The Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate Program, one of APWA’s most popular programs, is targeted toward forepersons, supervisors, and managers of winter maintenance operations. This certificate program helps those in charge of winter operations understand all facets of developing and maintaining an effective winter maintenance program, resulting in more effective, efficient, equitable, and environmentally friendly snow and ice control.
Click here to be notified when registration opens.
New Resources
Public Works Benchmarks: Winter Maintenance
APWA conducted a pilot benchmarking survey in 2022 of 150 agencies across the United States. This document presents a detailed overview of key metrics pertaining to winter operations and maintenance, providing insights into the operational dynamics and resource use within these organizations.
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