Committee Connection
Matt Morreim
Chair, Winter Maintenance Subcommittee
As winter maintenance professionals prepare for another season, APWA continues to provide resources, training, and connections to help agencies meet evolving operational challenges. Whether you’re focused on workforce development, operational efficiency, or implementing new practices, the Winter Maintenance Subcommittee remains committed to supporting public works professionals through education and knowledge sharing.
One area of focus this year has been the comprehensive update of APWA’s Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate program. The revised program includes enhanced content, updated visuals, and new scenario-based learning opportunities designed to better reflect today’s winter operations and support the development of current and future leaders in the profession. The pilot took place in September in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and feedback from the pilot program will guide any final refinements before it officially launches at the 2027 North American Snow Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
The subcommittee is also excited to introduce its new Knowledge Team, creating additional opportunities for winter maintenance professionals from public agencies, industry, academia, and related organizations to contribute expertise and share ideas. Visit the subcommittee’s webpage to fill out a knowledge team interest form.
We invite you to explore the resources and training opportunities featured below and take advantage of the many ways APWA can support your winter maintenance program this season.
Live Programs
Winter Maintenance Operator Certificate
October 6–7
This virtual four-hour certificate program targets staff in the trucks performing winter operations, including operators, crew leaders, and foremen. The program focuses on snow and ice control materials, how they work, and the equipment and operations involved. The format blends the best of live face-to-face with the convenience of online learning. The workshop will be held over two days with a two-hour session each day.
Click, Listen & Learn: From Data to Decisions: Artificial Intelligence in Winter Maintenance
October 22
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept; it is now a valuable tool for winter maintenance agencies. This live virtual program will show how public works organizations are leveraging AI to support operational decision-making, analyze route and fleet data, enhance public communications, and promote the important work of frontline winter maintenance staff. Speakers representing agencies of varying sizes and levels of AI adoption will share practical examples, lessons learned, and opportunities for future implementation. Participants will leave with actionable ideas they can begin exploring within their own organizations.
Trending Resources
Industry Discussion: What has Carbide Ever Done for Us?
Tungsten carbide is a critical component in snowplows and pretty much every type of digging equipment (backhoes, graders, and more). Suddenly, the price of tungsten carbide (and thus of things like snowplow cutting edges) has gone through the roof. This recorded program discusses the reasons behind the increases and indicates what the long-term situation looks like, as far as we can tell at present.
Public Works Radio: Why Public Works Strategizes for Winter Operations When the Temps Are Hot
Learn from four passionate experts how snow and ice planning is a year-round endeavor, with summer being the perfect time to start ensuring next year’s winter prep is a success.
Public Works Benchmarks: Winter Maintenance
This document provides a detailed overview of key metrics for winter operations and maintenance, offering insights into the operational dynamics and resource use within these organizations.
Defining and Implementing Levels of Service for Winter Maintenance Operations
Determining the appropriate level of service (LoS) for winter maintenance is critical to effective public works operations. This virtual program will guide you through evaluating, establishing, and refining LoS standards that consider your agency’s unique operational context and community needs.
Career Development
The APWA Onboarding Toolbox provides supervisors and managers with practical resources to help new winter maintenance operators become productive, safe, and confident team members. By offering structured onboarding tools and best practices, it helps create a consistent experience for every new employee. Use this resource to strengthen workforce readiness, improve retention, and prepare operators for the challenges of winter operations.