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Seeking to continuously improve operational efficiency, transparency, and oversight, the City of Omaha, Nebraska, implemented status applications tracking real-time plow movement, route completion, and material usage. Expanded GPS options allow for public-facing websites showing operational status. We?ll share lessons-learned and best practices implemented.
Read MoreLearn about the APWA Utilities and Rights-of-Way (UPROW) Committee and how to form a Chapter UPROW Committee.
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Over the past two decades, the operational aspects of managing winter events have dramatically changed. Much of this change has been driven by new technologies, public expectations, and environmental concerns. Enjoy this fascinating examination of what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and the new winter maintenance technologies and approaches that are on the near horizon.
Read MoreColumbia Water serves 375,000 customers in the greater Columbia, South Carolina, area. They were experiencing an increase in negative community and media attention due to unexpectedly high-water bills or bills that fluctuated month-to-month. Their solution was to create a program that proactively engages customers providing information on billing, meters, and water quality. The goal is to give customers the tools they need to understand the water system, the billing process, and the impact that leaks can have on their bills. They are engaging the community through videos, booklets and other materials, and public meetings.
Read MoreWhile lots of leadership articles emphasize the benefits of having people with different skill sets, perspectives, and levels of experience on the team, in practice these differences can cause many day-to-day challenges. Individuals can butt heads about priorities and how to approach the work, or simply struggled to see eye-to-eye. Assessment tools can help teams name and discuss their differences in ways that can bring insight rather than frustration. This session will discuss several well-known assessment tools and their value in opening the lines of communication and pull individuals together into productive, engaged teams.
Read MoreRevenue and projections by state departments of transportation point to a real struggle in coming years to provide needed levels of funding for both state and local levels. A paradigm shift is looming. Join in this discussion of an alternative that could address our transportation funding shortages. Discover what studies in the states of Washington, Oregon, and California are showing about Road Usage Fees (RUF).
Read MoreThe American Public Works Association (APWA), in association with the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College (EI), is pleased to introduce the 2017 Jennings Randolph International Fellow, Evan Pratt, who participated in this unique international study and professional exchange opportunity to promote collaboration and the sharing of public works best practices. This presentation will highlight findings from his study tour researching asset management and infrastructure funding practices in Australia and New Zealand.
Read MoreThose of us in the public eye are often faced with the issues of credibility, trust, and the never-ending tough questions from citizens, city council, staff, and management. In this session, we’ll talk about establishing credibility, defining trust, diffusing difficult situations, and social media strategies. Young professionals and seasoned leaders will enjoy this conversation.
Read MoreThe APWA Kansas City Metro Chapter’s Sustainable Infrastructure Committee is hosting this forum of experienced Envision project managers who will share their best practices and useful tips for using the Envision® rating system for infrastructure projects. They will talk about internal practices they have developed after implementing Envision® projects, ways to improve participation in projects and increase efficiencies in planning, and what practices help reduce project costs and hours. Come prepared with your own Envision® stories and with your questions about how this system could be used for your projects.
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On January 22, 2016 a three-day snow storm, known as Snowzilla, dumped a historic 28 inches of snow on the nation?s capital. The D.C. Snow Team cleaned snow and ice from 1100 roadway miles, 241 bridges and 75 miles of the national highway system. The District’s roads were cleared within 48 hours, allowing government agencies and school systems to reopen. During their after-action review, the D.C. Snow Team identified several improvement areas including increasing fleet readiness, specialized staff training, an upgrade of the AVL system, and some organizational restructuring. D.C.’s Winter Maintenance Plan is an evolving document, adapting to changes in the city and identifying opportunities for improvement. They will share the improvements made in 2017 and 2018 snow seasons.
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