Video
While it is getting more difficult to recruit, train, develop and retain dynamic employees, some agencies are looking outside traditional means to build a successful team.
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Municipalities face many challenges. Road weather forecasting services can help deal with these. This session will discuss how you can utilize these systems to increase safety, mediate risk, protect the…
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Inspired by the 2017 National Public Works theme “”Public Works Connect Us,”” this session will focus on CPWA’s advocacy and outreach efforts for public works, federal infrastructure programs and other initiatives that affect communities across Canada. CPWA President Andrew Stevenson will provide an update on CPWA’s public policy priorities, CPWA’s participation in coalitions such as the Canadian Common Ground Alliance and projects such as the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card, CPWA’s partnership with IPWEA to deliver asset management training, and CPWA’s growing involvement as a stakeholder at the federal level. Ottawa-based CPWA Consultant Alan Young will provide an up-to-date report on federal government activities.Learning Objectives:Review CPWA activities and priorities, including collaboration and partnership with other associations.Explore how CPWA’s public outreach on projects like National Public Works Week help raise the profile of public works.Identify ways the federal government has upgraded its commitment to municipal infrastructure with the Investing in Canada Plan and other investments and recognize the role that infrastructure has played since the last election.
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Self-Assessment is an excellent way to examine and evaluate your agency's current management policies and procedures. In this session, you will gain an understanding of why self-assessment can improve effectiveness,…
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Delve into this examination of the planning and engineering issues related to implementing bike facilities and projects. There are many misconceptions and unknown facts about bicycle facilities. Did you know that bike lanes make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians? Did you know that protected bike lanes actually increase business for the retailers fronting them? Did you know that FHWA, AASHTO, and NACTO all have published standards and guidelines to assist you with your bike facilities projects? This presentation will also address other common issues cities have faced, including parking loss, pedestrian conflicts, and outreach.Learning Objectives:Discuss how bicycle facilities are not only for bicyclists, but also improve the roadway for all users.Explore what other countries are doing in the realm of bicycle facility engineering and design.Establish a program for better bicycle mobility.
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Women who are at different stages in their public works careers will talk about the factors influencing their decision to work in this field; the importance of having mentors; job challenges they've faced, and how they overcame them; and strategies to balance home and work life.Learning Objectives:Recognize and implement actions that will lead to a successful career in public works.Network with women who have achieved professional and personal success.Negotiate one's career path by avoiding the pitfalls and missteps that can affect public works professionals.
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The City of Council Bluffs, Iowa had faced poor management, poor morale, antiquated equipment and an unsatisfactory work environment. In response, they developed a program to overcome these deficiencies through…
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Case studies of best practices implemented by DOTs provide examples of practitioners proactively working to mitigate impacts of snow and ice control products.Key areas providing the greatest benefit are highlighted…
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Many (too many) public works departments have experienced the loss of valued public works colleagues while they were in the line-of-duty. Members of the APWA New England and Chicago Metro Chapters will discuss what chapters, local governments, and others have done in the past and can do in the future to make sure that these fallen heroes are honored and acknowledged for their public service. It is often difficult to decide what the appropriate response should be. If you have experiences that you'd like to share or have ideas about meaningful activities that APWA and public works departments could undertake, please join us in this important conversation.Learning Objectives: Discuss the steps and protocols involved in honoring fallen public works heroes.Review the procedures being drafted by the New England Chapter Awareness Committee to honor fallen public works colleagues.Draw up a plan for what your agency, chapter, and community can do acknowledge the dedication and service of fallen public works professionals.
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Planned and hosted by APWA's Center for Sustainability (C4S)Many infrastructure owners are requiring or experimenting with rating their sustainability efforts by using the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision rating system. ISI has made Envision tools available at no charge so owners can use them to guide project teams in introducing sustainability, or can go a step further and verify their projects and be awarded Envision Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum ratings. In order to achieve a verification award, project teams and Envision Sustainability Professionals (ENV SPs) must track and submit documentation proving how their project met Envision credit requirements, which takes planning and organization.This roundtable discussion will address lessons learned in completing credit documentation, and possible shortcuts to use in the future, whether using Envision for general support or planning for submission. Hear from project team members about what they experienced in submitting materials to ISI, about their communications with the verifiers, and how they might approach the next project. The panel is composed of ENV SPs who completed projects and documentation for currently verified projects, or those in the queue to be verified.The panel will be facilitated by an experienced ENV SP who will elicit tidbits from the panel members and ask for questions from attendees. Small group discussions will allow participants to engage further with the panelists and other attendees.Learning Objectives: Explore Envision credit requirements and the verification process by engaging in a robust conversation from experienced users.Compare how different teams approach preparing, completing and submitting documentation.Discover the keys to a smoother verification and higher rating.
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