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Implementing change in a public works department can be challenging, to say the least. Whether battling the ""we have always done it this way"" syndrome, or trying to adopt new technologies or practices, a public works manager can face many obstacles on the road to a high functioning department. This session will be led by a 28-year public works career veteran who will describe how using modern leadership practices and philosophes has helped his department turn the corner into a 21st century success story.Learning Objectives: Delegate tasks and projects more efficiently.Communicate new ideas and deal with resistance to change.Manage a successful organization change program.
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(Presented by APWA's 2017 Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) Class)APWA's Emerging Leaders Academy provides intensive leadership and management training within the context of public works. It encourages professional growth through a strong network of peers and offers an in-depth introduction to APWA at the national and chapter levels. As an element of their class project, the 2017 Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) participants have investigated how public works departments can increase their presence and reputation within their communities. Their findings revolve around four major components: Leadership: Explore the qualities of servant leadership and why this type of leader is successful in the public works environment. Resilience: Consider how well your public works agency adapts to adversity and meets the challenges of disaster response and infrastructure resilience. Outreach: By engaging the public through events, various forms of media, a strong outreach program empowers people of all walks of life to feel an emotional connection to public works and all the services provided to the community. Technology: By using 21st century technology, including social media, public works is able to provide two-way exchanges of information, involving the public in collaborativeLearning Objectives: Identify the type of leaders that can best serve your public works operation and the community at-large.Discuss the importance of building resiliency into to public works infrastructure and services.Develop a public outreach program that deploys social media and other communication strategies to increase the presence and reputation of public works with your community.
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Successful implementation of asset management does not happen by accident. It requires a carefully considered plan to ensure that your agency's goals are met and measureable results are achieved. Using Polk County's pavement management program as a case study, this session will review the steps for implementation, decision-making and reporting requirements, software configuration, testing, and training. Also featured in this session will be a case study highlighting how Dunedin, Florida performed a stream-lined implementation using best practices, a gap-fit process, and field calibration exercises to ensure expected results.Learning Objectives: Conceptualize the process needed to perform a critical review of an existing asset management system and then plan for updates and enhancements.Recognize the functionality required in an asset management software package as it pertains to all collected assets and the agency's goals.Analyze the cost-effectiveness of a robust asset management plan and gain support from key decision-makers.
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As public works professionals, we are confident in our ability to do everything from repairing potholes to responding to emergency situations. But one thing that we are not necessarily good at is advocating for our profession and our public works departments. Learn about Charlotte County, Florida’s successful outreach program, which includes “”touch a truck”” sessions at community events and elementary schools, job fairs at high schools and community colleges, and a strong social media presence. They have not only increased visibility within the community, but also improved employee morale.Learning Objectives:Implement a department-wide rebranding project.Communicate communication with the public using social media.Educate the next generation about the importance of public works to the economic progress and quality of life of the community.
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Privatization, de-privatization, managed competition-this panel of solid waste management leaders will NOT answer the question on which system is best. (Sorry!) But they will share their expertise and case studies concerning the costs and benefits of each option, discuss issues with service delivery and customer service, and provide tools you can use to design or tweak your service delivery systems. We'll also focus on how to ensure better customer service, fair treatment of employees, and a safe working environment.Learning Objectives:Discuss the different benefits between privatization, de-privatization, and managed competition.Examine how to analyze costs benefits between the three options.Review how to ensure better customer service and a safe working environment.
Read MoreThis session will discuss the process of how to construct a new athletic field from design, bid and installation and then how to develop a maintenance program to ensure safety and sustainability.
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Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems aim to provide realistic, reliable, and real-time speed limit information to roadway users. The Iowa DOT has deployed four VSL systems that are currently running…
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Ever think that the public service departments (i.e. Police and Fire) get all the glory, but what people don’t realize is without YOU, they are not able to do their jobs? If that pothole is not filled, if that pipe is failed, if that road is impassible after a storm, if the fire is in the woods and the fire department can’t get to it without YOUR help, if the traffic signals are not operational, if the stop sign is down, if that police car is in the shopa.and the list goes ona.who is called to come to the rescue? We need to change our mindsets, we need to have our public service departments advocating for usa.but how do we get them to do that? They dramatize how people will DIE if they don’t have that new fire truck or new police station to service the publica.well, we can be just as dramatic a..use them to help your cause. Come to our interactive session to creatively think of ways to be heard and get what you need.Learning Objectives:Persuade the public service departments to be on your side.Advocate your cause with a little help from your public service departments.Initiate creative ways to band together with your public service departments.
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The City of Hamilton, Ontario, provides waste collection services with public employees. The City takes the responsibility for driver safety very seriously and has implemented new initiatives for driver training and safety compliance. Its driver safety plan includes: enhanced driver training, coaching, and performance monitoring; establishment of a collision review board to assess incidents involving municipal vehicles; a driver safety performance measure in annual performance appraisals; and establishment of a safe driver recognition program. The City is also seeking new technologies to enhance service delivery, including installation of dashboard vehicle cameras. Discover how to promote safer work practices for drivers.Learning Objectives:Identify risk management concerns for city employees.Develop a driver safety strategy.Assess the cost-benefit analysis of adopting a vehicle camera system.
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Members of the Fleet Services Committee will address the top ten most common and critical performance measures to a fleet manager's success: Developing Fleet Charge-Back Rates, Conducting Preventative Maintenance, Tracking…
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