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Adapting the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) to Improve Bicycle Safety

Pedestrians and bicycle riders account for 14+ percent of all traffic fatalities while representing less than 10 percent of all trips. The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, known regionally as the HAWK (High-intensity pedestrian Actuated crossWalK), and the latest adaptation to facilitate bicycle use, the BikeHAWK, were developed in Tucson and have become a nationally respected best practice to prevent needless fatalities. 

 

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What to do with Historic Buildings? Tips on Management, Maintenance and Retro-Commissioning

Historic buildings make up the core of many communities’ identities. However, as needs change and your community grows, many of these buildings are being repurposed for use that is different from their original intent. What may seem a perfect solution to an empty building could be a nightmare for the facility manager who is expected to oversee improvements and maintain the building.

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Sustainability? Think Negative Entropy

Explore how Clark County, Washington, uses "entropy-based resource management" as the organizing principle to develop watershed management and sustainability strategies. Learn how by using this principle they have developed sub-basin retrofit plans, hydrologic and hydraulic accounting procedures, and a sustainable roadway grid. 

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Step It Up Charleston! Follow-up Study

Charleston County, South Carolina issued pedometers to employees asking them to keep track of steps taken in both work and leisure time. Daily goals were set and awards for most steps per week and consistent goal achievement were given. Results of the pilot study were promising and Charleston County opted to make adjustments to length of study time, pedometer choice, and data collecting resulting in a longer study. Learn how using incentives and competition can improve employee health and morale. 

 

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Paying by the Mile

Sponsored by APWA's Transportation Committee The fuel tax hasn't been raised since 1993 and as a result the federal Highway Trust Fund is going bankrupt. Whether you call them mileage-based user fees, vehicle miles traveled, or road user fees, an increasing numbers of states are conducting pilot projects to transition from a per gallon fuel tax to a pay per mile fee to fund growing transportation needs. What is your state doing? How soon will the transition happen? 

 

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Uninsurability: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Avoid It in Your Contracts

Have you ever had an architect, engineer, or other design professional tell you that some terms in your contract for professional services are "uninsurable"? Ever wondered what that really means, or why design professionals don’t just go out and buy insurance that covers these contractual promises? Maybe you’ve even suspected that some design professionals use insurance coverage as an excuse to reject contract terms they don’t like. If so, don’t miss this discussion offering lessons learned and tips for avoiding this issue during your contracting process. 

 

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Achieving New Heights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

One of the ten busiest airports in the world, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's designers needed to find innovative ways to integrate a transit system to connect to key facilities at the airport and to Valley Metro Light Rail. Solutions included an automated people mover (APM) system that includes 3 stations and a terminal station that is the only LEED Gold-Certified transportation campus in the world. 

 

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Built to Last, Getting the Most Out of Your Solid Waste Fleet

In the midst of challenging budget times, the City of Phoenix Public Works Department continued to develop innovative solutions to save the city money and continue to provide excellent service.

As a result of an innovation and efficiency suggestion by staff, ten (10) refurbished side loading refuse trucks were rebuilt in lieu of purchasing new trucks.

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Public Works as First Responders – Do Other First Responders Recognize Our Role?

The 2015 Emerging Leaders Academy class surveyed other emergency responder groups about the role of public works as first responders. What to do you think the results were? It may not be what you expect! This program is an exchange of ideas and viewpoints. Learn ideas for how public works can better demonstrate and publicize the important role public works plays in first response.

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Transportation Safety for Small Cities Rural Communities

MAP-21 performance management requirements necessitate a systematic approach to addressing traffic accidents. Discover how small and rural communities are implementing safety initiatives and managing traffic accidents. 

 

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