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This session will focus on what it takes to be a successful leader in an organization. The speaker will focus on his 32-year career in public works and how he had to evolve and change to become an effective leader. While starting out as more of a micro-manager, as his organization evolved, he discovered the attributes associated with delegating responsibility to the stakeholders who perform the work. The speaker will talk about his experiences with implementing a city-wide Quality Initiative, an IDEAS program, succession planning, and other employee-based opportunities.
Read MoreWe all have struggled with the recruitment and retention of quality employees over the past couple of years. Pre-pandemic, rumbles of baby boomer retirements and truck driver shortages were starting to make an impact. In 2021, many were caught in the “Great Resignation” wave. Losing long-term employees at a time when demand for reliable and qualified employees is at its highest brings workforce challenges. Doing more with less or waiting on Human Resources are no longer palatable options. We have a problem. It is not simply a human resources problem. It is our problem; as a community, we are the best qualified to find solutions. Join this session as we dare to ask the questions of who and how can we solve the workforce shortage problem today and into the future. This will be a very interactive session where we will build off the experience, ideas, and pilot programs of each other.
Read MoreWe all know leadership styles vary based on an individual’s background and personality. This session will consider how generational differences also impact leadership styles—all through a female lens. The panelists will explore how the female perspective has changed over the past four decades and how those perspectives are helping to shape the public works industry. They will share personal stories on the industry’s landscape when they entered the workforce, and the challenges and positive experiences they encountered that helped form their careers. The session will provide insight on the differences between an advocate, sponsor, and mentor—and the importance of each one. Attendees will be challenged to consider how they can become one and how they can find one. The session will challenge how participants think about diversity and how to attract a more diverse workforce. The panelists will also share strategies on how to create a more inclusive environment.
Read MoreIn 2020, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, adopted a new Stormwater Pollution Control Ordinance which included, for the first time, a prohibition on the use of pavement products containing more than 0.1% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight. This ordinance change was adopted following several years of research, local monitoring, and correspondence with cities with similar prohibitions and outreach to local sealant manufacturers and other local stakeholders that this ordinance can potentially impact. The purpose of this prohibition is to reduce the amount of PAHs entering local streams from stormwater runoff with the goal to reduce in-stream PAH values below levels that are considered toxic to aquatic life. This presentation will summarize the research that led Charlotte-Mecklenburg to take this concern seriously, the results from local monitoring, and the stakeholder process used to adopt the new ordinance language.
Read MoreTo say that significant developments in pavement data collection technologies and artificial intelligence- (AI) based processing methods have taken place over the past three years is an understatement. Industry standards have not kept pace with technological advancements, and agencies attempting to procure these services have been left in a bind. While these technologies may provide better data than previous technologies, it is critical that agencies understand the benefits and limitations of these technologies—especially those implementing AI—and how best to procure the technologies. AI is a tool, not a panacea. This presentation will describe the benefits and limitations of 3D pavement imaging, AI-based data processing, and mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technologies. The attendees will learn how to best integrate data collected with these technologies into their pavement and asset management systems. Attendees will also learn how to best procure and quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) test the data from these technologies.
Read MoreAcross the country, water distribution and wastewater collection systems are reaching the end of their asset life, and creative solutions are needed to restore capacities and rehabilitate the structures cost-effectively and efficiently. Several rehabilitation tools are available such as pipe bursting, spray-on liners, and liner inserts that can be used for system rehabilitation. As many of these existing utilities are in areas that have developed greatly since their original installation, the selection of rehabilitation techniques must consider factors including access, traffic volumes, potential service disruptions to customers, impacts on the community, and cost/benefit considerations. In many instances, the familiar dig-and-replace is no longer a viable option, leaving trenchless and near trench methods as the remaining viable options.
Read MoreThe pandemic was difficult for everyone, fleet operations included. This program consists of an in-depth conversation discussing the challenges fleet operations faced from the effects of the pandemic. We’ll share…
Read MoreStormwater management has become more challenging, as we face higher intensity, longer duration rain events at greater frequency. We need to bring different thinking and solutions to the challenges that climate change…
Read MoreFacilities and grounds have unique attributes that require thoughtful consideration as asset management programs are set up. Required information that agencies need to advise capital projects can vary greatly between…
Read MoreDue to climate change, cities are experiencing significant challenges due to unpredictable weather events that may impact lives in the community. A winter emergency situation in Western Canada typically arises when there is a single or multiple snow events with excessive snow, generally over 25 cm with blizzard-like conditions. These conditions cause drifting snow and poor visibility for an extended period of time. Winter events can also cause icy pavement conditions impacting normal driving and walking conditions for extended periods. Such emergency situations generally require the city to utilize their resources to full capacity in order to allow an early recovery to the pre-emergency state with new-normal conditions. The City of Regina, Saskatchewan has created a Winter Emergency Response Plan to help winter crews handle extreme conditions on account of excessive snow and ice.
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