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In the digital world in which we all live and work, evil lurks at every turn. Since the first ransomware in 1989, digital thieves, bad actors, and even rogue governments have sought to disrupt and extort funds from individuals and businesses alike. Governments have become targets for these attacks as so much information must be made available to the public. While billions of dollars are spent annually on software and hardware to protect networks, end-users are still the weak link in the chain. This presentation will provide a multitude of examples of how failed processes, training, or both, has cost entities hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, even millions. The presentation is designed to assist attendees as they have hard discussions with their staff and stakeholders on the best practices for digital safety.
Read MoreAre you interested in enhancing existing business processes in your organization but not sure where to start? If the answer is yes, come learn about how the City of Austin Public Works Department designed and implemented a department-wide process improvement framework that engages staff, optimizes business processes and improves service delivery. In this framework, staff from all levels of the organization carry out process improvement projects that address key strategic areas. These projects, also known as WIGs (Wildly Important Goals), have had an immensely positive impact on the department’s morale, operations, and resources. This session will contain insights from Austin’s experience, as well as guidance on how to implement this type of framework into your own organization.
Read MoreAs public funding for infrastructure continues to lag with demand, new and innovative ways are needed to provide public infrastructure improvements. The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, is using public-private partnerships to do so. By finding the right partnership opportunities with the development community, the Charlotte region has been able to implement infrastructure projects much faster than if these demands were being met through publicly funded processes alone. In addition, end-users experience the benefit of a more cohesive project in the seamless integration of transportation, parks, open space, and stormwater management infrastructure. During this session, we will hear from representatives from the City of Charlotte, LandDesign, and the development community, as they discuss the various benefits of implementing projects as public-private partnerships. We will discuss ongoing projects currently being implemented and walk through the lessons learned of the City’s process.
Read MoreHistorically, the most common renewal method has been to replace the pipeline using open-cut construction. A lack of investment in the aging pressure pipe infrastructure, coupled with growing congestion above and below ground, has accelerated development in the trenchless rehabilitation industry. With an array of proven trenchless rehabilitation technologies, how does a utility owner or engineer determine the appropriate technology? This presentation will briefly review the common and emerging trenchless technologies for pressurized pipeline rehabilitation. Then, it will provide a basic framework that can be used to evaluate and select an appropriate solution. We’ll review the concept of structural classification of pressure pipe linings as defined in American Water Works Association (AWWA) publications, which is a critical component to selecting an appropriate trenchless technology. We’ll also review a few case studies that demonstrate how the basic framework was followed to select a trenchless technology solution.
Read MoreTo keep a stormwater program from drowning in its data, it’s essential to manage information so it’s easily accessible and can help drive critical decisions. The Town of Apex, NC, is using data management tools to automate and streamline its stormwater information in a way that has improved operations and, more importantly, helped with municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) compliance. Apex worked with Freese and Nichols to develop a Survey123 and ESRI Field Maps mobile app that serves an array of functions: tracking, logging, adding and storing data; collecting photographs; spatially locating assets; performing real-time assessments; and using custom scripts to automate triggers that generate stormwater control measure (SCM) inspection reports. The system can automate 30-day reminder email notifications to property owners informing them of their upcoming annual SCM inspection. These tools and a custom dashboard allowed for daily quality and progress checks. As a result, the Town of Apex organized its stormwater data to meet MS4 compliance.
Read MoreEach year, CPWA develops public policy priorities to inform its work advocating for public works to federal government departments and officials. This session will provide a brief overview of past activities and the current priorities of the federal government as well as an opportunity for facilitated discussion and knowledge exchange. CPWA Board members will facilitate small group discussions among attendees focusing on CPWA’s existing policy priority areas as well as possible new areas of focus. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences, including the challenges they face, so that CPWA can more effectively advocate for recognition and solutions.
Read MoreIn a post-pandemic world, public works officials will need to enhance their resiliency, add layers of redundancy, and most importantly–re-configure their systems to operate “virtually everything–virtually.” Beyond simply operating some…
Read MoreSeth Mattison is an internationally recognized thought leader, author, advisor, and top-rated keynote speaker on change and innovation, sales and influence, leadership, and the future of work. His research, case…
Read MorePublic works agencies across the U.S. have been impacted by the steps taken to control the spread of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. This session shares how agencies have been impacted and the steps taken to address those impacts. Results of interviews before and after the 2020-21 winter will be presented, which determined the impact of budget changes, furlough programs, hiring freezes, social distancing, and quarantine guidelines. One of the major themes in the initial interviews was uncertainty as to what exactly the impacts would be. It was unknown, for example, whether plow operators would be among the first to receive vaccines when available. Many had taken steps to reduce the size of working teams, to limit impacts in case of infections, but all were considering how to handle operations if they lost a sizeable portion of their operations staff during winter due to the virus.
Read MoreAccurate equipment calibration is a cornerstone best management practice for winter maintenance operations. Yet, many agencies do not recognize or understand its value. Building on the first session in this two-part series for a first-hand account to understanding the “What” and the “Why” of calibration, this session discusses the “How” to accurately calibrate offering both understanding and resources required to ensure success.
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