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Aspiring to Leadership in Public Works?

Do you aspire to be a leader in your organization or professional association? Then this interactive learning opportunity is for you! You will meet dedicated professionals who have held leadership positions in their agencies or companies and who have served as leaders at both the chapter and national levels of APWA. They’ll involve you in discussions about setting your own personal leadership goals and offer insight into the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for you.

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Next Gen Outreach – Building Understanding for Water Reuse and Advanced Water Purification

Public agencies typically target their program messages to audiences over the age of 18. However, the ultimate owners and beneficiaries of our planned eco-friendly water reuse programs are our youth. The investment we make in educating our children is an investment that pays untold dividends. Two water reuse programs, the East County Advanced Water Purification program in east San Diego County, and the Pure Water Oceanside program in north San Diego County refined their public outreach programs with this “Next Gen” approach in mind. Reusing water through advanced water purification methods and utilizing advanced technology for water treatment is a natural for kids – who inherently ‘get’ why this type of project is needed. Eco-anxiety and the fear of environmental catastrophe is spurring our youth to take on environmental issues. Demonstrating to them that steps are being taken in their communities to help solve environmental challenges is vital. These children, from elementary school into the teen years, may not vote or pay water bills now, but they will soon enough. Moreover, they will reap the benefits of the water reuse programs being planned and built today. Since 2014, more than 7,000 people have toured the East County Advanced Water Purification demonstration facility, including children ranging in age from 7 to 18 years-old. Quantitative survey results from the tour program show pre-tour participants have a poor/fair understanding of the program, while after completing the tour, the acceptance rating soared to a 98% excellent/good program understanding. Pure Water Oceanside hosted a family-friendly festival called the ‘World of Water’ where guests of all ages learned about advanced water purification though hands-on demonstrations, activities and tours. In addition, both programs have continued to adapt and modernize to engage their target audience, of all ages, during the COVID-19 restrictions for in-person outreach and education.

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What is Asset Management and Why Does It Matter?

What is asset management and why does it matter? How does an asset management program get started and maintained over time? In this Jam Session, there are no stupid questions and all ideas are on the table as we discuss making the most of your assets and prioritizing capital spending.

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Meet the Author: Public Works Management: Things They Never Taught in School

Jim Nichols goes beyond the blackboard as he shares more than 17 years in local government executive management in the newest edition of Public Works Management: Things They Never Taught…

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Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Making it work for your Agency.

Across the U.S. and Canada, many public works professionals have made conscientious efforts to adopt sustainability measures. Leaders in the fleet industry must be focused on what is happening in their shops and towns, and must also be able to adapt to what is coming over the horizon. As local officials look to be more environmentally aware, fleet leaders must be prepared for alternative fuels. A popular choice for fleet leaders is a compressed natural gas (CNG) program. With fewer emissions, lower costs, and no risk of spills, CNG is, at the least, an interesting proposition.

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SC/RC Perspective On (2020 Series) – Leadership & Management

Leading and Managing a Public Works department in a small city / rural community means wearing multiple hats, effective communication, and benchmarking best practices. This panel discusses what it takes to…

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Spotlight on Sustainability – The Business Case for Sustainability: Maximizing the Economics of Your Infrastructure Investments

The principles of sustainability ask designers to consider the three E’s – Environment, Equity, and Economics. This presentation focuses on how public works professionals can evaluate program choices considering comprehensive…

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Talking Top Tech: Waste to Resource Technology Edition

Join us for a look at Waste to Resource Technology through the perspective of different lenses such as Public Works, Consultants, Industry, and International.  Leaders in each field will participate in a panel discussion and answer APWA member questions.

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Deploying an AVL Solution Across a Large Fleet: Lessons Learned and Best Practices

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Light Duty Fleet is largely owned by the Finance Cabinet and leased to other agencies with agencies own their own heavy duty and specialty vehicles. With…

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SC/RC Perspective On (2020 Series) – Solid Waste Management

Small towns and rural communities may produce less waste but that does not mean less work. Fewer staff, resources and vendor options create unique obstacles for smaller town solid waste managers. This panel discusses new challenges related to collections and post-collections.

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