From the 1970s through the 1990s, downtown Topeka, Kansas, went through a period where urban sprawl sent all commercial and retail development to a corridor on the west side of town. Downtown residential living became non-existent. Find out the lessons learned during Topeka's journey from a napkin sketch to a public/private partnership that invested $9 million dollars into a downtown enhancement project. Topics to be discussed include the role of public works in downtown redevelopment; how to organize interaction to gain public support; the use of charrettes with experts to determine a vision; design issues encountered in replacing 120-year old gas and water mains around trolley rails, vaults, and cisterns; and the coordination of sidewalks, power, and lighting between public infrastructure and private enhancements. Learning Objectives: Conceptualize how to guide their communities through a successful downtown redevelopment. Convince public officials to invest money in downtown infrastructure. Create public/private partnerships for downtown redevelopment.
Contributor/Source
Brian Armstrong;Neil Dobler;Jason M. Peek, PhD, PE
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
APWA Guides
APWA Guides provide guidance to public works professionals on a specific a topic.
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Toolbox
Toolboxes are curated guides offering valuable tips on a variety of public works-related topics.