After a very successful pilot program in 2019, Fairfax County created a permanent program, Operation Stream Shield, in early 2020 to remove litter reaching the county’s waterways. Originally developed to reduce the amount of litter reaching the county’s waterways and riparian zones in accordance with the county’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, the county has formed a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness to utilize the county’s residents experiencing homelessness to not only remove litter but manage invasive species, conduct general landscaping and complete other special projects as needed. The MS4 Coordination Section coordinates with internal and external agencies to focus on workforce development pathways that provide homeless shelter clients with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to participate in a diverse economy and earn income to support themselves. Homeless residents who excel in the program are provided with an opportunity to apply for full-time, non-merit positions within the county that serve as stepping stones to a full-time, merit county career.
Contributor/Source
Heather Ambrose
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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.
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Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
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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.
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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.