| Adults between the ages of 25 and 34 form the largest age demographic in Seattle. Since 2005, bike commuting has increased 44% and driving alone has decreased 14%. To meet this trend head-on, Seattle is implementing a plan to become the nation’s leader in bicycle transportation. They have something to teach to every community that intends to thrive in the coming decade. |
| Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from an NWS forecaster about resources available to public works. We’ll discuss and demonstrate new-fangled tools like the NWS widget, hourly weather graph, and NWSChat. We’ll also cover the concept of Decision Support Services and basic radar interpretation. |
| Public works professionals stand as the first line of defense for community health and well-being; including building and maintaining safe facilities and transportation systems, water and waste handling systems, pollutant emissions – the list goes on. However for it all to work, consideration must be given to the factors affecting all citizens. Join us for a discussion of public works’ obligations with respect to environmental justice for poor and minority populations. |
| Aging and failing infrastructure networks combined with a retirement-ready workforce and a citizen-population with evolving needs will continue to pose unique challenges to the Public Works industry. Early engagement, development and recognition foster employee retention. An onboarding guide, employee development plan and a recognition program are key tools that drive manager engagement, propel employee performance and deliver timely appreciation. Presented by APWA‘s Emerging Leaders Class of 2015/16, this session will provide a tool box to equip leaders with some of the industry’s best practices to successfully build broad public support and develop a dedicated, talented workforce prepared to face these issues key to Public Works’ future success. Take your organization from good to great with these simple and flexible tools that will transform employees and enhance the fabric of your organization. |
| Communication is not a one-size-fits-all activity, for example, knowing when to stop talking is an underused strategy that can be highly effective. This session is a must for those needing strategies for effective communication with elected officials, employees, citizens and the media. |
| The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has conducted a research project to evaluate unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology, safety, and effectiveness for bridge inspection. They’ve looked into the effectiveness of the technology, current and proposed FAA rules regarding UAV safety, and a cost comparison between UAS and traditional inspection tools. |
| Public works agencies in small cities and rural communities often face challenges for building support at the local and state level for critical public works services and projects that are often taken for granted. This session will share the results of successful advocacy efforts, proven advocacy strategies, and lessons learned for engaging local and state elected officials to build support for public works. |
| Five years ago, APWA challenged the Minnesota Chapter to address infrastructure neglect by modeling America 2050 on a state level. MN2050 has created videos that show the complexity and importance of infrastructure, developed a STEM initiative to work with educators, and this year, they are tackling a statewide grassroots effort at party caucuses to influence policy and budgets. Visit www.MN2050.org to view the videos and the MN2050 mission and resources. |
| The public works departments in Tempe, Arizona and West Des Moines, Iowa have developed progressive approaches to improving their respective organizational cultures. Learn how they’ve grown from the “old school” way of doing things into cultures of innovation and workplace improvement. |
| In the near future, vehicles will be able to see things that drivers can’t – for example, a vehicle two-three cars ahead suddenly breaking, or cars about to run red lights, or black ice on roads. For the past decade, the U.S. Department of Transportation has been researching and testing connected vehicle technology. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication will enable safety, mobility, and environmental advancement. The public works community will play a major role in determining where V2V and V2I communications will be deployed. Are you ready? Do you know what questions to ask and what the public expects now and will expect in the future? |