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The City of Carlsbad has developed the Automation, Compliance, Tracking, Inspection and Owner Notification (ACTION) System, a comprehensive post-construction best management practice (BMP) data management platform. The ACTION System creates a “big picture” perspective of post-construction BMP compliance using cross-site analytics that allows staff to prioritize sites, schedule inspections, and monitor compliance throughout the City’s network of structures. The system configures geographic information system (GIS) applications into new data scripts, integrates backend data, and packages it into a single user endpoint. This combination has resulted in a completely digital and cohesive data management platform. The ACTION System provides a comprehensive way to virtualize the program as an integrated network. The public exchange of compliance information using the ACTION System has created a measurable shift in norms, processes, and relationships.
Read MoreThe National Framework for Advancing the U.S. Recycling System, released November 2019, is the product of a multi-stakeholder collaborative effort that began on November 15, 2018. Recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was firmly supported by EPA, now presents an opportunity for EPA to offer competitive funding grants to Public Works agencies in support of the framework.
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Read MoreLevels of Service (LOS) is a component of asset management planning that is significant and has a great deal of impact. Municipalities' core purpose is to provide public services to the…
Read MoreFatalities continue to rise on our streets and in our rights-of-way. Vision Zero is a comprehensive policy that does not accept injuries or deaths as inevitable. The policy should be…
Read MoreHave you ever experienced purchasing less than superior salt for your salt barns? Salt containing debris, contaminates or other trace aggregates can damage equipment. Were you aware of the damage this can cause to your manufacturing and application systems? The City of Dublin would like to share a lesson learned and a tool that has saved our salt brine manufacturing and application systems!
Read MoreThis session introduces public works and state DOT employees to an educational opportunity that values their on-the-job training and awards college credits for much of it. College credit towards an associate degree in this online program is awarded for working knowledge such as for CDL, FEMA training and traffic control. Students receive management skills they need to be promoted, as well as general education required for the degree. The program develops fundamental leadership skills and teaches participants how to build and maintain a productive team.
Read MoreThe Village of Niles maintains geographic information system (GIS) maps of their infrastructure for sewer, water, data, and street lighting. Using GIS maps, the Village self-performs all locate requests. Inaccurate maps are a liability. After a project is built, features are selectively surveyed, field measured and used in combination with a plan mark-up to enter into GIS. This process means the GIS database may not be updated for months after construction. This time gap creates a significant risk for damage. Recently, the Village constructed a 17-mile street lighting and fiber optic infrastructure improvement. Public works (PW) worked with the contractor to use a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver to geolocate the system as it was installed. The benefits include reduced liability from incorrect locate marks, cost-effective survey-grade data, and reduced risk for service outages. PW also worked with the GIS department to have real-time data available to the entire project team.
Read MoreThe Cedars East Storm Drainage Improvement project consists of a 300+ acre watershed located in southeast Charlotte, North Carolina, near Idlewild Road. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) identified this area for study and improvements to the storm drainage infrastructure due to failing infrastructure and residential structure flooding reports. CMSWS partnered with STV Engineers, Inc. to complete the planning study, design, public outreach, utility coordination, and construction administration services. Drainage improvements within the project area include reinforced concrete box culverts ranging in size from dual 8-foot by 4-foot to 12-foot by 8-foot totaling more than 1,300 feet in length and natural stream enhancement techniques. Due to the space constraints, an extensive shoring plan was developed to protect existing infrastructure. The design reduced impacts to vital existing utilities to reduce relocation costs and disruption of services to the residents in the neighborhood.
Read MoreHow we live, work, and play is rapidly transforming. For cities both large and small, there is an opportunity to reimagine the built environment for better outcomes. Discover how VHB and the City of Orlando are helping cities prepare for the future via a Smart Community Roadmap. By integrating robust public engagement, applying diverse perspectives, and harnessing the power of data and technology, they are helping emerging cities implement smart community initiatives that are future-focused and elevate equity, sustainability, and resiliency. Discover how cities identified the critical issues facing their local governments, residents, visitors, and business owners and how VHB turned ideas into action via a prioritization process. Participants will learn about the smart communities visioning process, as well as the 10 Foundational Elements of smart communities and the key Pillar Focus areas that cities must identify before implementing smart community initiatives.
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