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We are reaching the tipping point for a profound change in how people will move and connect with each other. Stand-alone, mechanically-controlled, petroleum-fueled vehicles will soon be replaced by electrical, interconnected, and electronically-controlled modes of transportation. The resulting improvements in our mobility, efficiency, comfort, and social inclusion will change the way we live. Change as drastic as this will not advance smoothly but in pulses of activity. It will require tremendous planning and life adaptation. From the use, capacity, and design of transportation infrastructure to the development of new rules and regulations, there are many things that we need to be prepared for. Policy makers at the federal, state, and local level are not keeping up with the rapid advancements in technology and social expectations. Join in this discussion of how public works can accelerate our efforts to catchup.Learning Objectives: Inform you about fast-approaching and critical impacts of AV industry on our day to day life and environment.Explore AV technology.Encourage to expedite creation and implementation of policies, rules, regulations and planning to address impacts of AV.
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The winter storm battle in the Southeast is usually confined to an 8-10 week period. Forecasting for this region can be troublesome as a small variance in temperature of only 1 to 2 degrees can impact road conditions. Since winter storm events are often short in duration, budgets are usually inadequate for obtaining the appropriate winter maintenance materials and equipment. Join in this discussion of how public works departments in the Southeast meet this challenge.Learning Objectives: Make confident decisions when planning for the uncertainties of weather events.Develop training and scheduling procedures for short-term winter weather events.Collect forecast data from several sources to make more informed decisions.
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APWA's Fleet Services Committee has planned a very special learning opportunity for Fleet professionals. This program will consist of 4 separate presentations that will feature practical solutions on the issues facing Fleet departments in today's world. You may attend just those presentations that meet your immediate needs or join us for the full day of programming. If you are interested in obtaining CEU credit for those presentations that you attend, please see the volunteer monitors in the room and have your badge scanned after each presentation.Find out how to research and write equipment specifications, conduct the bid process, and negotiate training for your staff as part of the purchasing process.Learning Objectives:Write better equipment specifications.Determine how to manage the bid process.Negotiate the contract to include staff training.
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In August 2015 a 200-year monsoon event occurred in Northern Arizona on US 89A. The rainfall was between 1.3-1.7 inches within a 15 minute period, overwhelming drainage structures. Boulders over 15 feet in diameter smashed onto the highway. Crews arrived within 15 minutes to assess the damage. Arizona DOT has a state funding limit on emergency projects. The damage and cleanup were beyond the $700,000 limit, so they had to access FHWA Emergency Relief funding. Despite all the challenges, clean-up and repair happened in record time. Explore how they used job order contracting to accomplish this feat.Learning Objectives: Implement key best practices to better manage an emergency situation due to weather elements.Maximize resources during an emergency situation.Recognize situations ideal for the job order contracting procurement method.
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Faced with the challenge of keeping streets free of human waste, San Francisco Public Works launched an innovative program called the Pit Stop. This program offers public toilets where they are needed most, operating at 16 locations in eight neighborhoods. The Pit Stop locations provide toilets with sinks, a receptacle to dispose of used syringes and a dog waste station with bags and a trash receptacle. What makes the program different from other cities, is that the Pit Stops are staffed, which assures that they are used for their intended purposes and kept safe, clean, and secure. This program has been replicated in Miami and Sacramento, with more than a dozen other cities seeking more information.Learning Objectives:Provide an innovative approach to addressing the problem of human waste in the right-of-way.Partner with non-profit organizations to provide employment opportunities that benefit the community.Set higher expectations for allowable public behaviors.
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Salt Smart… Achieving Minimal Environmental Impact and Maximum Public Safety…on an Itty-Bitty Budget
Concern over the escalating impacts of salt run-off on critical infrastructure, water resources and ecosystems is spreading. Regulations are expanding and enforcement actions are increasing. The public continues to expect…
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Implementing change in a public works department can be challenging, to say the least. Whether battling the ""we have always done it this way"" syndrome, or trying to adopt new technologies or practices, a public works manager can face many obstacles on the road to a high functioning department. This session will be led by a 28-year public works career veteran who will describe how using modern leadership practices and philosophes has helped his department turn the corner into a 21st century success story.Learning Objectives: Delegate tasks and projects more efficiently.Communicate new ideas and deal with resistance to change.Manage a successful organization change program.
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How do you implement so many new ""futuristic"" technologies into the fabric of today's cities? That is the question the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) set forth in the 2015-16 Smart Cities Challenge offering $40 million to the winning city. This presentation will highlight the 28 proposed smart city projects and initiatives outlined in the City of Columbus, Ohio's winning proposal, what distinguished their application from the other six finalists, and the challenges the project team overcame. We will share lessons learned and next steps, and will highlight what knowledge can be transferred to other cities looking to implement smart and sustainable projects and initiatives.
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In 2015, the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, embarked on an integrated stormwater level of service and rate assessment study. Community members were engaged in a discussion about the city's stormwater capital and financial needs. Throughout the project, an advisory group made of ratepayers gave input and guidance for city staff to validate and pursue options to improve the stormwater utility program and meet the community's desired level of service.Learning Objectives: Engage the community in public works decisions.Evaluate future funding needs to meet a defined level of service.Explore opportunities to expand community understanding or public works' roles and responsibilities.
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The Crosstown Parkway Extension is the culmination of 30-years of planning for Port St. Lucie, Florida. This project will provide a much-needed third bridge crossing the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The 4000-foot long bridge will traverse a highly environmentally sensitive area requiring minimization of wetland impacts and protection of the Savannas Preserve State Park. It will feature an architecturally unique design and include the first superstreet intersection in Florida involving a restricted crossing U-turn. Discover how design-build principles and practices are being used to manage this exciting project.Learning Objectives: Discover the benefits of the design-build approach for the owner, contractor, and the engineer.Enhance the effectiveness of project management through collaboration.Optimize traffic flow using alternative intersection design.
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