Need to improve your operational performance? Do you have long-term employees getting ready to retire? Are your procedures and documents out of date or non-existent? The APWA Self-Assessment and Accreditation may be just what your agency needs to develop a culture of continuous improvement, improve operational performance, build strong teams and develop your staff, plan for succession and retain that institutional knowledge, decrease risk and build credibility and trust with your elected officials, organization management, and citizens of your communities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the APWA Accreditation Program and hear directly from directors and accreditation managers of accredited agencies across the country. Hear their first-hand discussion about why their agency decided to become accredited and how they embarked on their process of self-assessment and ultimately achieved accreditation. Learn some of the tips from those who have worked through the self-assessment. Get an overall view of the benefits they recognized from participating in and achieving accreditation. If you have ever thought of trying the self-assessment and becoming accredited at your public works agency, this is a great opportunity to learn from those who have done it. Accredited Agencies: Arapahoe County, CO Public Works & Development Department; Cedar Rapids, IA Public Works Department; Cherry Hills Village, CO, Department of Public Works; Lee’s Summit, MO Department of Public Works; Fairfield, OH, Department of Public Works “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Initiate the process for self-assessment and accreditation.
• Review take-away tips and overall recommendations for agencies that are considering accreditation or in the process of their self-assessment.
• Discern the benefits that commitment to self-assessment and accreditation can bring to a public works agency.”
Contributor/Source
Benjamin Mann, Brenna Fall-Public Works Director, Brian Weimer-Director, Jay Goldie
Claim CEUs
Submit this form to claim CEUs.
Related Resources
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
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.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
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.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.