Austin’s Our Future 35 project aims to transform the I-35 corridor in Austin from a highway barrier to a community asset. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to lower and widen the main lanes of the I-35 highway through central Austin, providing the City of Austin a once-in-a-generation opportunity to construct “caps” or “decks” over the highway, reconnecting the two sides of I-35 after decades of divide. Together, these capping opportunities could create up to 25 acres of regionally significant public space, dramatically transforming the landscape of Central Austin. In this session, city staff will share the opportunities and challenges in planning, designing, funding, and implementing such a large-scale infrastructure project. Participants will receive insights into the critical partnerships required to navigate an initiative of this magnitude. Accredited Agency: Austin, TX, Department of Public Works “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Define the role of local and state government partnerships in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with local and state transportation agencies to drive large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Identify challenges and opportunities in local and state government projects.
• Anticipate the unique planning, funding, and coordination challenges and opportunities that can arise in joint infrastructure projects between local and state agencies.
• Explore the benefits of transforming highway corridors: Learn about the social, economic, and environmental opportunities that highway capping projects, such as Our Future 35, can bring to urban areas.”
Contributor/Source
Brianna Frey-Program Director, Cap and Stitch, Richard Mendoza-Public Works Director
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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.
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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.
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.