Public works agencies are operating in an environment that is evolving faster than traditional systems and practices were designed to support. Today’s organizations are responsible not only for maintaining physical infrastructure, but for managing complex, interconnected systems shaped by advancing technology, workforce changes, and rising public expectations.
APWA’s Integrated Strategy Committees have collaborated to present this live, virtual two-day educational series focused on the themes of adaptability and “challenging the process.” Through lessons learned from both technological and human-centered innovation, this program will explore how public works professionals can respond effectively to emerging challenges and lead meaningful organizational change.
Participants will gain insights and practical strategies to help their agencies adapt, innovate, and prepare for the future. Each day will conclude with facilitated discussions, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, network with peers, and engage more deeply with these complex and timely topics.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Identify practical strategies for leading and implementing meaningful change.
- Explain how adaptability and “challenging the process” supports innovation and organizational resilience.
- Assess how technological advancements and workforce changes are influencing priorities and decision-making within public works agencies.
Moderators:
Susan Hann
Assistant Superintendent Facilities Services
Brevard Public Schools
Laura Kroeger
Executive Director
Mile High Flood District
Hosted by the Asset Management Committee, Leadership & Management Committee, Sustainability and Resiliency Committee , Technology Committee, and Workforce Development Committee
Day 1: May 12, 2026
From Ideas to Impact: Building a Strategic Innovation Program
Water utilities have changed dramatically over the past decade. New technologies, smarter systems, and creative problem-solving approaches are now part of daily operations. Many departments are already leading the way—testing tools, improving processes, and finding better ways to serve their communities.
But in many organizations, innovation still happens in pockets. It depends on individual champions rather than a clear, supported strategy. Without a formal structure, great ideas can stall, staff may not know how to contribute, and securing resources can be difficult. Whether you are in the field, in the office, or in leadership, this session will provide practical steps to help your utility build an innovation program that delivers real, measurable impact. This webinar explores how to move from informal innovation to a structured, organization-wide program.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Identify the key elements of a structured innovation program and explain how formalizing innovation supports long-term utility performance and organizational goals.
- Describe strategies to engage employees at all levels in continuous improvement.
- Apply practical steps and tools to transition from informal innovation activities to a coordinated, organization-wide approach.
Speakers:
Indra Maharjan
Canada Practice Lead
Arcadis Canada
Dennis Randolph
Public Works Manager
City of Kalamazoo Public Services
Building Asset Excellence Through Technology, Process, and People
This presentation explores how public works organizations can become future-ready by strengthening asset management through the right balance of technology, process, and people. It highlights how emerging digital technologies enhance asset visibility and decision-making, how streamlined and adaptive processes drive efficiency and resilience, and how a skilled, empowered workforce enables sustainable change. Together, these three dimensions provide a practical framework for future-focused asset management in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- List use cases for foundational and advanced technologies for asset management, as well as the pros and cons for each, along with the importance of best practices and data governance.
- Explain how aligned asset management processes enable integrating lifecycle thinking, risk-based approaches, governance, resilience planning, and continuous improvement for future-ready public works.
- Describe how organizational culture, staff engagement, leadership support, and continuous feedback systems drive successful adoption, sustained system use, and long-term asset management performance.
Speakers:
Adam Carnow
Public Works Industry Specialist
Esri
Yvonne Douglas
Director of Asset Management
Atlanta Beltline, Inc.
Mark Nassar
Vice President
Harris and Associates
Day 2: May 13, 2026
The Proactive Pivot: Leading the Future of Public Works
Public Works is no longer just about maintaining the status quo; it is about managing a constant state of flux. To be future-ready, public works professionals must bridge the gap between daily "boots-on-the-ground" operations and long-term strategic foresight.
This session will inspire and prepare leaders to be architects of change. By integrating five leadership principles into everyday workflows and mastering the art of leading through change, participants will become future-ready and set up for success. Participants will learn about effective change management and hear about how these concepts have been put into practice. This session is designed for emerging leaders who are ready to move beyond traditional management and embrace a dynamic, resilient approach to public service.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Identify leadership concepts focused on change management that can be integrated in day-to-day operations.
- Analyze strategies necessary to pivot organizational focus to the future.
- Design steps required to shift a team from a reactive “crisis mode” to a proactive mindset.
Speakers:
John Mazzitello
Deputy Director of Public Works
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Kristi Rhea
Deputy Director-Administration
San Joaquin County Public Works
Challenge the Process and Strengthen Your Workforce
Public works agencies across the country are facing difficult hiring challenges, from hard to fill positions to lengthy recruitment processes that cause qualified candidates to walk away. This session explores practical strategies to attract, evaluate, and retain the right talent in today’s labor market while also examining how leaders can challenge existing processes to eliminate hidden barriers within their organizations.
Participants will learn how frontline insight, employee-driven feedback, and structured communication practices can surface “burr under the saddle” issues that hinder hiring, onboarding, and retention. The session emphasizes how leaders can routinely engage staff in evaluating recruitment workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing operational adjustments that lead to meaningful change.
Participants will assess whether their current job descriptions, interview questions, and qualification requirements meet organizational needs—or whether outdated processes unintentionally limit candidate pools. The session also addresses process delays, areas of shared or limited control with Human Resources, and ways to use employee-led problem identification to improve recruiting systems.
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Recognize how “challenging the process” supports modern public works workforce strategies and connect the leadership practice to effective recruitment, retention, and internal culture-building.
- Evaluate and refine job descriptions and hiring criteria. Learn how to incorporate employee-generated insights to identify unnecessary barriers to entry.
- Identify opportunities to streamline recruiting processes and expand talent pipelines.
Speakers:
Jonathan Gano
Public Works Director
City of Des Moines
Kenna Hubai
Business Services Manager
Charlotte County Public Works
Proficiency Level: Applied
Registration: $75 members; $125 for nonmembers
NOTES:
- This program offers 0.4 CEU credits.
- Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed to you the day prior, and day of the event.
- Questions: (800) 848-2792, education@apwa.org
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: 12:00 p.m. Central Time May 11, 2026
Refund Policy: Online Education Program–Cancellation/Refund Policy