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the committee and local public works The roundtable discussed the need to
professionals broke bread and BBQ, with properly perform and invest in strong
a huge thanks to our great friends and and robust asset management programs
sponsors, Stringfellow, Inc. within small and rural communities. In
The group enjoyed an in-depth many instances, financial decisions can
roundtable discussion about the key issues be difficult when the budget also must
our small and rural communities face. As be balanced. Public Works Departments
is the case in most communities, resources are faced with allocating dollars for
were identified as the biggest challenges. maintenance and construction, not for
The most valuable resource for each of investing in computer systems and software
our teams was identified as our people, our to ensure those dollars are spent in the
public works professionals. In recent years, most appropriate and effective manner
municipalities have struggled to provide possible for the long-term benefit of the
compensation and career paths on par local community.
with the private industry that has attracted Throughout the course of the two-
skilled and unskilled labor. day visit, the committee received input
The requirement to hold Commercial from public works professionals at every
Driver’s Licenses is another issue facing level, from crew members to directors
our people resource, and was a topic of to mechanics. The committee was very
great discussion. Employee retention and intentional and positive about the feedback
an aging workforce are other challenges, in and information, taking the time to be
which we are losing hundreds of years of great communicators, by listening first and
institutional and technical knowledge as a listening well.
generation looks to retire. Next steps: the committee will take all
Adequate funding is another resource the concerns, (along with the amazing
challenge faced by each of our public experience in Tennessee) back to APWA.
works departments. Funding programs The committee works to collaborate and
for the proper maintenance and upkeep of educate the greater APWA membership
our aging infrastructure continues to be on the perspective and needs of small
a challenge that plagues the public works cities and rural communities as they face
industry. challenges in the Public Works arena.

TCAPWA/SWANA | NOV. 13-15, 2023
DoubleTree Downtown Nashville Hotel

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