|
|
Sustainability: A New Vision for Public Works
posted on: 3/17/2010 |
Sustainability: A New Vision for Public Works
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 17, 2010
CONTACT: Laura Bynum,
APWA Media Relations/Communications Manager
P: 202.218.6736, lbynum@apwa.net
(Kansas City, Mo. and Washington D.C.) -- To support a new sustainability vision in public works management, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has recently created the new APWA Center for Sustainability. The Center was designed to enable APWA to become the driving force for sustainability in public works, and to support the development of the next generation of public works leaders with strong sustainability credentials and commitment. In the 21st century, the public works professional must think beyond the current generation, work closely with a more engaged and better informed public, and take an integrated systems approach to addressing livability and community issues.
The mission of public works has traditionally been to provide and maintain a high quality of life by designing, building and maintaining public works infrastructure. This mission has been accomplished amidst the challenges of a cyclical economy, shrinking budgets, increased costs of materials, competing priorities and regulatory mandates. “We believe we are creating better solutions for public works management by focusing on sustainable ideas for innovation, collaboration, leadership and whole systems thinking,” said APWA President Larry Koehle, P.Eng, MPA. “The Center’s leadership team includes 12 sustainability leaders and subject matter experts from North America who are already creating a foundation for sustainable action throughout public works departments.”
...[read full article]
Sustainability: A New Vision for Public Works
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 17, 2010
CONTACT: Laura Bynum,
APWA Media Relations/Communications Manager
P: 202.218.6736, lbynum@apwa.net
(Kansas City, Mo. and Washington D.C.) -- To support a new sustainability vision in public works management, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has recently created the new APWA Center for Sustainability. The Center was designed to enable APWA to become the driving force for sustainability in public works, and to support the development of the next generation of public works leaders with strong sustainability credentials and commitment. In the 21st century, the public works professional must think beyond the current generation, work closely with a more engaged and better informed public, and take an integrated systems approach to addressing livability and community issues.
The mission of public works has traditionally been to provide and maintain a high quality of life by designing, building and maintaining public works infrastructure. This mission has been accomplished amidst the challenges of a cyclical economy, shrinking budgets, increased costs of materials, competing priorities and regulatory mandates. “We believe we are creating better solutions for public works management by focusing on sustainable ideas for innovation, collaboration, leadership and whole systems thinking,” said APWA President Larry Koehle, P.Eng, MPA. “The Center’s leadership team includes 12 sustainability leaders and subject matter experts from North America who are already creating a foundation for sustainable action throughout public works departments.”
Sustainability is a cross-cutting concept that touches all aspects of public works and infrastructure. “The coming decades will require new skills and tools to solve complex problems,” said APWA Director of Sustainability Julia Anastasio. “Sustainability in public works means that new solutions can be developed in environmentally and socially responsible ways, while delivering services and infrastructure citizens expect with the best economic choice in the long term.” (For more information about the Center, go to http://www.apwa.net/sustainability/centerforsustainability.aspx.)
APWA is also currently creating professional development and educational activities that focus on the Center’s public works sustainability principles so that public works professionals have the tools and resources they need to advance sustainable change in their communities. A full realm of sustainability ideas and innovations will be explored more fully at the APWA Sustainability in Public Works Conference in Minneapolis, MN from June 8-10, 2010. “The conference is designed to explore and promote the evolving role of public works professionals in the creation and management of sustainable communities,” Anastasio said.
For more information about APWA’s Center for Sustainability or the APWA Sustainability Conference, please email to janastasio@apwa.net. For media queries, please contact Laura Bynum, APWA Media Relations Manager at lbynum@apwa.net.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 29,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C. and 64 chapters in North America.
Contact Us | Advertise | APWA Legal Notice | Privacy policy © 2010 American Public Works Association
...[close] |
APWA Awards Second Re-accreditation to City of Port St. Lucie Public Works
posted on: 3/11/2010 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2010
CONTACT: Laura Bynum,
APWA Media Relations/Communications Manager
P: 202.218.6736, lbynum@apwa.net
APWA Awards Second Re-accreditation to City of Port St. Lucie Public Works
Kansas City, Mo. – The public works department of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida recently achieved a second re-accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA). First earning an APWA accreditation in July, 2001, the agency had been re-accredited in February, 2006. The APWA second re-accreditation award presentation was made March 10, 2010.
For re-accreditation, a team of public works professionals from Virginia, Pennsylvania and Missouri completed a thorough evaluation of operations during their February, 2010 site visit. “The APWA second re-accreditation of Port St. Lucie’s Public Works Department is an acknowledgement of all the hard work over the years done by our public works employees as they meet national standards,” said Director of Public Works Don Freedland. “These are rigorous standards established by our peers and designed to assure our community and its leaders that tax dollars and funds that we are entrusted to manage, are being spent wisely.”
...[read full article]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2010
CONTACT: Laura Bynum,
APWA Media Relations/Communications Manager
P: 202.218.6736, lbynum@apwa.net
APWA Awards Second Re-accreditation to City of Port St. Lucie Public Works
Kansas City, Mo. – The public works department of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida recently achieved a second re-accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA). First earning an APWA accreditation in July, 2001, the agency had been re-accredited in February, 2006. The APWA second re-accreditation award presentation was made March 10, 2010.
For re-accreditation, a team of public works professionals from Virginia, Pennsylvania and Missouri completed a thorough evaluation of operations during their February, 2010 site visit. “The APWA second re-accreditation of Port St. Lucie’s Public Works Department is an acknowledgement of all the hard work over the years done by our public works employees as they meet national standards,” said Director of Public Works Don Freedland. “These are rigorous standards established by our peers and designed to assure our community and its leaders that tax dollars and funds that we are entrusted to manage, are being spent wisely.”
The APWA accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry. On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed standards of performance in areas such as water, solid waste management, street/sewer repair and maintenance, engineering, building maintenance, stormwater drainage, traffic safety, environmental services and vehicle maintenance.
“It’s exciting to complete a detailed review of an agency’s policies and procedures, and then recommend them for a second re-accreditation,” said Ann Daniels, APWA accreditation director. “The City of Port St. Lucie’s Public Works Department is to be highly commended for continuing their commitment to improving operations to enhance their internal performance and assuring their community they meet or exceed national standards through re-accreditation.”
For more information and photos, contact Public Works Project Manager Carmen Capezzuto, with the City of Port St. Lucie, at (772) 871-5148.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 29,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C. and 64 chapters in North America.
...[close] |
Haiti Emergency Relief Continues
posted on: 2/23/2010 |
Haiti Emergency Relief Continues
As relief efforts in Haiti continue, APWA is monitoring the offices coordinating international relief originating from the U.S. and Canada, who continue to request assistance with humanitarian aid in the form of financial contributions. While APWA recognizes that many members can provide valuable technical assistance and possess a willingness to travel to Haiti, it is important to remember not to self-dispatch. APWA has registered with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a distribution source for volunteer opportunities and information when a more organized effort becomes available for Haiti’s rebuilding of infrastructure.
As before, APWA members can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Canadian Red Cross site is at www.redcross.ca. The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Also, InterAction, an alliance of U.S. non-governmental organizations, provides descriptions of specific agency relief efforts for those who would like to direct their contributions. To access the electronic list of agencies currently operating sanctioned, coordinated efforts in Haiti go to http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti.
...[read full article]
Haiti Emergency Relief Continues
As relief efforts in Haiti continue, APWA is monitoring the offices coordinating international relief originating from the U.S. and Canada, who continue to request assistance with humanitarian aid in the form of financial contributions. While APWA recognizes that many members can provide valuable technical assistance and possess a willingness to travel to Haiti, it is important to remember not to self-dispatch. APWA has registered with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a distribution source for volunteer opportunities and information when a more organized effort becomes available for Haiti’s rebuilding of infrastructure.
As before, APWA members can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Canadian Red Cross site is at www.redcross.ca. The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Also, InterAction, an alliance of U.S. non-governmental organizations, provides descriptions of specific agency relief efforts for those who would like to direct their contributions. To access the electronic list of agencies currently operating sanctioned, coordinated efforts in Haiti go to http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti.
APWA and CPWA members interested in volunteering for a coordinated response on rebuilding Haiti’s devastated infrastructure can register their interest and areas of expertise using the following contacts:
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI)
http://dex.cidi.org/dstechas.aspx
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
http://www.fcm.ca/participation/english/CFEI.asp?formAction=Apply&CallID=262
APWA is working in partnership with the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA). Through ICMA’s contract with the United States Southern Command (Department of Defense), their working relationship with USAID, and their membership in the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA), ICMA will be called on to participate in Haiti volunteer reconstruction efforts. ICMA will provide APWA with information as it is released regarding these opportunities. Efforts are also underway to coordinate with Engineers Without Borders and the American Society of Civil Engineers for distribution of volunteer information.
APWA staff will continue to monitor communications from the State Department and other relief agencies, and distribute information as it becomes available. Please continue to check the APWA web site at www.apwa.net for regular updates and information. If you have questions, please contact Teresa Hon at thon@apwa.net or 816.472.6100.
Additional information on relief efforts is available through these sites:
USAID –the principal U.S. agency providing assistance to countries recovering from disaster www.usaid.gov/haiti
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund–working to provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors
www.clintonbushhaitifund.org
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI)–provides information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief
www.cidi.org
InterAction–an alliance of U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) www.interaction.org
Federation for Canadian Municipalities–represents the interests of Canadian municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction http://www.fcm.ca/
White House Haiti Earthquake Relief–official web site for the White House www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake
U.S. Department of State–portal for information from the U.S. State Department www.state.gov
ReliefWeb–a repository of public briefings on Haiti
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/dbc.nsf/doc108?OpenForm&emid=EQ-2010-000009-HTI&rc=2
Additional links for specific information regarding the disaster in Haiti:
CIDI Guidelines for donations - http://cidi.org/guidelines/guide_ln.htm
InterAction provides descriptions of specific agency relief efforts
http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti
Commodities and technical assistance offers through the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI)
http://dex.cidi.org/
Match a posted need from a relief organization currently operating in Haiti or make a general offer of products. Currently the opportunity to register as a volunteer is not available through this site. However, see the CIDI site referenced above for offers of technical assistance.
http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema/PublicPortal/ListOfNeeds.aspx?PortalID=133
Survivor information, as well as information on pending adoptions http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/resources.php
...[close]
...[close] |
APWA's Teresa Scott Selected to FEMA National Advisory Council
posted on: 10/1/2009 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2010
Contact: Laura Bynum
Media Affairs/Communications Manager
(202) 218-6736; lbynum@apwa.net
APWA’s Scott Appointed to FEMA National Advisory Council
Washington, D.C. – The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced today that member Teresa Scott, P.E., Director of Public Works for the City of Gainesville, Florida, has been appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC). Scott was appointed by FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. The 14-member NAC is charged with providing the Administrator with the best possible input in the development and revision of the national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies.
As a member of the NAC, Scott joins a group of influential, senior leaders from a diverse cross-section of professional and geographic areas who advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management. APWA’s nomination of Scott cited her expertise and experience in emergency management planning and preparedness. “Teresa Scott is one of the most highly qualified emergency management experts in the public works profession,” said APWA President Larry Koehle, P.Eng., MPA. “She has very strong credentials and professional experience, and her participation will serve to enhance FEMA and public works.”
...[read full article]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2010
Contact: Laura Bynum
Media Affairs/Communications Manager
(202) 218-6736; lbynum@apwa.net
APWA’s Scott Appointed to FEMA National Advisory Council
Washington, D.C. – The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced today that member Teresa Scott, P.E., Director of Public Works for the City of Gainesville, Florida, has been appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC). Scott was appointed by FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. The 14-member NAC is charged with providing the Administrator with the best possible input in the development and revision of the national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies.
As a member of the NAC, Scott joins a group of influential, senior leaders from a diverse cross-section of professional and geographic areas who advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management. APWA’s nomination of Scott cited her expertise and experience in emergency management planning and preparedness. “Teresa Scott is one of the most highly qualified emergency management experts in the public works profession,” said APWA President Larry Koehle, P.Eng., MPA. “She has very strong credentials and professional experience, and her participation will serve to enhance FEMA and public works.”
As Public Works Director for the City of Gainesville, Scott serves on the Alachua County Unified Command Team, as well as the City’s Emergency Management Executive Team. She was lead writer of the City’s Public Works Department’s Emergency Management Operations Plan and the Continuity of Operations Plan. In addition, she served as the Incident Commander for Public Works for three declared disaster events during the 2004 hurricane season, and served as Planning Chief for Alachua County Public Works during the Flood of 1988. She also oversees Gainesville’s Public Works Department’s involvement in the University of Florida’s stadium game day operations plan.
On the national scene, Scott has been a leader on APWA’s Emergency Management Technical Committee for the past five years, serving as Committee Chair from September 2007 to September 2009. In addition, Scott has written articles on emergency management issues for APWA. “I’m honored to be named by Administrator Fugate to this important position on the National Advisory Council,” Scott said. “As first responders, public works professionals play a crucial role preparing, protecting and restoring local communities in an emergency. I look forward to this opportunity to work together with local, state and federal partners as we strengthen our emergency management planning and response,” she said.
For additional information on the National Advisory Council, go to: http://www.fema.gov/about/nac. For more information on APWA, please visit www.apwa.net. For media queries, please contact Laura Bynum at lbynum@apwa.net, or by phone at 202.218.6736.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 29,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and has an office in Washington, D.C.
###
...[close] |
|
|
