On the road to success? Share your infrastructure wisdom at the Public Works Officers Institute

Jun 29, 2022

Has your city found a novel way to respond to evolving infrastructure issues, address transportation inequities, or use technology to solve complex infrastructure problems? Consider sharing your knowledge at the League of California Cities Public Works Officers Institute, scheduled for March 8-10 in Universal City. Roughly 500 city and county public works directors will gather to discuss the challenges in their field and learn about new strategies for their departments.

Cal Cities is seeking unique, forward-looking session proposals for the Public Works Officers Institute. Planned with the County Engineers Association of California, the conference offers opportunities for panel discussions, speed sessions, facilitated discussions, and keynote presentations. In the past, sessions covered topics such as road safety, bridge programs, legislative developments, and leadership.

Sessions may not include sales, commercialism, or product promotion of any kind. Proposals must be submitted through an online session proposal form by July 29. Topics to consider include:

  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Strategies for working with department heads, council members, and board of supervisors
  • Smart cities technology
  • Succession planning; strategies for managing staffing shortages
  • Successful water-related programs
  • Legal updates
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • And other public works director topics

Member-driven and member-led programming is a cornerstone of Cal Cities’ educational activities, with more than 95% of all programming directly from the open calls for proposals. When preparing a proposal, try to answer the following key questions:

  • Is the topic new or critical for city government?
  • Will it draw a wide audience?
  • Will this issue stimulate action and further important discussion?
  • Does the panel reflect the diversity of California cities (north and south, large and small, urban and rural)?

Thorough, thoughtful, and complete proposals from any individual, group, business, or organization on any topic are welcome. Session proposal tips, along with last year’s schedule and session materials, are available on the Public Works Officers Institute webpage.

For more information contact Associate Manager Katie Pebler.