Public Works Radio

American Public Works Association
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Semimonthly

Public Works Radio is the official voice 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—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. Through a podcast format, we have the unique opportunity to share in-depth, compelling stories in a way that fits seamlessly into everyday life—whether you’re on a morning jog, commuting to work, or shopping for groceries.

Episodes

  1. May 20

    What is Public Works? The Answers We Heard May Surprise You

    In honor of National Public Works Week, and this year's theme "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community," which acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works, we're hitting the road for some face-to-face sidewalk interviews. We want to hear what public works means to everyday people in the community, with a little public works trivia thrown in for good measure. National Public Works Week celebrates the connection between service to the community and the people it supports, and we thought this would be a great way to wrap the first half of our very first season of Public Works Radio for our mid-season finale. Equipped with a podcast microphone and a smile, Public Works Radio host Bailey Dickman, showed up at the local farmers' market in Kansas City, just a stone's throw away from APWA headquarters, ready to ask strangers about public works. Their answers are honest and likely a strong representation of what most people think public works means to their community. And of course, potholes couldn't be left out of the conversation. We also secured a completely by-chance interview with a public works professional right there at the farmers' market. Afterward, we sat down with Mary Joyce Ivers. She is the Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Ventura, California and a past APWA President. We played Mary Joyce some of the public's responses to get her reaction, then asked what public works means to her. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone, from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven't already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Resources Your Complete Guide to #NPWW 2026: https://www.apwa.org/events/national-public-works-week-npww/  "Creative Ideas to Celebrate National Public Works Week with Your Community": https://www.apwa.org/resource/creative-ideas-to-celebrate-national-public-works-week-with-your-community/ About Mary Joyce Ivers, CPFP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-joyce-ivers-5b448668/

    27 min

  2. May 6

    Why Public Works Strategizes for Winter Operations When The Temps Are Hot 🔥

    Just last week we wrapped up APWA's annual North American Snow Conference in Cleveland. While nearly all of us in North America are out of the winter threat and will be for quite some time, it's no coincidence that this event takes place in the middle of spring. As we learn from four passionate experts in today's episode, snow and ice planning is a year-round endeavor — and with summer quickly approaching, right now is actually the perfect time to start the process of ensuring next year's winter prep is a success. The spring and summer months give public workers a chance to take a step back. Catch their breath. Look back on what worked and what didn't. It's a time to prep equipment, complete inventory and stockpile checks, review contracts, training schedules, route plans, and so much more. Because when snow removal is done right, it can be the defining characteristic of your agency. In this episode we hear from the following guests: Diana Clonch is a consultant specializing in winter operations. Before consulting, she spent a 30-year career in government and public works in central Ohio. Shane Mark is the Assistant Director of Public Works in the town of Needham, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Matt Morreim is the Public Works Director for the city of Shorewood, Minnesota, and previously managed winter operations for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. Daniel Schacher is the Chief of Maintenance at Fairbanks International Airport. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Resources APWA Winter Maintenance Supervisor Certificate: register here for June 16 program, or click here to learn more: https://www.apwa.org/event/apwa-winter-maintenance-supervisor-certificate/?utm_source=apwa-pod&utm_medium=pwr&utm_id=WMSC_26 APWA Winter Maintenance Resources: https://www.apwa.org/resources/resource-center/?_categories=winter-maintenance 2027 APWA North American Snow Conference: https://www.apwa.org/events/north-american-snow-conference/ Diana Clonch’s Consultancy: www.dwclonch.com Shorewood Minnesota’s Public Works & Engineering: https://www.shorewoodmn.gov/178/Public-Works-Engineering Needham's Massachusetts Department of Public Works: https://www.needhamma.gov/5145/About-DPW Fairbanks International Airport: https://dot.alaska.gov/faiiap/

    31 min

  3. Apr 22

    Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Serve Our Communities.

    By definition, a sentinel animal is used as an early warning system for hazards or disease, with a canary in a coal mine being the most famous example. Down in Charlotte County, Florida, it's chickens that are stepping up for the community in what can only be described as the ideal sentinel chicken program. This program is a vital link between public works and public health, acting as an early warning system for mosquito-borne diseases before they reach the human population (without harming the chickens). While chickens save the day in Charlotte County, it's the goats in Greenville, South Carolina that are promoting environmental sustainability and safety. Not to mention they've become quite a popular attraction around town and on social media as well. Goats are showing up in Greenville as a true win-win when it comes to promoting sustainability, safety, and cutting down on noise pollution and emissions. “Goatscaping” is a hit in Greenville, where goats with tons of personality are hired to tackle overgrown areas in difficult spots that would be a safety concern for humans. We’re joined by three public workers to discuss how animals are being utilized in their communities to benefit just about everyone: Beth Kovach is a Biological Specialist with Charlotte County, Florida. Jeff Proffitt serves as Operations Supervisor for the Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control Division with Charlotte County, Florida. Staci Schafer is a Parks and Grounds Administrator with the City of Greenville, South Carolina. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Resources Charlotte County Mosquito & Aquatic Weed Control: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-works/mosquito-aquatic-weed/ “Charlotte County Sentinel Chicken Program” YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cPwHUOuUZA Greenville Public Works: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/272/Public-Works “Goat Herds Return to Eat Invasive Plants in Greenville Parks” YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FZbF_g7XwE “Herd at work: Goats are grazing Greenville park as the city's latest landscapers” article: https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2024/03/08/goats-are-grazing-greenville-as-the-citys-latest-landscapers/72879011007/

    31 min

  4. Apr 8

    The Emerging Leaders Academy: Celebrating 20 Years of Life-Changing Experiences

    The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is a yearlong experience designed to inspire those who lead at all levels in public works. This program features a popular in-person retreat and monthly check-ins with instructors. Academy members are divided into groups and work throughout the year to solve a public works-related challenge that they present at our PWX conference the following year. Proving time and again that leadership happens at every level, ELA helps build a robust peer support network and offers an in-depth introduction to APWA at all levels. ELA isn't a classroom; it's a completely immersive experience and this next class will be the 20th cohort in the program's history. It offers a chance to make lifelong connections and participate in something much bigger than yourself. Applications are open through July 6, 2026 and you can apply here. We are excited to welcome three guests to this podcast to discuss their experiences within APWA’s Emerging Leaders Academy: Aaron Bergeson is a public transit professional in Southern California with extensive public works project management experience. He is a recent ELA graduate (Class of 2025) who is passionate about the impact ELA can have on a professional in this field. Susan Hann is Deputy Superintendent Facilities Services at Brevard Public Schools, with 45 years of experience in the public works profession. Sue has served as an ELA instructor from the program's beginnings. She  has seen its growth in popularity firsthand. Chad Oxton is a current ELA instructor, past graduate, and a career public works professional specializing in leadership and management based in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Resources About Emerging Leaders Academy: https://www.apwa.org/education-careers/emerging-leaders-academy/ Michael Wodke shares thoughts on the value of applying to ELA: https://youtu.be/75nNtQO23-g?si=bB5qKUH1k2z_nFx6 Aaron Bergeson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bergeson/ Susan Hann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-hann-0600b2a/ Chad Oxton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-oxton-400038120/

    29 min

  5. Mar 25

    Resiliency and Preparedness in Public Works for a Safer Tomorrow

    Nestled within the upstate region of South Carolina, the City of Greenville rarely considers hurricanes a point of critical concern. That suddenly changed with the arrival of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, leaving Scott McIver, CPFP, CAFS, Greenville's Fleet Manager, with lessons that forever changed his understanding of emergency response. He joins us to discuss those lessons in this week's episode of Public Works Radio, the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA). With news coverage consistently flooding the airwaves about unpredictable weather patterns and the harsh realities coming in its aftermath, Scott's message is crystal clear: the critical value of FEMA training cannot be overstated. This week we're talking about fleet preparedness, resilience, dealing with unpredictable weather patterns, and public works agencies as crucial pillars for building resilient communities. As our other guest this week, Vincent Olsen, CPFP, Director of Equipment and Fleet Management for the City of Dallas, Texas, describes it, our old friends, coordination and communication, play a major role in all of this. This episode was inspired in-part by Scott’s APWA Reporter article from September 2025, entitled, “Lessons Learned as a Fleet Manager During a FEMA-Level Event (Hurricane Helene),”  which you can check out here: https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/september-2025/features/lessons-learned-as-a-fleet-manager-during-a-fema-level-event-hurricane-helene Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Resources APWA’s Emergency Management Committee: https://www.apwa.org/group/emergency-management/ APWA’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee: https://www.apwa.org/group/sustainability-and-resiliency/ APWA’s Sustainability and Resiliency Online Learning Library: https://www.apwa.org/connections-networking/groups-committees/sustainability-and-resiliency-online-learning-library/ Emergency Management Resources: Emergency Management Assistance Compact “National Geodetic Survey’s online viewer to explore aerial images following major natural disasters” – National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources – National Weather Service Hurricanes – Ready.gov Hurricane Hazard Info Sheet – Ready.gov APWA’s Natural Hazards Checklist: Hurricane Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation Planning – FEMA

    29 min

  6. Mar 11

    Creative Ideas to Celebrate National Public Works Week with Your Community

    Taking place May 17–23, this year’s National Public Works Week theme is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” and that special time of year will be here before you know it. To get the ball rolling, we’ve invited some of the most inspiring public workers in the country to join our show and share their ideas on how they make this week so special. From ideas for celebrating with food, trivia, local small businesses, touch-a-truck events, food drives, barbecue competitions, social media campaigns, awards, giveaways, and much more, we hope this episode inspires you. We also hope you find something in the show to bring back to your team and community to make your National Public Works Week truly special. Join us as we go coast to coast to find some of the most unique ways teams around the country are celebrating. In this episode we hear from the following guests: Petra Beglarian, MPA, Public Works Manager, City of Glendale, California Public Works Department. Ryon Bell, CPWP-M, CAPM, Streets and Drainage Manager, City of Sugar Land, Texas. Ani Oganesyan, MPA, Community Outreach Associate, City of Glendale, California Public Works Department. Thomas Roy, PE, Director of Public Works and Town Engineer, Town of Simsbury, Connecticut. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Links Your Complete Guide to NPWW 2026: https://www.apwa.org/events/national-public-works-week-npww/  About Petra Beglarian, MPA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-beglarian-mpa-362217171/   About Ryon Bell, CPWP-M, CAPM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryon-bell-cpwp-m-capm-399aa4223/  About Ani Oganesyan, MPA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ani-oganesyan-mpa-616218171     About Thomas Roy, PE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-roy-63a853208    Glendale Public Works on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyGlendale  Glendale Public Works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myglendale  Glendale Public Works on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myglendale  Simsbury, Connecticut Public Works: https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/public-works  Sugar Land, Texas Public Works: https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/98/Public-Works

    30 min

  7. Feb 25

    The Movement to Recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders

    While police, fire, and EMS are commonly recognized as first responders, public works professionals are often on the scene as well, quietly doing essential work to restore normalcy in communities without the praise or recognition. In this week’s edition of Public Works Radio, the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), we’re exploring the stories of why public workers are first responders and addressing the efforts it will require to ensure more formal recognition of public works professionals designated as first responders. The movement requires many public workers to step out of their comfort zones, help get the word out about the fundamental role public works plays in partnership with their fellow first responders, and ensure more people in their communities understand the incredible work they do. In this episode we hear from the following guests: Philip Mann. He serves as Special Project Administrator in the City of Gainesville, Florida, and previously served as Public Works Director. Leon Berrett. He is retired from Salt Lake County Public Works in Utah, where he previously served as Associate Director of Public Works Operations. Kürt Blomquist. He retired in 2023 from the City of Keene, New Hampshire, where he served as Public Works Director, Assistant City Manager, and Emergency Management Director. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Links Public Works as First Responders resources from APWA: https://www.apwa.org/resources/public-works-first-responders/ Lessons as First Responders: Responding to the 2024 Hurricanes (webinar): https://www.apwa.org/resource/lessons-as-first-responders-responding-to-the-2024-hurricanes/  From FEMA’s YouTube Channel, "Public Works & Emergency Management": https://youtu.be/Y5i-oguCJ7Q?si=5lwJvjcHKO6Dzl3F Learn more about Kürt Blomquist’s impact on Keene, NH: https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/city/after-3-decades-keenes-public-works-director-to-retire/article_fa286221-6b52-509c-9bac-74544a4c69d7.html Phillip Mann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmann/

    32 min

  8. Feb 11

    Accreditation in Public Works: Much More than Meets the Eye

    In today’s episode of Public Works Radio, the official podcast of the American Public Works Association, we’re talking all things accreditation with our guest Troy Shaw, PE, the Director of Public Works and City/County Engineer for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas. We’re also joined by Jeanette Klamm, the Associate Director of Credentialing with APWA. A structured documentation framework is essential in public works. It’s the backbone of risk management, capturing institutional knowledge, leadership continuity, community outreach, and much more. Accreditation checks the boxes on compliance with some of the most critical—literally life-sustaining—responsibilities an agency is tasked with, things you might not think about until it’s unfortunately too late. When it comes to accreditation in public works, you might not be thinking about the cultural impact. As Troy describes, accreditation can make your team feel happier and more confident about what they do and where they work. It also builds credibility and confidence. While the evaluation and nationally recognized practice review process formally verifies agencies for compliance with the recommended practices set forth in the Public Works Management Practices Manual, it also serves as a means for ensuring continuous self-improvement. For a public works department like Wyandotte County’s, that’s a crucial component of their culture. Along with the boost in workplace culture, Troy has also noticed significant gains in confidence and credibility. We dive into the stories behind all those rich benefits of accreditation and what they actually mean in practice in this week’s episode of Public Works Radio. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly! More Show Notes and Links APWA Accreditation: https://www.apwa.org/resources/accreditation/ APWA Accreditation questions? Send an email: accreditation@apwa.org Unified Government of Wyandotte County Public Works Department: https://www.wycokck.org/Departments/Public-Works

    28 min

  9. Jan 28

    Understanding the Safety Risks of Lithium‑Ion Batteries

    The world’s growing appetite for energy continues, and lithium‑ion batteries are at the forefront of that wave, especially when it comes to powering the gadgets and products that define modern life in North America. Lithium‑ion batteries are everywhere: smartphones, laptops, medical devices, power tools, EVs, and the newest culprit—vapes and e‑cigarettes. Yet there is an overwhelming lack of awareness among the general public as to why proper disposal is so important. The increasing number of resources and time dedicated to addressing these dangers has become a major theme within communities across North America. It is one of the most urgent safety issues facing society today, and frankly not enough people are talking about it. In this episode, we hear stories from three guests who are on the front lines of these hazards every day and what they’d like to see done by the public to help address the problem. Our guests include: John Gorney — Public Works Director, City of Grand Rapids (Michigan) Scott Messier — Operations Manager, Snohomish County Public Works (Washington) Craig Willis — HAZMAT Captain, Special Operations, South County Fire (Snohomish County, Washington) Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, the Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA, and each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe and follow along wherever you get your favorite podcasts, rate it, review it, forward it to a friend, and don’t be shy about dropping us a note at: podcast@apwa.org - so we can hear your feedback. More Show Notes and Links Grand Rapids Public Works Department:  https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department   Snohomish County Washington Public Works: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/publicworks Guide for Establishing Lithium-ion Battery Management Practices at Materials Recovery Facilities: https://nwrauat.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Guide-For-Establishing-LIB-Management-Practices-at-MRFs-9-2025.pdf

    29 min

  10. Jan 21

    Leading in Public Works Means Showing Up Every Day

    We’re diving straight into what many people are calling the most pressing challenge to the future of public works. Workforce development is critical, and building pathways for the future leaders of this profession is the answer to these threats. This is a key takeaway from today’s debut episode of Public Works Radio, the official voice of the American Public Works Association (APWA). In this discussion, APWA President Vic Bianes, PE, shares insights from his nearly four decades of experience in public works administration, management, project management, planning, design, fiscal management, operations-maintenance, and construction. We’re also joined by Margaret Medellin, PE, MPA, an Associate Vice President with Hazen and Sawyer. Margaret is a strategic executive leader with a proven track record in the utility, water management, and public works sectors. She explores what it will take to ensure a healthy and robust future for public works with us. Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, the Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA, and each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe and follow along wherever you get your favorite podcasts, rate it, review it, forward it to a friend, and don’t be shy about dropping us a note at: podcast@apwa.org - so we can hear your feedback. More Show Notes and Links Emerging Leaders Academy: https://www.apwa.org/education-careers/emerging-leaders-academy/ Engineering & Public Works Roadshow: https://www.infrastructureroadshow.org/ About Vic: https://www.apwa.org/person/vic-bianes-pe/ About Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-medellin/

    29 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Public Works Radio is the official voice 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—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. Through a podcast format, we have the unique opportunity to share in-depth, compelling stories in a way that fits seamlessly into everyday life—whether you’re on a morning jog, commuting to work, or shopping for groceries.

Information

  • Creator
    American Public Works Association
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Public Works Radio

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