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.

  1. 6d ago

    The Googly Eyed Trash Receptor That Has Captured a Community’s Heart

    Is there a trash receptacle in your town that has its own fan fest? Probably not. What about googly eyes? Yeah, that’s a new one for us, too. We’re excited to be profiling such a unique trash collection innovation on this week’s Public Works Radio. It’s called Mr. Trash Wheel, and it’s a trash collecting waterwheel in Baltimore with trademark googly eyes, and it’s now 12 years old. The infrastructure has grown to four different trash wheels throughout the area and it’s nothing short of innovative, with the capability of gobbling up 500 tons of litter and debris each year. It’s also gone viral several times, like the time it caught a python. The idea began when Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, a local nonprofit in Maryland, wanted to improve the health and water quality of Baltimore’s harbor. Joining us this week is Adam Lindquist, the Vice President of the Waterfront Partnership, and Chelsea Anspach, who serves as the Senior Manager of Outreach and Engagement with the nonprofit, to discuss this technology that was the brainchild of inventor John Kellett. It has become a cultural icon in Baltimore and beyond, and according to Adam, none of this could have been pulled off without their close working relationship with the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. Even the nearby Public Works Experience museum in Baltimore has been instrumental with support. And as Chelsea puts it best, “the subject of trash can be depressing, but Mr. Trash Wheel makes it really hopeful.” The end result is the perfect mix of entertainment, community service, social engagement,  and data collection that’s actually been used to shape legislation and inspire art projects. And other communities around the globe have taken notice, with similar initiatives being replicated around the world. 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 Mr. Trash Wheel website: https://www.mrtrashwheel.com/ Mr. Trash Wheel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrtrashwheel/   About the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore: https://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/ Viral YouTube video of Mr. Trash Wheel in a rain storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5l7s6wC50g Public Works Experience museum: https://pwexperience.org/ Baltimore City Department of Public Works: https://www.baltimorecity.gov/publicworks Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory: https://bosl.ucsb.edu/

  2. Oct 7

    Disaster Recovery and Cleanup Runs on Relationships and Planning

    When natural or manmade disasters hit a community, public works is uniquely positioned to fast-track its return to normalcy. Public works professionals know which roads flood first, the domino effects of debris that clogs ditches, and how infrastructure failures will ultimately impact safety. Through careful documentation, they thread the needle in telling the story of what the community has been through, which can usher in state and federal assistance and facilitate faster overall relief. Tyler Hill serves as infrastructure projects manager for Boone County Public Works in Kentucky, and he's logistics section chief for the Kentucky Incident Management team. He's also vice chair of APWA's Emergency Management Committee. As he outlined in his June 2026 APWA Reporter article (linked below), and discusses during this week's edition of Public Works Radio, effective disaster recovery and debris cleanup hinge on key factors, such as creating relationships that must be in place well in advance of the days they are needed most. Another critical theme coming out of this conversation with Tyler is just how vital public workers are as first responders when it comes to disaster relief, strategic cleanup, and bringing back some calm to a community during and after the chaos of a life-altering event. 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 Public Works Radio Episode No. 4 “The Movement to Recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders”:  https://www.apwa.org/resource/the-movement-to-recognize-public-works-professionals-as-first-responders/ APWA Reporter Article, “Damage Assessments in Public Works: Where Recovery Begins”: https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/june-2026/features/damage-assessments-in-public-works-where-recovery-begins APWA Emergency Management Committee: https://www.apwa.org/group/emergency-management/ APWA’s Focus on Emergency Management resources: https://www.apwa.org/education-careers/focus-on-public-works/focus-on-emergency-management/ APWA Natural Hazard Checklists covering response to tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, ice storms, and civil unrest: https://www.apwa.org/resources/resource-center/?_search=checklist Tyler may be reached via email at: Thill@boonecountyky.org. Boone County (KY) Public Works: https://www.boonecountyky.org/services/public_works/index.php

  3. Sep 23

    The Path Wasn't Traditional. Neither Are These Leaders.

    While it may be true there are more women in public works than there used to be, deeper questions still remain. This week on Public Works Radio, the official voice of the American Public Works Association (APWA), we're joined by two individuals whose decades of passion for this line of work serve as inspiration to the next generation of young women ready to break into this field and lead it forward: Roby Whitehouse and Shannon Williams, PE. Roby is the Assistant Public Works Director in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, a town she's been serving for nearly 30 years. For Roby, leadership didn't come from a single, predictable path. It came from years of hands-on experience across several areas of public works, including cemeteries, facilities, highway, parks, and waste management. Shannon serves as Principal Engineer for Keller Associates in Salem, Oregon. She's worked in some form or fashion related to public works for 27 years. During this time, managing projects in everything from roads and bridges to dams and levees, wastewater/stormwater, and hazmat, she's learned a lot about asserting herself and owning her work.  Join us for a vibrant conversation with two respected public works professionals who just happen to be women. They’ll share how they got here, the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, nontraditional paths to leadership, and what changes when the workforce starts to look a little bit more like the communities it serves. 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 Workforce Development Committee: https://www.apwa.org/group/workforce-development-committee/ CareerZone’s Career Paths tools and resources: https://careerzone.apwa.org/career-paths   Host a Girls in Public Works Day with this toolbox: https://www.apwa.org/resource/girls-in-public-works-day-toolbox/  Roby Whitehouse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roby-whitehouse-b587a346/ Shannon Williams, PE, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-williams-pe-b737a422/

  4. Sep 9

    Where AI and Machine Learning can Assist Public Works (and Where it Falls Short)

    To advance, streamline, and modernize their water utility infrastructure, Sugar Land, Texas built what they call a dual-horizon predictive management system. The framework works to predict long-term pipe wear and flags pipes at risk using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Just last week Alence Poudel, PE, the Senior Engineering Manager in Sugar Land, presented these findings at PWX in a session about AI, engineering, and future-proofing Sugar Land's water system. We caught up with him and his colleague Trevor Surface, the Utility Field Operations Manager in Sugar Land, who also presented at PWX, to learn more. The dual-horizon predictive management system works. We know that the model correctly flagged more than 82% of the pipes that failed in Sugar Land. By 2025, main breaks had dropped 25 percent. But sometimes AI falls short, and while everyone is excited to introduce tech to meet the demands of growing costs, budget concerns, and rising community expectations, both Alence and Trevor agree that introducing a shiny new piece of sophisticated tech might not always be needed (or smart). While the promise of what this technology can do is incredible, they remind us not to forget we still have a long way to go, and nothing right now can replace human judgement. 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 Alence Poudel, PE on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alence-poudel-pe-6452a0179 Trevor Surface on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-surface-361050161/ Sugar Land Public Works: https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/98/Public-Works Several of the research papers referenced in this episode are available here:  Dual-Horizon Water Main Planning Using Anchored Weibull and Enhanced XGBoost Models A governance audit framework for large language model advice in civil infrastructure decision-making illustrated with local risk models in Sugar Land, Texas Governance risks of AI reasoning in urban infrastructure through Delphi audit of human and large language model judgment Hybrid human-AI governance framework for accountable decision-making in urban infrastructure management

  5. Aug 26

    Community-Based Social Marketing Meets Public Works

    When preventable behavior starts damaging the community's infrastructure, it's probably time for public works to step in. That could mean teaming up with stakeholders on an outreach campaign to stop it. But too often, the behavior just doesn't stop because the message didn’t address the underlying causes of the problematic behavior. We put a premium on strong communication here at Public Works Radio, so this week on the official voice of the American Public Works Association (APWA), we're exploring what comes next when traditional, awareness-based outreach falls short. We landed on community-based social marketing. An approach that uses research on why people actually behave the way they do, including social influences, community norms, and a whole host of other things, and then gets incorporated into designing outreach that's much more likely to change the behavior, not just raise awareness. As we learn in this week's conversation, calling it marketing might be misleading because it's actually a framework composed of several essential steps, and it has been applied to prominent areas like environmental protection, energy usage, and much more. In this episode we hear from the following guests: Benjamin A. Lucha, ENV SP. Environmental Programs Manager for the City of Victorville, California. Jennifer Tabanico. President of Action Research, a community-based social marketing firm based in Oceanside, California. 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 “Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing” Book: https://cbsm.com/book About Action Research: https://actionresearch-inc.com/ City of Victorville Environmental Programs: https://www.victorvilleca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Environmental-Programs Benjamin Lucha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-a-lucha-env-sp-a0327a5a/ Jennifer Tabanico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifertabanico/

  6. Aug 12

    Serving Together: Public Works at Home

    We're officially back for the second half of Public Works Radio's first season, and this time it's all about family. After years of service in the United States Army, Mike Duffy was eager to transition into a career that offered a similar sense of pride and camaraderie. He struck that balance in public works over the last two and a half decades. He currently serves as the Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Cedar Rapids in Iowa. Serving something bigger than yourself always comes at a cost. And for Mike Duffy —along with countless other public workers —that sacrifice extends to the home and family life. Janis Duffy is Mike's spouse and a dedicated public servant in her own right. She's been working with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services' foster care adoption unit for nearly three decades. In a 2025 APWA Reporter article, Janis wrote powerfully about this experience including the values a career of service can instill in your kids, and the challenges, tradeoffs, and sleepless nights public service brings. The public works industry could not work without the dedicated people within it, and we don't talk about the impacts that it has on their families often enough. In this episode, Janis and Mike outline several great ways to build support systems that promote healthier home lives for everyone touched by a career in public works. 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 “Public Works from a Family Perspective” article by Janis Duffy from the October 2025 APWA Reporter: https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/october-2025/features/public-works-from-a-family-perspective “Snowfighting From the Perspective of the Family” webinar recording from the 2025 North American Snow Conference: https://www.apwa.org/resource/snowfighting-from-the-perspective-of-the-family/  Cedar Rapids Public Works Department: https://www.cedar-rapids.org/local_government/departments_g_-_v/public_works/index.php “What Is Public Works?” video for children: https://www.apwa.org/resource/what-is-public-works/

  7. Jul 15

    Networking and Relationships Are the Multiplier Effect for Success in Public Works

    Welcome back to Public Works Radio and while we will be fully back in August with brand new episodes, we're returning this week with a second and final bonus episode. We're talking about the power of community. Leaning on your peers when times get challenging to fight imposter syndrome, burnout, or feelings of being stuck in your career. As evidenced by the stories you will soon hear, when you equip yourself with a genuine sense of curiosity and an open mind, the relationships you build might just take you places you never dreamed of. We're taking a deep dive on relationships, networking, and making that extra effort to attend conferences and get involved outside of business hours. The overarching theme you’ll hear from all of these folks is that stepping out of your comfort zone, being vulnerable, and asking for help won't guarantee you anything, but it's something you will never regret. 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! In this bonus episode we hear from: Vic Bianes, PE, APWA President (2025-2026). Vic has nearly four decades of experience in public works administration, management, project management, planning, design, fiscal management, operations-maintenance, and construction. Margaret Medellin, PE, MPA. Margaret is an Associate Vice President with Hazen and Sawyer. She is a strategic executive leader with a proven track record in the utility, water management, and public works sectors. Kürt Blomquist. Kurt retired in 2023 from the City of Keene, New Hampshire, where he served as Public Works Director, Assistant City Manager, and Emergency Management Director. Vincent Olsen, CPFP, Director of Equipment and Fleet Management for the City of Dallas, Texas. Scott McIver, CPFP, CAFS. Scott serves as Fleet Manager for the City of Greenville, South Carolina. Aaron Bergeson is a public transit professional in Southern California with extensive public works project management experience, and recent ELA graduate (Class of 2025). Susan Hann is Deputy Superintendent of 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. 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. More Show Notes and Resources Public Works Radio Episode No.1: Leading in Public Works Means Showing Up Every Day: https://www.apwa.org/resource/leading-in-public-works-means-showing-up-every-day/ Public Works Radio Episode No. 4: The Movement to Recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders: https://www.apwa.org/resource/the-movement-to-recognize-public-works-professionals-as-first-responders/ Public Works Radio Episode No. 6: Sustainability, Resilience, and Preparedness in Public Works for a Safer Tomorrow: https://www.apwa.org/resource/sustainability-resilience-and-preparedness-in-public-works-for-a-safer-tomorrow/ Public Works Radio Episode No. 7: The Emerging Leaders Academy: Celebrating 20 Years of Life-Changing Experiences: https://www.apwa.org/resource/the-emerging-leaders-academy-celebrating-20-years-of-life-changing-experiences/

  8. Jun 17

    Social Media Tips for Public Works Professionals

    While we remain on a mid-season summer vacation here at Public Works Radio, we're back this week with a little bonus. Every week, our podcast production team has the unfortunate task of whittling down each episode to about 30 minutes. This means a lot of great stuff finds its way to the cutting room floor. Today we'll explore top social media tips for public‑works professionals from the first half of season one, including several segments cut from earlier episodes due to time constraints. This bonus episode features the following guests: Petra Beglarian, MPA. Public Works Manager with the City of Glendale, California’s Public Works Department Ani Oganesyan, MPA. Community Outreach Associate for the City of Glendale, California’s Public Works Department Shane Mark. Assistant Director of Public Works in the town of Needham, Massachusetts Staci Schafer. Parks and Grounds Administrator with the City of Greenville, South Carolina As a friendly programming reminder, we’ll be back in July with another bonus episode before the back half of season one kicks off in August. 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 Public Works Radio Episode No. 5: 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/ Public Works Radio Episode No. 8: Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Serve Our Communities: https://www.apwa.org/resource/why-did-the-chicken-cross-the-road-to-serve-our-communities/  Public Works Radio Episode No. 9: Why Public Works Strategizes for Winter Operations When The Temps Are Hot: https://www.apwa.org/resource/why-public-works-strategizes-for-winter-operations-when-the-temps-are-hot/ 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 Greenville Public Works: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/272/Public-Works Needham's Massachusetts Department of Public Works: https://www.needhamma.gov/5145/About-DPW “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/

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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
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Public Works Radio

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