diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while maintaining strong advocacy efforts round out their top priorities. These strategic focuses show the evolving nature of public works and its essential role in community development. The organization’s efforts to adapt to modern challenges are exemplified by innovative projects across the country that are showcased by the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow.“We had one just recently at the Javits Center in New York where they’re growing food on the top of the Javits Center,” Longobardi says.“They’ve created all of this ability working with other non-for-profits to create food to provide for food banks.” Similar innovation appears in Washington D.C.’s approach to workforce development. “Washington D.C. took over a high school and they built a school to train people in the public works industry,” Longobardi notes. “The district is hiring those people right out of that school.” These initiatives showcase how public works continues to evolve and adapt to meet community needs. The organization maintains its focus on helping public works professionals serve their communities effectively while preparing for future challenges. Public works professionals must constantly adapt to new situations, from managing traditional infrastructure to implementing innovative solutions for emerging challenges.“Public works has to adapt every day,” Longobardi explains. “When we look at what’s important for the future, it’s having people who know how to do adapt, having people who want to do it, having people who have the drive to make it better, and how APWA can help them do that.” 48 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx