Schedule
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
ANNUAL SUMMER TOPGOLF TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER
See the Golf page for more information.
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Registration Desk Open (Turquoise Foyer)
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
OPENING RECEPTION Sponsored by Colliers Engineering & Design (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
THURSDAY, JULY 30
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Registration Desk Open (Turquoise Foyer)
7:30 am - 8:15 am
Exhibit Hall Networking and Breakfast (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Full Meal
8:15 am - 9:50 am
OPENING SESSION (Presidio Ballroom)
Welcome Remarks: Juan Valles, Arizona APWA Chapter President
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Keynote Presentation Title: Workforce Development is YOUR Responsibility
Keynote Presentation Speaker: Aaron Witt is the Founder of BuildWitt and one of the most influential voices in the global construction and mining industries. He started in the field as a laborer and later as an engineer, before casual storytelling led him to focus on media, software, and speaking. His authentic approach celebrates the people and projects that keep our world moving, resulting in one of the largest media ecosystems in the industry: 3+ million followers and 1+ billion annual views. On top of BuildWitt’s brand, the company’s main products are BuildWitt Improve, the only workforce development platform built exclusively for the industry, trusted by hundreds of American civil contractors, and the Dirt World Summit, the industry’s top leadership event, with 1,500 industry leaders and 500 companies attending each year.
Keynote Presentation Description: The Dirt World has more critical infrastructure to build and maintain than ever, but is at a serious crossroads. The previous generation, who got us here, is leaving, while today's generation is… (kind of) arriving? As a result, industry leadership is nervous about execution, and rightly so. Who will save the day? What's the solution? After traveling to construction and mining operations across six continents, Aaron's found the answer—it's YOU. And you'll walk away from this session not only with the responsibility, but the tools to make it happen.
10:00 am – 10:30 am
EXHIBIT HALL NETWORKING AND MORNING BREAK (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Presentation Title: Adding Value to Project Delivery (Coronado 1)
Speakers: Susanna Struble and Ryan Blair, Town of Gilbert; Jeffrey Hooghouse, Strategic Value Programs
Presentation Description: When projects struggle, the cause is often attributed to execution, when the real issue is that value was never clearly defined in the first place. Success is assumed rather than articulated. The Town of Gilbert is approaching project delivery with a different mindset by putting the Value Formula, Value = (Function ÷ Resources) × Performance, into practice. This approach is creating a shared understanding of what must be delivered, how success will be measured, and how tradeoffs are evaluated, improving efficiency and reducing project changes.
Presentation Title: Connecting Communities: Expanding Access to Water and Sewer Service in the Navajo Nation (Coronado 2)
Speakers: Arno Leskinen and Susanna Mabery, Dibble
Presentation Description: With federal funding, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority launched an initiative to connect more residents to vital water and sewer services. LAM and Dibble are supporting this effort by assessing residential needs, designing recommended improvements, and connecting homes to nearby infrastructure or new cistern and septic systems. This presentation highlights the challenges and solutions involved in tailoring essential services to the terrain, housing conditions, and community needs. Through extensive fieldwork and collaboration, the effort will improve health, safety, and quality of life for hundreds of residents.
Presentation Title: Building in Someone Else’s Backyard: Turning Construction Disruption into Community Trust (Joshua Tree)
Speakers: Jose Gamez, Sundt Construction; Frank Dubasik, City of Phoenix; Kailey Lambert, Avenue Consultants; Chance Priddy, Wilson Engineers
Presentation Description: This session examines how the Scenario 3B Transmission Main Rehabilitation Project balanced essential infrastructure delivery with the needs of an active, construction-weary community. Attendees will learn how early alignment between the City of Phoenix, the design team, the contractor, and the community outreach consultant influenced project planning, access maintenance, and construction execution. The presentation highlights how community considerations, construction methodology, and a “good neighbor” field culture were intentionally integrated to reduce disruption and build trust.
Presentation Title: Big Pipe, Big Problems: Managing Arizona’s Most Successful Large-Diameter Pipeline Rehabilitations (Agave)
Speaker: Cody Nunez, Achen-Gardner Construction
Presentation Description: As Arizona’s infrastructure networks age, large-diameter pipeline rehabilitation will become increasingly necessary to maintain service reliability. This presentation will review more than 46 miles of large-diameter pipeline dewatering and rehabilitation completed by Achen-Gardner in Arizona over the past 10 years. The session will cover rehabilitation methods, Maintenance of Pipeline Operations processes, dewatering best practices, confined space access, safety procedures for deep excavations, and lessons learned when planning and delivering these complex projects.
Presentation Title: Operation Keystone: Protecting Human Judgment in the Age of AI for Public Works (White Dove)
Speaker: Raymond U. Acuna, K & R Solutions
Presentation Description: Operation Keystone is a human-first framework that ensures AI strengthens, not replaces, professional judgment in public works. As AI enters engineering, inspections, procurement, and emergency response, unclear responsibility can threaten safety, legality, and public trust. This session shows how to separate tool control from decision ownership, prevent shadow AI, apply simple autonomy limits, and preserve defensible judgment through Human Decision Records, keeping accountability firmly with engineers and public leaders.
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Presentation Title: The Next Generation of Project Managers - Ready or Not? (Coronado 1)
Moderator: Chris Hamilton, City of Tolleson
Panel Members: Chris Ewell and Cody Hopkins, Entellus; Shahir Safi, City of Mesa; Christian Aguirre, Huitt-Zollars; Andrew Shroads, Civiltec Engineering; Tristan Wheeler, Strand Associates
Presentation Description: Civil engineering is at a critical inflection point. As senior engineers retire faster than they can be replaced, firms are losing decades of judgment and institutional knowledge. At the same time, younger professionals are assuming leadership roles earlier than ever, often out of necessity, not necessarily because they are fully seasoned. This panel will explore the growing experience gap, the rise of fast-tracked leadership, and what these shifts mean for the profession. Panelists will also discuss how to rebuild the talent pipeline through stronger recruitment, retention, and career development strategies.
Presentation Title: Filling the “Gap” – State and Local Partnership Delivers a Mega Project (Coronado 2)
Speakers: Tim Rhine, Kimley-Horn; Paul Preston, Granite Construction; Michael Rigby, ADOT
Presentation Description: Kimley-Horn has worked closely with ADOT and Pima County to plan and design major improvements to the main roads connecting Tucson to Marana, the Valley, and beyond. The team used project incentives, aesthetics, technology, and innovative methods to help ensure the projects are delivered successfully and remain on schedule.
Presentation Title: Project Delivery Methods 201: Effective Preconstruction Services and Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposals (Joshua Tree)
Speakers: Jeffrey A Kramer, CEI; Nicolle B. Wilkinson, CDM Smith
Presentation Description: Hear two experienced owner’s representatives discuss key aspects of conducting effective preconstruction services and obtaining a quality Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal from your contractor. Attendees will learn the tasks and considerations a project team should explore during preconstruction, identify the elements of a well-prepared GMP proposal, and understand the owner’s role in preconstruction and the importance of comprehending how the GMP proposal affects project execution.
Presentation Title: Beyond the Books Ten Rules for Successful Civil Engineering (Agave)
Speaker: Keith Faucett, Dibble
Presentation Description: Formal education lays the foundation for a career in civil engineering, but it is only the beginning. Many of the most valuable lessons are learned by navigating the unexpected challenges of real-world project delivery. This presentation explores ten insights drawn from decades of engineering experience, successes, and occasional missteps, along with a touch of technical humor and humility. Keith shares practical wisdom that benefits young professionals and seasoned mentors alike, with principles that apply from concept through construction.
Presentation Title: AI and Emerging Technologies for Safety and Mobility: From Pilot to Deployment - Transforming Legacy Infrastructure into Future-Ready Networks (White Dove)
Speaker: Sanjay Paul, Mobility Matrix
Presentation Description: Walking and biking increased across the Desert Southwest after COVID-19, while higher roadway speeds and rapid in-migration intensified safety risks. The City of Phoenix now ranks among the most dangerous cities for pedestrians and bicyclists. With limited funding and aging infrastructure, agencies need scalable, data-driven solutions. This session explores how Phoenix identified, piloted, and deployed AI and emerging technologies through USDOT funding, advancing signal timing, passive HAWK detection, digital safety analytics, red-light AI detection, and connected vehicle safety messaging.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Presentation Title: Opportunity Meets Readiness: A Small City’s Journey to $55M in Federal and State Infrastructure Support (Agave)
Speaker: Judah Cain, Jacobs
Presentation Description: This session explains how San Luis, a city of 30,000, secured $55 million in federal and state transportation funding by pairing preparedness with opportunity. Using a Jacobs Engineering study, the City advanced a major mobility project, gained $25 million in federal funds, and partnered with ADOT. After identifying a $30 million funding gap, the City strengthened its technical case and legislative support, ultimately winning additional state appropriations. Attendees will learn strategies for using studies, structuring competitive applications, navigating agency partnerships, and framing transportation projects as economic catalysts.
Presentation Title: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and ROW Asset Management - Oh My! (White Dove)
Speaker: Vivek Jha, NCE
Presentation Description: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning provide powerful tools for agencies to collect and manage right-of-way asset information. This presentation will demonstrate how AI-driven analysis of ROW imagery enables automated extraction of assets such as signs, markings, curb ramps, and bike lanes. It will also highlight how AI-ML reduces costs and field collection time compared to traditional methods, and how asset data organized by pavement management section gives agencies richer information for cost estimating, capital planning, and budgeting.
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
APWA Awards Luncheon (Presidio Ballroom)
Food Provided: Full Meal
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Presentation Title: RFP Jeopardy: Write Better Questions. Win Better Proposals (Coronado 1)
Speakers: Barbara Shuck, Everest Marketing Services; Hilari Weinstein, High Impact Communications
Presentation Description: Why do RFPs often generate identical proposals? Vague questions create a lose-lose scenario: agencies struggle to differentiate responses, and consultants struggle to showcase their unique value. This interactive game-show session teaches agencies how to craft specific, compliant questions and shows consultants how to reverse-engineer vague questions to deliver distinct responses. Through “RFP Jeopardy,” attendees will work on solving real procurement challenges and leave with practical tools for better questions and stronger responses.
Presentation Title: Leveraging Relationships to Maximize CMAR and Alternative Delivery Outcomes (Coronado 2)
Speaker: Michael Corona, Picacho Civil
Presentation Description: Alternative delivery methods such as CMAR rely heavily on collaboration, yet many public agencies underutilize one of their most powerful tools: strategic relationship management. This session explores how municipalities can intentionally build and leverage professional relationships with contractors, designers, and independent estimators to improve preconstruction performance, cost validation, and risk alignment. Attendees will learn practical methods to define expectations, align resources, and use relationship capital to resolve issues early while maintaining transparency and public accountability.
Presentation Title: How Pima County’s Native Plant Nursery Strengthens Forward-Looking Flood Control (Joshua Tree)
Speakers: Matthew Lutheran, Pima County Regional Flood Control District; Amy Martin, Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department
Presentation Description: The Pima County Native Plant Nursery was established in 2001 under the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan to provide regionally adapted native plants for public projects, including transportation, parks, and Pima County Regional Flood Control District projects. Native plants supplied by the nursery support the County’s commitment to conservation while strengthening green stormwater infrastructure projects and aligning ecological benefits with resilient, multi-benefit flood control across the region. Attendees will learn about the nursery’s inception and how municipalities can utilize these plants.
Presentation Title: So You Want to be an Award Winner? Tips and Tricks for Writing a Winning Award Submission (Agave)
Moderator: Nicole Moon, HDR
Panel Members: Chris Ewell, Entellus; Julia Voight-Summers, ADOT; Chris Bridges, ACEC Arizona; April Trevett, Valley Metro
Presentation Description: Every year, Arizona communities deliver public works projects that improve quality of life, yet many are never submitted or struggle to stand out in the awards process. In this session, APWA Arizona Awards Committee leaders, scorers, and past winners share insider perspectives on successful submissions. Attendees will learn how entries are evaluated and how to present impact, innovation, and community benefit. The panel will cover common mistakes and strategies to highlight outcomes and value, helping participants develop stronger and more competitive award submissions.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Presentation Title: AI 101 & 201 for Public Works Professionals: Copilots, Agents, and Responsible Workflows (White Dove)
Speakers: DJ Beaver and Jack Simmons, Burgess & Niple
Presentation Description: Public works teams are being asked to do more with the same resources, while AI tools continue to evolve quickly. This session provides a plain-language “AI 101 + AI 201” roadmap tailored to public works, including what modern copilots and assistants can and cannot do, basic prompt engineering, and how to deploy lightweight agent workflows responsibly. The presentation will focus on approaches that apply across operations, maintenance, capital programs, and communications so attendees can apply the lessons immediately in their own organizations.
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Presentation Title: Adapting the SAVE International Value Methodology Concepts to Enhance Value Through Risk-Based Decision Making in CMAR Construction Projects (Agave)
Speakers: Cody Nunez and Ken Kawamoto, Achen-Gardner Construction
Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss practical ways Achen-Gardner Construction adapts and applies the SAVE International Value Methodology and Value Enhancement Tools to identify and mitigate risks, manage costs, evaluate best-value opportunities, and safely deliver wet utility and roadway infrastructure construction projects for public agencies in Arizona. Topics will include a summary of relevant Value Methodology processes and Value Enhancement Tools, techniques to identify value engineering opportunities, and approaches to mitigate risks.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Presentation Title: Building Trust Through Transparency: Transforming Capital Project Communications (Coronado 1)
Speakers: Abigail Baggs, Ryan Blair, and Dallin Bergquist, Town of Gilbert
Presentation Description: The Town of Gilbert has transformed capital project communications through a comprehensive branding platform centered on “Your Dollars. Your Gilbert.” The branding strategy deliberately distinguishes public infrastructure investments from routine maintenance and private development, helping residents understand where their tax dollars create lasting community value. By combining consistent visual identity, strategic messaging, and digital transparency tools, Gilbert has elevated public awareness of infrastructure investment while streamlining stakeholder engagement.
Presentation Title: Drone Deployment for Public Agencies (Coronado 2)
Speakers: Juan Valles and Rodrigo Castro, Coe & Van Loo Consultants
Presentation Description: This presentation outlines regulatory compliance, risk management, policy development, pilot training, data governance, procurement strategies, and interdepartmental coordination for drone deployment by public agencies. It highlights operational use cases including public safety, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and land surveying, while emphasizing transparency and community trust. The session equips decision-makers and program managers with best practices to safely, efficiently, and responsibly deploy drones in service of the public.
Presentation Title: Post-Wildfire Flooding in the City - How a Community Came Together in the Aftermath of Wildfire to Rethink Urban Infrastructure (Joshua Tree)
Speakers: Scott Overton and Ed Schenk, City of Flagstaff; Julie Leid, Peak Engineering
Presentation Description: In the aftermath of the Museum Fire in 2019, the City of Flagstaff faced a unique urban challenge: how can a community come together to understand the science of flooding, mobilize immediate short-term measures, and survive catastrophic flooding? This session explores how the City and its neighborhoods bonded together to focus on long-term mitigation efforts using data, expert analysis, strong communication, and a unique construction delivery approach to respond to the forces of Mother Nature.
Presentation Title: From Inventory to Action: Scalable Solutions for Unknown Service Line Verification (Agave)
Speakers: Dan Quintanar, Tucson Water; Kelli Brown and Irbis Martinez-Torres, HDR
Presentation Description: After initial Lead and Copper Rule inventory submissions on October 16, 2024, utilities nationwide continue to face thousands of unknown service lines. With limited funding, staffing shortages, and declining urgency after the deadline, moving forward requires practical, scalable solutions. This presentation offers insight into industry practices by discussing Tucson Water’s and other utilities’ approaches to verifying service line materials, contractor onboarding, mapping, and managing the customer journey to build trust throughout the verification process.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Presentation Title: Innovating for Resilience: Flood Risk Management and Ecosystem Connectivity Along the Santa Cruz River (White Dove)
Speakers: Nanda Srinivasamurthy and Matthew Lutheran, Pima County Regional Flood Control District
Presentation Description: Pima County Regional Flood Control District will share how it is strengthening resilience along the Santa Cruz River by blending innovative flood risk management with ecosystem connectivity. Attendees will learn how engineered and nature-based solutions work together to enhance public safety, restore habitat, and support long-term sustainability. The presentation will showcase real-world design practices for green stormwater infrastructure and strategies that balance community safety with ecological health, offering practical insights into resilient planning along a key regional waterway.
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Presentation Title: Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline: CMAR and Trenchless Strategies in Utility-Dense Corridors (Agave)
Speakers: Josh Jestes and Tommy English, Garney
Presentation Description: Resilient infrastructure is the foundation of Arizona’s water future. The City of Mesa, with Garney, Ardurra, Black & Veatch, Dibble Engineering, and Kimley-Horn, delivered the 10.5-mile Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline across two cities, navigating more than 1,000 utility crossings, asbestos concrete pipe removal, and more than 500 traffic control plans over three summers of extreme heat. Hand tunneling, tight sequencing, and strict safety controls kept the work moving, while proactive coordination with the City of Mesa and key stakeholders helped reduce impacts from planned outages.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fun Night Sponsored by Hunter Contracting - Celebrating America’s 250 Years Theme (Presidio Ballroom)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
FRIDAY, JULY 31
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Registration Desk Open (Turquoise Foyer)
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Exhibit Hall Networking, Breakfast, and Vendor Prize Giveaways (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Full Meal
8:15 am - 9:00 am
Vendor Prize Giveaways (Turquoise Ballroom)
9:15 am - 10:15 am
CLOSING PRESENTATION (Presidio Ballroom)
Closing Presentation Title: NextGen Public Works Leaders: Trust, Talent, and the Politics of Getting Things Done
Closing Presentation Speaker: Shane Silsby is a nationally recognized public works leader, executive strategist, and industry influencer with nearly 25 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. Known for his ability to connect operations with executive-level strategy, Shane has built a career leading complex organizations, delivering major infrastructure programs, and driving meaningful change across agencies and communities across the United States. Shane currently serves as the CEO and Founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, where he partners with public agencies to solve complex challenges, develop funding strategies, deliver multi-agency initiatives, and modernize operations. He is also the author of Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact, a forward-looking guide focused on helping agencies prepare for disruption and lead through uncertainty. Prior to launching his firm, Shane held senior executive roles in the private sector, including Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for major global engineering and infrastructure firms. Shane’s public sector career is equally distinguished. He was the Deputy Street Transportation Director for the City of Phoenix and the Director of Public Works for Orange County, California.
Closing Presentation Description: Today’s public works leaders face unprecedented organizational complexities, political pressure, limited resources, and public scrutiny. While technical expertise remains critical, it is no longer enough. Success now requires trust-based leadership, clear communication, and the ability to navigate 24/7 visibility and politics without losing sight of the mission. This presentation explores what it means to lead modern, multi-generational public works teams while communicating complex infrastructure challenges to non-technical audiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies for managing stakeholder conflict, public expectations, and political realities—while elevating the role and reputation of public works professionals. Designed for emerging and seasoned leaders alike, this session intends to deliver a practical leadership playbook for getting things done in today’s highly visible, politically charged public works environment.
10:15 am - 10:30 am
APWA Giveaway Drawings (Presidio Ballroom)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
AGENCY SHOWCASE (Presidio Ballroom)
Networking with Owners, Project Managers, and Decision Makers
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
Agencies Confirmed:
City of Avondale
City of Buckeye Development Services/Engineering
City of Chandler
City of Peoria
City of Phoenix
City of Scottsdale
City of Surprise
City of Tempe
City of Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility
City of Yuma
Maricopa County Department of Transportation
Pima County Department of Transportation
Pima County Project Design & Construction
Pima County Regional Flood Control District
Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department
Town of Gilbert
Town of Marana
Town of Queen Creek
Town of San Tan Valley
Yavapai County Public Works Department