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Celebrating Success!

APWA Accreditation2015 APWA International Congress and Exposition

Phoenix, ArizonaSeptember 1, 2015

Eugene, Oregon

World’s Greatest City for the Arts and Outdoors

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University Town

Track Town, USA

World Class Craft Brewers

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Eugene Public Works

• Administration

• Airport

• Engineering

• Maintenance

• Parks & Open Space

• Wastewater

Administration

Airport

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Engineering

Maintenance

Parks & Open Space

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Wastewater

Some Attributes of Successful Organizations

• Plan for the Future

• Employee Empowerment/Engagement

• Leadership Building

• Build Public Confidence

• Practice Financial Stewardship

• Embrace Best Practices

• Celebrate Successes

Right Time for Accreditation?

• Aging workforce/succession planning

• Budget Issues/PERS

• Important to be the best we can be

• Complex workplace/knowledge base

• Voluntary

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Scope of Accreditation

More than 400 practices in 30 chapters, including:

• Organizational structure• Strategic planning• HR management• Finance• Communications• Information technology• Emergency management• Safety• Growth management• Engineering design

• Procurement• Contract administration• Utility coordination• Fleet management• Parks and grounds• Street maintenance• Stormwater management• Wastewater collection• Traffic operations• Airport

Outcomes/What We Learned

• Succession Planning

• Employee Recognition/Engagement

• Leadership Building

• Community Confidence

• Financial/Public Policy Success

• Honor Your Accreditation Manager

Succession Planning

• 70% staff turnover since 2001

• Well-qualified internal candidates

• Many new initiatives

• Less risk averse organization

• Seamless transition from historic practices

• Many innovations in technology, sustainability, service delivery

• Zero reservations about retirement!

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Leadership Building

• Accreditation Manager Role

• Leadership Academy /Leadership Lab

• Substantial Internal Promotions

• Staff Leadership in State and National Organizations

• Numerous Awards and Recognitions for Achievements in Leadership

Community Confidence

• Consistent High Marks on Community Survey

• City Council Support for PW Initiatives

• Public Works Day is a Big Deal in Eugene!

• Voter Support for Funding Measures

Transportation Funding

• Local Gas Tax Adopted by City Council

• 2008 Bond Measure Approved for $36M

• 2012 Bond measure Approved for $43M

• Strong Support for Measures Despite Economic Downturn

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Parks & Open Space Funding

• 2006 PROS Bond Measure Passed for $27.5M

• Parks Foundation Established

• Numerous State and Federal Grants

• Strong Record of Public/Private Partnerships

• Active Discussions Regarding Long-Term O&M Funding

Fleet Management

Parks & Open Space Management

• Tree Inventory

• Specialist to Generalist

• Redeployment to Zones

• Response to Homelessness

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Keys to Successful Accreditation

• Passionate Accreditation Manager

• Engage Staff at All Levels

• Establish Realistic Goals

• Acknowledge Cause & Effect Relationships

• Celebrate!

Thank you!

Attainment of accreditation status has enhanced the Hillsborough County Public Works Department’s professionalism and credibility. Other departments, agencies, govern-ments, media and citizenry understand that accreditation establishes us as leaders in the field and increases confidence.

Recognized by other local governments in the state as a leader in the field. Achieve-ment of accreditation status is often referenced by others seeking information or assis-tance in improving their processes. We have fielded many requests for information and assistance from others across the country seeking accreditation.

Improved morale. Successful completion of the self-assessment process and formal recognition by the Board of County Commissioners instilled a sense of pride and accom-plishment throughout the Public Works Department.

Hillsborough County Public Works (and Real Estate Facilities Services) received formal recognition by the Board of County Commissioners which increased awareness of each department’s value, talents and multiple areas of responsibility and expertise.

Favorable media attention was also realized through press releases and other efforts by the Hillsborough County Communication Department.

The self-assessment process identified the need to create or update various depart-ment policies and processes. These efforts improved efficiency and inter-department communication, streamlined or re-defined several areas of responsibility.

The self-assessment process refocused, educated and motivated department staff. Re-defining areas of responsibility and adapting to meeting today’s challenges has im-proved our team through improved interdepartmental coordination and effectiveness.

John W. Lyons, PE, Director

Public Works Department

Hillsborough County

Tampa, FL

Organization

Hillsborough County BOCC

Session Code: 9694

September 1, 2015

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM