Join us for another seminar in our Water Research Series, featuring experts examining emerging challenges shaping water, wastewater, public health, and infrastructure.

The registration link leads to an external website.

Description: Workforce challenges in the U.S. water and wastewater sector are more than staffing issues, as they represent a strategic public infrastructure concern. These challenges can be categorized into three main areas: workforce quality, quantity, and equity. Although many organizations and partnerships have sought to enhance the workforce pool, most efforts have not been sustainable over the long term. However, a novel approach for workforce development in the stormwater sector has been documented, integrating the community, public, and private sectors to address these challenges. This approach includes contractual clauses designed to foster long-term trust and to achieve socio-economic and environmental goals, with a focus on equitable job creation, workforce development, community outreach, and awareness.

The Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) model promotes diverse and inclusive community engagement, encouraging participation from local and minority subcontractors. It positions the municipality as a community partner for equitable workforce growth through a mentor-protégé program that provides mentorship and training, connecting industry expertise to develop a requisite workforce capable of handling project complexities. Similarly, utilities can serve as civic leaders by leveraging their stability and influence to support local workforce initiatives. Join us to learn how this approach not only broadens and strengthens the workforce, but also enhances community resilience and public trust.

Presenter: Dr. Bello Zailani Mahmud, Postdoctoral Fellow (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering), Morgan State University

Certificate: This training has NOT been submitted for approval of continuing education credit. We will provide a certificate of attendance to eligible attendees, but cannot guarantee it will meet your PDH or CEU requirements.

Who Should Attend:

• Utility staff, managers, and decision-makers
• Consultants, technical assistance providers
• Municipal officials, public works employees, and workforce development professionals
• Community-based organizations, researchers, and anyone interested in workforce initiatives