Coronavirus and the Public Works Community

APWA is closely following the spread of coronavirus and its effects on our communities. Because many of you are on the front lines and in many cases are first responders, it is important for you to have the resources and information to respond.

For Canadian-specific resources and updates, visit the CPWA website.

Resources

General

• COVID.gov
• Request free at-home COVID-19 tests: www.covidtests.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Interim Guidance for Conserving and Extending Filtering Facepiece Respirator Supply in Non-Healthcare Sectors
  • Resources for First Responders
• World Health Organization
• APWA Public Works COVID-19 Discussion Board
• coronavirus.gov (a joint effort from the White House, CDC and FEMA)
• A Resource Guide to Coronavirus for Government Leaders
• APWA Reporter: "COVID-19: How public works can support all people"
• Overview of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  
  • PPP FAQ
    

Federal Agencies

• Federal Emergency Management Association
  • Public Assistance Programmatic Deadlines Policy
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Public Assistance Simplified Application
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Whole-of-Government Response
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Emergency Medical Care
• Department of Homeland Security
  • COVID-19 Information for the First Responder Community
  • CISA CENTRAL (for staying on top of threats and emerging risks to our nation’s critical infrastructure, whether they’re of cyber, communications or physical origin)
  • Telework Best Practices
• Environmental Protection Agency
  • Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Spaces Where Americans Live, Work, and Play
• U.S. Department of Transportation
• Federal Communications Commission

Partner Organizations

• National League of Cities
• National Association of Counties
• United States Conference of Mayors
• International City/County Managers Association
• National Conference of State Legislatures
• National Governors Association

Solid Waste

• Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA): Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  

Water

• American Water Works Association
• Association of Clean Water Administrators: State/Interstate Resources on COVID-19
• WaterOperator.org: COVID-19 Resources for Water Systems

Share Your Experience

• Join the APWA Public Works COVID-19 Discussion Board to share experiences, ask questions of your colleagues, and learn how other communities are addressing the coronavirus.
• Share a video about how your department is addressing community needs and services. Your experience will assist APWA’s advocacy efforts as we can then share that information with Congressional members so they have a true understanding of public works as "first responders."
• Take a quick survey to let the federal government know how to better assist you and your community.

Chapter Resources

Chapter Event Refunds

If a chapter needs to cancel an event created in the APWA template, here are some helpful hints:

• Keep the event on your events page but mark as CANCELLED.
• Refunds follow the standard process. Go into the Registration Manager to select the attendees that need refunds from payments by credit card. Payments by check will be refunded through your treasurer.
• If you have challenges, please email ChapterSupport@apwa.net

Chapter/Branch Board Meeting Option

APWA uses RingCentral for our phone and conference calling system. APWA chapters are eligible to set up a RingCentral account for free for the next 90 days through an effort they are making to support non-profits during this time.

Other options for hosting meetings online include:

• Free Conferencing Tools - Google & Microsoft
• Free Remote Work Tools - GoToMeeting
• Free Conferencing Tools - Zoom

Event Cancellation Contract Questions/Support

Chapter leaders are making difficult decisions about event cancellations and potentially working with contracts which may be outside their normal purview. Contract issues are unique to every location based on state/local orders and specific contract provisions. Diana Forbes, Director of Meetings, has a lot experience in the meeting planning industry. While not an attorney, she may be able to provide guidance on processes.

Chapter Elections

Chapter and branch elections may be conducted through an online election. Information on how to create the election poll can be found here (log in required). This information can be found in the Chapter Leaders Resource area, under Resources, then Website Template or contact ChapterSupport@apwa.net.

Award Submittals and Selections

Award applications were received at the beginning of March. Given that our members are responding to the needs of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, APWA felt, now more than ever, that it was entirely appropriate to honor those who have been doing extraordinary work in their communities.

• The Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year recipients are typically recognized at local events during National Public Works Week. However, with most local APWA events having been cancelled through May of this year, the Top Ten awardees will be featured in The Reporter and honored at PWX. APWA will also send letter to the awardees’ U.S. members of Congress to share the accomplishments.
• Selections for Project of the Year and Professional Managers are underway. Staff is monitoring the ability of committee members to complete reviews.
• PACE applications are due in June. At this time, there have been no changes to that deadline.