APPROVE out-of-state travel for two additional staff to attend the American Public Works Association Public Works Expo Conference in Seattle, Washington, September 7-11, 2019, for one staff person to attend the Rail~Volution Conference in Vancouver, Canada, September 8-11, 2019, and for one staff person to attend the National Safe Routes to School Conference in Tampa, Florida, November 12 - 14, 2019.

Transportation Agency rules require the Executive Committee to approve all out-of-state travel requests not approved in the Agency budget in advance. These professional association conferences are an opportunity to network with high-level transportation officials and learn about successful transportation projects nationally.

The APWA Public Works Expo (PWX) costs $829 per registration for APWA members. Laurie Williamson, Senior Engineer, has served as the Treasurer of the local APWA Monterey Bay Chapter for several years, and the chapter will cover the registration for her. Travel expenses for both staff are estimated to cost $4,000. The Rail~Volution conference costs $595 for the "early bird" registration (by August 16). Travel expenses for one staff are estimated to cost $1,400. Registration, travel, and staff time will be covered by local funds designated for travel and training in the budget. The cost to attend the National Safe Routes to School conference is approximately $1,315 including registration, airfare, hotel accommodations and meals.  There are sufficient funds from the Measure X Safe Routes to School Program budget for this expense

The American Public Works Association Public Works Expo Conference known as "PWX" will be held in Seattle, WA September 7-11, 2019. Rich Deal, Principal Transportation Engineer, and Laurie Williamson, Senior Transportation Engineer, are both requesting authorization to attend. The PWX provides over 125 technical and professional development sessions that address current public works issues as well as ongoing challenges. The Expo also provides networking opportunities and an extensive gathering of exhibitors that showcase the latest products, services and technologies specific to public works.  At the annual awards dinner, Rich Deal will receive the 2019 national award for Exceptional Performance in Safety.   

The Rail~Volution conference "Building Livable Communities with Transit" will be in Vancouver, British Columbia from September 8-11, 2019. Christina Watson, Principal Transportation Planner, is requesting authorization to attend for sessions relevant to the Monterey County Rail Extension, Elkhorn Slough sea level rise, and Rail Network Integration projects.

The National Safe Routes to School Conference will be in Tampa, Florida from November 12 - 14, 2019. Ariana Green, Associate Transportation Planner, manages the Measure X Safe Routes to School Program. The conference features sessions in new trends and innovation, developing sustainable and data-driven safe routes to school programs, and working with diverse communities.  In addition to valuable education sessions, the conference offers various opportunities to network with the attendees coming from across the United States.

• APWA Public Works Exposition website
• Rail~Volution website
• Safe Routes to School Conference website