APWA is hosting a 90-minute webinar on "Building Resilient Communities: How Public Works Mutual Aid Networks Support Emergency Operations".

Mutual aid networks are a cornerstone of effective emergency management for public works agencies, enabling communities to respond more efficiently and recover more quickly from disasters. Presenters will examine three established public works mutual aid models: CoWARN (Colorado’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network), IPWMAN (Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network), and the Massachusetts Highway Association.

This live virtual program will provide a comparative overview of how each network is structured, activated, and used during emergencies. Participants will gain practical insight into how these networks facilitate resource sharing, support legal and financial considerations such as liability protection and cost reimbursement, and enhance coordination among local, regional, and state partners.

The session will also explore how public works mutual aid integrates with emergency operations before, during, and after incidents, helping agencies build resilience and strengthen operational readiness.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the purpose and key components of formal public works mutual aid networks
• Compare the structure, activation processes, and capabilities of mutual aid models
• Describe how mutual aid networks support PWX agencies during emergencies

Presenters:

• Christopher Bouchard, Co-Chair Mutual Aid Program, MA Highway Association
• Mark Doerfler, Executive Director, Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network
• Chris Drey, Public Works Director, Village of Romeoville, IL
• Gregg Stonecipher, Co-Chair, CoWARN
   

Registration for this webinar is complimentary for APWA members

Register to Attend