APWA KC Metro Local Government 101: Where Public Works Brings Community to Life (Government Affairs)
Date & Time
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- 12:00 pm
Location
- Free/Virtual
- To register contact Trey Whitaker (twhitaker@edgertonks.org)
Event Information
Local government exists to provide essential daily services, protect public health and safety, and reflect community priorities. Public Works is central to this mission—delivering transportation, water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and infrastructure services that keep communities functioning. This presentation explains why local government exists, how key services are delivered, and how Public Works transforms policy into practical, reliable outcomes. By understanding the roles of local, state, and federal governments, Public Works professionals can better navigate decision‑making environments, support community priorities, and strengthen the connection between infrastructure, quality of life, and long‑term community resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Public Works is essential infrastructure—the operational core that enables safety, mobility, health, and economic vitality.
- Understanding how local government functions empowers better decision‑making, communication, and service delivery.
- Public Works turns policy into reality, ensuring community priorities are met through reliable systems, strategic planning, and long‑term stewardship.
Host Committee
- Government Affairs Committee
Additional/Registration Information
- Speaker Name and Bio
- Keith Pugh, P.E.
Keith Pugh, PE, retired from public service after serving for nearly 32 years His public service career included roles with the Cities of Greensboro and High Point, NC in transportation, facilities, water, sewer, storm water, and engineering. He joined WithersRavenel in 2019 and now serves as Government Innovation Liaison supporting public clients with their asset management and lifecycle planning efforts. He travels across the country in this role advocating for public works and educating local agencies on how to Tell the public infrastructure story. Pugh has served in numerous leadership roles with the American Public Works Association (APWA) including National APWA President in 2022-2023, North Carolina Chapter President in 2011, and numerous chapter and national committees. Pugh has testified before Congress twice, demonstrating his commitment to advancing public works and infrastructure innovation. Pugh has also served on ASCE’s Committee on America’s Infrastructure and was present in DC during March of 2025 for the release of the new Report Card and the initial advocacy work on the Hill. His professional goal in life is to leave things better than he found them.
- Registration/Pricing Information
- Free
- To register contact Trey Whitaker (twhitaker@edgertonks.org)