For over 15 years, this program has recognized the creativity of Connecticut’s public works community. From equipment modifications to process improvements, we are looking for solutions that enhance safety, reduce costs, or streamline operations. A great example of this is our 2024 winning solution. East Hartford’s efforts to improve safety and efficiency in their winter operations not only won them a CT Creative Solutions Award, but they also won a Pioneer Award in the 2024 National Build a Better Mousetrap Competition. By repurposing an old sander, they created a trackless automated loader that greatly simplifies the loading and dispensing of materials during winter operations. Crews are much safer, and less time is spent on the task.

If you have a project worthy of recognition, submit your online application form by April 15, 2026. Need inspiration? Check out past winners in the CT Creative Solutions Award Guide or visit the CT Creative Solutions Award Program webpage for more details.

Not sure if your idea fits? Email Mary McCarthy at mary.c.mccarthy@uconn.edu to discuss your project. We look forward to celebrating your creativity and innovation!

Beginning in 2026, the T2 Center will be updating how workshop registration and promotion are launched to better manage demand and support our growing community. This year we are also offering additional sessions of our required workshops for the Road Master and Road Scholar programs, and these sessions will be intentionally spread across the year to provide greater flexibility. A frequently updated printable workshop schedule will continue to be available to support advance planning.

Registration and promotion will follow a two-stage approach: spring and early summer workshops will open on a rolling basis as classes become available, and late summer and fall workshops will open during the summer. Email and listserv promotions will continue as usual once registration opens. This update does not apply to TLP workshops; registrations for TLP sessions will launch as soon as they become available to better support cohort planning throughout the year.

If you have questions, please contact us at t2center@uconn.edu.

Top 10 Leadership Pivots For 2026

With 2025 behind us, leaders might be grappling with what’s next for 2026. Based on recent Wiley research, stress, burnout, meeting overload, infrequent feedback, the lack of trust and healthy conflict, not having authority to make decisions, Artificial Intelligence (AI) uncertainty, and the lack of overall career success are key challenges heading into 2026. Their hypothesis: a return to human skills as the performance engine for organizations and a renewed focus on psychological safety.

“Psychological safety is the most powerful differentiator in building high-performing teams. Those who report feeling psychologically safe are 31% more likely than those who don’t to be a high performer,” as stated in their recent Wiley Workplace Intelligence study of high performing teams.

When cultural factors like psychological safety are linked to performance, leaders pay attention.