Public Comment: Surface

Transportation Reauthorization

USDOT is seeking public input for ideas and information to help steer the development of our next surface transportation authorizing legislation.

With the current authorization set to expire September 30, 2026, this effort seeks to capture input from entities who might be significantly affected by administrative actions, including:

• State, local, & tribal governments
• Small businesses
• Consumers & NGOs
• Transportation system operators & service providers
• Manufacturers & trade associations

The deadline for comments is August 20, 2025

Town Hall: Port Town Resilience

September 15, 2025, 6:30 – 8:30pm PT

The Cal State Long Beach Center for International Trade & Transportation (CITT) is hosting its 2025 Town Hall on Port Town Resilience: Thriving in Uncertain Times at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School, West Long Beach.

This year’s event celebrates the many port community leaders and supply chain stakeholders who have supported CITT programs over the last three decades, including the recipient of this year's prestigious Miretti Award, which recognizes a leader who has fostered partnerships along the supply chain, facilitated dialogue, and demonstrated long-term dedication to the industry.

Hear how California supply chain stakeholders

can again thrive in these uncertain times.

Training: Child Passenger Safety Technician

August 25 – 28, 2025, 8am – 5pm PT

The Western TTAP is hosting a child passenger safety (CPS) certification course at the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center in Reno, NV.

This CPS certification course equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to correctly install and use child restraint systems to ensure child safety in vehicles, by combining in-class instruction with hands-on activities, including car seat installations and a community safety seat checkup event.

CPS Course Instructor:

• Carrie Brown, MSML, Director, Nevada LTAP & WTTAP

Successful completion of the course results in national

certification as a CPS technician for two years.

Webinar: Innovative Solutions for Road Safety

August 21, 2025, 11:00am – 12:30pm PT

FHWA is hosting an Innovation Exchange Webinar to put a spotlight on road safety innovations emerging from across the country.

Learn about successful, field-tested strategies developed and implemented by local agencies to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries, from low-cost infrastructure improvements to community-driven safety initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of local and rural road systems.

Workshop: FHWA Southwest Tribal Transportation

September 9 – 10, 2025, 8am – 5pm PT

The Western TTAP is hosting this year's Southwest Tribal Transportation Workshop at the John Pinto Conference Center in Window Rock, AZ.

Join the WTTAP team at this two-day workshop for engaging discussions, informative sessions, and networking opportunities. It's a great chance for tribal transportation professionals to connect, learn, and share experiences.

Workshop Objectives:

• Hear updates from the FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation
• Spotlight innovations learned from others in the transportation field

CALTAP at PWX: Building

a Trained Public Works Workforce

This year at APWA PWX in Chicago, Director Dr. Tom O'Brien will present as a guest speaker at their Workforce Development Hub on August 17th at 1:00pm.

The session "Building a Trained Public Works Workforce That Requires Special Skills, Not College Degrees" will discuss how practical skills-based training can be an alternative to or complement traditional college degree pathways and how prioritizing skills-based training and development can enhance creativity and increase innovation while also bridging skills gaps in the public works sector. 

APWA PWX 2025 takes place this August 17-20

at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, IL. 

CSUTC 2025: Shaping the Future of Transportation

August 15 – 16, 2025, 8am – 5pm PT

The California State University Transportation Consortium (CSUTC) is excited to host "Shaping the Future of Transportation" at the Cal State Long Beach campus, sharing two-days of innovation, research, and workforce development in the transportation sector.

Representatives from across the CSU system and academic disciplines will discuss the most important issues affecting California transportation systems today and tomorrow, ranging from artificial intelligence research and the urgent planning needs of the 2028 Olympic games to port operations and forward-thinking workforce development.

The Honorable Jim Beall, former California State Senator and Chair of the Committee on Transportation & Housing, will deliver the Keynote Address.

Conference: NorCal Public Works Conference

November 5 – 6, 2025, 8am – 5pm PT

The APWA Northern California Chapter is still accepting session proposals for its upcoming 2025 NorCal Public Works Conference.

Public works professionals, consultants, and subject matter experts across Northern California and the Bay Area are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect innovation, leadership, and real-world solutions in infrastructure, sustainability, workforce development, technology, and more.

This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge, highlight a successful project, or spark important conversations within our industry!

Research: Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls

NCHRP's "Asset Management Practices for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls" documents various DOT asset management practices for these common roadway structures, including the maintenance and rehabilitation of deteriorated walls, inventory control and assessment practices, and how to evaluate the development of risk and life-cycle costs.

** Coming Up in September Training **

Need a closer look? Stop by CALTAP.org for a calendar view of upcoming training and events focused specifically on local agency project success.

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