HELP US SHOWCASE YOUR INGENUITY!

Build a Better Mousetrap 2026

CALTAP is excited to announce the launch of California’s 2026 Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) statewide competition.

Celebrating local ingenuity on a national platform, this federally sponsored initiative recognizes agencies across the country who are using innovation to solve transportation-related problems that improve job safety and efficiency.

Eligible solutions must be locally relevant and could include anything from the development of a new project design/delivery process to the invention of a new tool, equipment, or modification that increases efficiency, enhances safety, reduces cost, and/or improves the quality of local road transportation.

Applications must be submitted by June 3rd, 2026

Webinar: Geospatial Technology Proving Ground

June 4, 2026, 2pm–3pm PT

Join Caltrans DRISI for an inside look at their Geospatial Technology Proving Ground (GTPG) and its groundbreaking research on Mobile Terrestrial Laser Scanning (MTLS) systems.

This session covers history and objectives of the MTLS project, key findings on deployment support, and test results comparing time- vs distance-based control target spacing for MTLS accuracy.

Webinar: PE Licensing Information

June 4, 2026, 6pm–7pm PT

This free virtual info-session is designed to help early career engineers better understand the path to professional engineering licensure in California.

The webinar covers Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles & Practice of Engineering examination processes, licensing qualifications, education and experience requirements, application procedures, and common questions engineers encounter along the way.

Instructor:

• Natalie King, PE, Senior Registrar, BPELSG

Webinar: Asset Management Challenges

June 9, 2026, 10am–11am PT



Where Asset Management Breaks Down: The 5 Biggest Challenges breaks down the five biggest operational roadblocks that prevent municipalities from building a proactive, data-driven program.

This webinar highlights the key changes, emerging trends, and actionable recommendations to support transportation infrastructure owner-operators, state DOTs, and land use planners.

Learning Objectives:

• Turn scattered spreadsheets and GIS files into a centralized source
• Use integrated condition scoring and risk assessment to prevent failures
• Connect asset condition data directly to your capital planning
• Bridge the gap with mobile, real-time work orders
• Build airtight audit trails and documented inspection histories

Webinar: Can Rural Microtransit Work?

June 15, 2026, 9am–10am PT

This TCRP webinar shares research findings from their Synthesis 178 Report: Microtransit Solutions in Rural Communities: On-Demand Alternatives to Dial-a-Ride Services & Unproductive Coverage Routes.

Presenters will share an overview of the state-of-practice in rural microtransit, in-depth case studies, and overarching lessons seen across case studies.

Learning Objective:

• Can rural microtransit make sense for an individual agency

Webinar: Micromobility & Traffic Safety

June 16, 2026, 11am–11:45am PT

This webinar presents key findings and practical policy recommendations from the latest research on micromobility and traffic safety.

Hosted by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in collaboration with University of Tennessee, this effort looks to improve existing knowledge on micromobility by consolidating relevant documentation on safety aspects and risks associated with the increasing use of micromobility devices.

Training: TIM in Work Zones

June 17, 2026, 10am–12pm PT

Traffic Incident Management in Work Zones: Training for First Responders, Contractors & Field Engineers is a 2-hour instructor-led webinar focuses on the best practices for prevention, response and follow-up involving Work Zone Traffic Incident Management (WZ TIM).

National Regional Transportation Conference

July 20-22, 2026, 8am–5pm PT

The 2026 National Regional Transportation Conference brings together transportation practitioners from across the country for three days of keynote addresses, presentations, trainings, mobile workshops, and networking.

Hosted by NADO and their affiliate RPO America, this conference takes place at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, GA.

Training: Tribal Grant Writing Workshop

July 29-30, 2026, 8am–4pm PT

This workshop offers a comprehensive two-day training experience for both novice and experienced grant writers, equipping participants with essential tools and confidence to secure funding for tribal communities.

Participants will learn to navigate federal funding portals, distinguish between formula funds and competitive grants, and apply a go/no-go framework. The workshop also covers writing compelling narratives using the Need-Solution-Impact framework and building detailed budgets and work plans that adhere to 2 CFR Part 200 cost principles.

Training: Implementing the Safe System Approach

ITE's new certificate-based training provides an in-depth understanding of the Safe System Approach and its application. "Safe System" is a holistic approach to achieving zero traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities.

This online blending learning consists of pre-recorded modules delivered by SMEs plus four live instructor-led discussion sessions, each focusing on student Q&A from self-paced modules, highlighting various topic areas with interactive components, and potential live presentations by guest instructors.

Other Upcoming Trainings & Events

ATSSA Flagger Training | June 3, 2026, 8am–12pm

Join one of two workshops in Reno to learn proper flagger operations, the skillset of a good flagger, standard flagger control references, & best practices

Pavement Design for Local Agencies | June 4, 2026, 11:30am–1:30am

This webinar explores considerations for determining necessary pavement thickness for applications in a local setting

Freight & Land Use Handbook | June 9, 2026, 10am–11am

Explore the coming Freight & Land Use Handbook, which provides tools, strategies, and insights for integrating freight and land use planning effectively

Aligning Engineering & Public Works | June 9, 2026, 9am–10am

Hear how innovative engineering programs in the U.S. are providing educational experiences emphasizing communication, teamwork, & innovation

Asphalt Maintenance: Treatment Options | June 9, 2026, 11:30am–1:30am

Learn about alternative surface treatments that can lengthen the life of pavement, including chip seals, hybrid chip seals, slurry seals, & others

Working With Local Media | June 9, 2026, 7am–8:30am

Attend this free webinar to learn about practical strategies for building strong and collaborative relationships with journalists and news organizations

Child Passenger Safety Certification | June 9-12, 2026, 8am–12pm

This certification course conducted in Blue Lake, CA, presents the proper use of car seats, booster seats, seat belts, and vehicle safety systems

APWA Legislative Day in Sacramento | June 10, 2026, 8:30am–5pm

Join APWA and ASCE for an impactful legislative day to make your voice heard on the issues shaping California's infrastructure future

AACE/NACE Western Region Conference | June 10-12, 2026, 8am–5pm

This conference will highlight the latest trends and projects, with a focus on the areas of Safety, Engineering Resilience, Navigating Change, and New Tech

APWA Building Resilient Communities | June 11, 2026, 8am–9:30pm

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

Funding: Trucking & Bus Safety Needs

FMCSA is making $217M available in grant funding to help improve safety in the U.S. trucking and bus industries.

Funding is available for 4 different programs:

• Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
• Innovative Technology Development (ITD) 
• Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI)
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST)

Publication: Managing Highway Stormwater Quality

TRB Special Report 360: Managing Highway Stormwater Quality: Driving Progress focuses on engineering and infrastructure strategies to support state DOT decision-making regarding stormwater management approaches to comply with regulations.

The report stresses updated modeling options that account for different land uses and are validated with representative empirical monitoring data. It also identifies areas for collaboration that could result in improved stormwater design, construction, and maintenance procedures and guidance.

Other Recordings, Research, & Reports

PWX Radio: What is Public Works?

PWX Radio hits the road for some face-to-face sidewalk interviews to hear what public works means to everyday people in the community

Home Safely: Holly Kostrzewski

Hear from Holly Kostrzewski, an international keynote speaker from a rural area who is also a traumatic brain injury survivor & traffic safety specialist

Funding Opportunity: Urban Greening Grants

The Urban Greening Grant Program allocates $100M for projects that use nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change impacts

Preparing the Transportation Workforce for Emerging Technologies

This NCHRP report addresses recruitment, development, and retention of a workforce proficient in developing and deploying complex emerging tec

Women Leaders Share Transportation Vision

Five female state DOT CEOs shared their insights on the industry’s future during the 2026 WTS International Conference in Los Angeles.

SWCPA Presents EPIC Awards

SWCPA presented EPIC Awards to six projects this year during the California Concrete Pavement Conference

Amended NOFO: Bridge Investment Program

USDOT/FHWA released an amendment to the FY26 Bridge Improvement Program (BIP) NOFO that better aligns it with Administration priorities

Interdependence of Transportation Funding & Ownership

This report explores interdependent funding in the transportation community, the strategies to manage it, and the outcomes of funding interdependences

Liability Mitigation Framework

Geotab's "The Liability Mitigation Framework" serves as a data-driven guide to operational, compliance and environmental oversight for municipal fleets

Public Works Radio: Snow Business

The latest edition of APWA's Public Works Radio reviews the April 26-29 North American Snow Conference in Cleveland, OH.

More Training Coming Up in June

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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