Why PWITX?

The Public Works Institute of Texas (PWITX) continues an award- winning tradition of providing members of the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) with the highest quality in educational and professional development opportunities.The curriculum, as developed by the American Public Works Association, is a 90-hour program of instruction in Supervision and Management in Public Works. This Program consists of four sessions that are rotated in four areas of the State: Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston-Galveston, Austin and San Antonio. Two annual sessions are conducted annually, about six months apart over a two-year period. The 3-consecutive-day sessions are scheduled in April and October annually. If student enrollment is beyond a single class and interest is high, an additional class can be scheduled January-July annually.The highly affordable program is taught by experienced public works practitioners to public works employees and culminates in a National APWA certificate of completion. In addition to the leadership/supervisory-type classes, topics include PW operations and municipal services, managing resources including finances, budgeting and other key support needs such as IT, fleet and strategic planning.Don’t overlook the value of professional networking as your fellow students, as well as the instructors, can share ideas, best practices and be life-long advisors.Once graduated, the individual becomes a member of the Alumni Association and more training, awards, social activities and other opportunities arise.

PWITX Curriculum

*Exhibiting and inspiring leadership*Embracing and Executing Change*Effective Skills and attributes for Managing Staff*Communicating Effectively*Building Teams, Relationships and Partnerships*Providing Excellent Community Service*Managing Finances, Budgeting and Resources*Governmental and Legal Considerations*Public Works Operations and Municipal Services*Planning for the Future*Creating and Growing Sustainable Communities*Managing Resources and Infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How long does it take to graduate from the PWITX Program?Participants must invest two years to graduate from the program. There are two three-day sessions each year for a total of four sessions and 12 days of instruction.2) How many hours do the instructors provide?A graduate will have completed 90+ hours of instruction and receive an APWA National Certificate.3) Who are the instructors?The instructors are practitioners in their chosen professions. They come from many diverse backgrounds that include: professional engineers in civil and transportation, PW Operations Managers in Streets, stormwater, water/wastewater, traffic, HR Directors, PW and Engineer Directors, fleet managers, solid waste managers, consultants, finance directors, Certified Planners, ACMs and CMs plus more.4) What does the curriculum consist of?The topics, or subjects, are established by APWA and can be found in two books published by the APWA Press. The first book is Public Works Administration: Supervision and Management. This book looks at supervisory techniques and skills, basic management skills, communication skills, leadership skills and community service/customer orientation skills. The second book is: Public Works Administration: Operations. This book covers impact of law of PW, Finance, resource management skills, emergency management, a broad overview of PW operations and creating the future.5) Are there other activities besides classroom instruction?Absolutely. There are field trips scheduled, both pre-session prior to the classroom instruction, as well as several tours embedded into the curriculum. Trips and tours include water or wastewater treatment plants, PW service centers, and major stormwater and flood control infrastructure in the cities of Austin and San Antonio.6) What is expected of the students?The attendees should get the most out of the program they can. This equates to participating in each session’s discussions, active participation in the group exercises, share your passion and enthusiasm you display back in your home cities and counties. The instructors are best if they are fully engaged with the students during the presentations. Meet and greet your fellow participants and create your own networks to help and assist each other on solving problems you each have at home city.7) What happens after graduation?After an individual successfully graduates from the program, they become a member of the PWITX Alumni Association (AA). The AA group remains engaged by encouraging professional networking, mentoring, volunteerism, further leadership development and training, and continued involvement with APWA at all levels. The goal is to create lifelong learning as well as create lifelong ambassadors/recruiters for the Institute. As you obtain career achievements such as promotions or receive awards , share the stories to motivate your fellow alumni to achieve similar results.

PWITX News

PWITX Class 7 begins its two-year JourneyThe City of Webster hosted the Public Works Institute Class 7 first session from January 14-16, 2026. The Class 7 roster consists of 52 students employed by 22 cities and counties.

The day prior to the academic classes, the group had the opportunity to tour the Webster wastewater treatment plant and get a solid understanding of the treatment processes.

The Wednesday through Friday three-day session consisted of 14 classes ranging from supervisory roles, to team development, customer service and various other leadership topics.

Long-tenured instructor Bob Lowry exchanging ideas with students

Group exercises encouraging teamwork and having some fun

Thursday night was scheduled for fun and networking as there was an Alumni Networking and Social Night at Boomer Jacks in Webster. The graduates got to meet the current class and share stories; most of them true.

PWITX Committee

Ines Roach
Administrator
817.500.6952
[email protected]

PWITX Professors of Public Works

Public Works Institute of Texas
P.O. Box 174344
Arlington, Texas 76003Phone: 817.500.6952Email:
[email protected]