Session Title: (245) Maintaining Public Spaces with Contractors: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Session Type: Speed Sessions 
Topic(s): Operations and Maintenance


Day/Time: Wednesday - Speed Session Slot 12
10/11/2023 11:30 AM (Central Time (US & Canada)) - 10/11/2023 12:00 PM (Central Time (US & Canada))

Room: Exhibit Hall, Speed Session Pod 2 (Booth 2712)
Available Both In-Person and On-Demand

Audience Experience Level: Any level
Audience Familiarity with DEI: Any Level
CEU: 0.04

Description:
Learn how the City of Fort Worth, Texas, improved contracted public space grounds maintenance during a three-year period. During this time, contractor retention increased, citizen complaints declined and contractors transitioned from paper work orders and maps to electronic work orders via a mobile app. A variety of strategies were utilized to help transition an unthriving program to a successful one, all while experiencing the pandemic, changing weather patterns, budget shortages, and staffing and technology challenges. Some strategies used to shepherd public space maintenance from “ugly to good” include creating a designated team of staff, holding public vendor training sessions, using flexible contracts, employing vendors new to government contracts, and utilizing data, GIS, contractor training and surveys. Future challenges and opportunities include intense development, increased population and/or litter, additional contracted services required, and establishing riparian buffers and green infrastructure.

Learning Objectives:
1. Attendees will leave this session with knowledge about proven strategies to help achieve success through contracted maintenance despite setbacks and challenges.
2. Attendees will leave this session with creative ideas about routine maintenance.
3. After attending this session, attendees should be able to understand strategies to employ individuals who have barriers to employment (incarceration, homelessness, etc.) or no government experience.

Speaker(s):

Deborah Branch