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Hello APWA-MN Chapter Members,

It’s hard to believe summer is already half over and we’re already rounding the corner into fall. The long summer days may be fading, but the energy of this Chapter certainly isn’t.  We’ve packed the past few months with meaningful engagement, inspiring events, and the continued momentum that makes our Chapter one of the most active in the country.

We kicked off the summer in true APWA fashion with our annual Golf Classic at Bunker Hills. With 184 golfers, the event was once again a vibrant mix of summer weather, sponsorship support, and spirited competition. Over $3,000 was raised for our scholarship fund—thank you to all who swung a club or volunteered their time to make the event such a success.

The work happening behind the scenes by our committees continues to impress. Our Young Professionals Committee has been busy hosting networking and collaboration events including a joint APWA/ASCE event at the Saint Paul Saints game and the annual YP Mini Golf event at Pinstripes.  Both events were a huge success in further growing and connecting our next group of public works leaders.  Later this summer our Young Professionals Committee will host our annual YP picnic.  This will be another collaborative event with ASCE, AWWA, & CSWEA which hosted over 80 attendees last year!  Please consider attending, growing your network, and learning the value these other organizations bring to our industry.

On another note, our Environment and Sustainable Committee recently hosted our MnDOT highway cleanup efforts along TH 100, located in Crystal and Robbinsdale.  It’s great to see so many members of our chapter taking time to give back and beautify our communities.  Events like this strengthen our communities and show others the power of teamwork.

Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to thank our Education and Training Committee for continuing to put on such great education-related opportunities for our chapter.  Whether it be the Public Works Certificate Program, Underground Utility Construction Inspector School, Public Works Leadership Academy, Executive Fellowship Training, or any of the other great offerings provided by that committee; We continue to be blessed with well-run technical courses that enhance the work we provide each and every day.  These efforts and volunteer hours provided by our communities’ help strengthen both our internal bonds and external reach as we continue to grow and expand in our mission.

We’re also excited to welcome several new members to committee roles this season. If you’ve been thinking of jumping in, there’s never been a better time. Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or industry veteran, your voice and contributions matter. Reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Michael Kirsch Michael.kirsch@kimley-horn.com and we’ll help you find your fit.

Looking ahead, all eyes are on PWX 2025 in Chicago, IL. Our Chapter always shows up strong, and I have no doubt we’ll bring the energy again this year, especially with plans in motion for our Chapter Dinner which will be held at Chicago Firehouse and a celebratory awards reception for our 2025-chapter award recipients which will be held at Fatpour Tap Works. If you’re attending, please stop by our events and say hello. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time but don’t delay!

Closer to home, plans are well underway for the 2025 Fall Conference at Mystic Lake Event Center. Our Conference Planning Committee, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Matt Saam and Mark Hansen, is building another top-tier lineup of speakers, sessions, and networking opportunities. Stay tuned, registration opens soon, you won’t want to miss it.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve this amazing group of public works professionals. The heart of this Chapter beats in its people and I am continually inspired by the passion, talent, and generosity you bring to our mission.

See you soon, whether at PWX, at Mystic Lake, or at one of our many chapter related events throughout the remainder of the year!

Thanks for your commitment,
Mitchell Hoeft, PE
President, APWA-MN Chapter