Northwest Public Works Institute

For questions about the NWPWI contact:

Toby Rickman, P.E., PTOE, PWLF, toby.rickman@gmail.com  |  (360)951-0902

Today’s public works leader must be coach, counselor, motivator, mentor, business strategist, and skilled communicator, all rolled into one. Getting the depth and breadth of instruction needed to become successful in his complex role can be difficult. The Northwest Public Works Institute is a program of instruction for public works professionals who would like to attain a higher degree of proficiency as leaders and managers. The Washington and Oregon Chapters of the American Public Works Association and the Oregon Technology Transfer Center jointly operate and sponsor the Institute.

Stand Alone Classes

See Events Calendar to Register

The Executive Leadership Forum
Download NWPWI Exec Leadership Class Overview

Testimonial Quote
Testimonial Quote

The Executive Leadership Forum is a week-long immersive retreat style program geared for current and aspiring executives to attain the skills and proficiency to move beyond our management classes. Executive Leadership Forum has been attended by: City of Bellevue, City of Kenmore, City of Lake Stevens, City of Olympia, City of Pasco, City of Shelton, City of Spokane Valley, City of Tacoma, City of Tumwater, Jefferson County, Pierce County, Snohomish County. Cost: $1300 APWA Member, $1500 Non Member includes breakfast and lunch each day. Attendees are responsible for covering overnight costs, but a discounted group rate is available at the hotel.

Project Management – 3-day class, capped at 20 attendees. Cost: $550 APWA Members / $600 Non Members and includes breakfast and lunch each day.

Construction Management – 3-day classes, capped at 20 attendees. Cost: $550 APWA Members / $600 Non Members and includes breakfast and lunch each day.

Class Date Topics Location
Executive Leadership Forum May 12-16, 2025

You will learn how to effectively lead an organization in the following areas critical to having an ideal public works organization, Asset Management, Project Management, Talent Management, Financial Management, Communication Emergency Management, Continuous Improvement, Navigating Politics, Sustainability and Climate Change. You will also gain a connection with other current and future public works executives which will be an important network for your career.
Download NWPWI Exec Leadership Class Overview

 Little Creek Casino
91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584
Project Management November 5-7, 2024
  • How to define a project and get it started on the right path
  • The techniques and practices that are key to successful project management
  • Common challenges and pitfalls that can hamper project success
  • The importance of the human side of project delivery
  • Tips on the art of building an effective team and helping it perform well
  • How to prepare for the unexpected and deal with change
 Parametrix
1019 39th Ave SE, Ste 100
Puyallup, Washington
Emergency Management November 5-7, 2024
  • How to establish a resilience culture in your organization
  • Identify the disaster response and recovery gaps in your public works department
  • Funding recovery – Defending your budgets through pre-event planning
  • Crisis Leadership – the missing link
 Little Creek Casino
91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584

Three Part Series for National Certification

Download NWPWI Class Overviews  |  See Events Calendar to Register
Cost: $550 for members / $650 non members and includes breakfast and lunch on all 4 days.

The 3-part series (Public Works Essentials, Developing Leaders and Leadership Skills) can be taken in any order, with completion earning a Certificate of Competency issued by NWPWI and National APWA. Each course is 30 hours over a four-day period. Each class in the three part series is limited to only 40 people, costs $550 for members / $650 non members and includes breakfast and lunch on all 4 days.

Three Part Series Date Topics Location
Public Works Essentials March 11-13, 2025 Supervision vs. Management, Written and Team Communications, Analyzing Employees, Progressive Disciplined, Performance Management, Employee Safety, Delegation and Empowerment, Information Management, The Personnel Function, Sustainability, Systems Thinking, Public Works Operations WSDOT Olympic Region HQ Maintenance Facility, 7407 31st Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98516
Developing Leader June 3-6, 2025 Team Dynamics, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Mission, Vision, Values, Meeting Management, Diversity, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Interviewing Skills, Safety Culture, Strategic and Tactical Planning, Ethics, Stress Management WSDOT Olympic Region HQ Maintenance Facilityy, 7407 31st Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98516
Leadership Skills October 21 – 24, 2025 Personality Types, Leadership Roles, People Skills, Managing Time and Energy, Hiring and Training, Motivation, Evaluations, Coaching and Counseling, Culture, Teams, Working with Unions, Council Relations, Regulatory Agencies, Customer Service, Asset Management, Project Management, Consultant Management, Financial Management, Management Systems, Organization Theory, Public Involvement, Planning WSDOT Olympic Region HQ Maintenance Facility, 7407 31st Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98516
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