91̽»¨

Building Resilient Communities: How Public Works Mutual Aid Networks Support Emergency Operations

Mutual aid networks are a cornerstone of effective emergency management for public works agencies, enabling communities to respond more efficiently and recover more quickly from disasters. Our presenters will examine three established public works mutual aid models: CoWARN (Colorado’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network), IPWMAN (Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network), and the Massachusetts Highway Association. This live virtual program will provide a comparative overview of how each network is structured, activated, and used during emergencies. 

Participants will gain practical insight into how these networks facilitate resource sharing, support legal and financial considerations such as liability protection and cost reimbursement, and enhance coordination among local, regional, and state partners. The session will also explore how public works mutual aid integrates with emergency operations before, during, and after incidents, helping agencies build resilience and strengthen operational readiness.

After attending this session participants will be better able to:  

1. Identify the purpose and key components of formal public works mutual aid networks. 
2. Compare the structure, activation processes, and capabilities of CoWARN, IPWMAN, and the Massachusetts Highway Association. 
3. Describe how mutual aid networks support public works agencies during emergency response and recovery.

³§±è±ð²¹°ì±ð°ù²õ/±è²¹²Ô±ð±ô¾±²õ³Ù²õÌý
Christopher Bouchard
Co-Chair Mutual Aid Program
Massachusetts Highway Association

Mark Doerfler
Executive Director
Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network

Chris Drey
Public Works Director
Village of Romeoville, IL 

Gregg Stonecipher
Co-Chair
°ä´Ç°Â´¡¸é±·Ìý

Water Production Director
City of Fort Collins One Water

Moderator
Jason Stawski
General Manager
Evergreen Metropolitan District

Hosted by the Emergency Management Committee 

Proficiency Level: Applied

This program offers 0.1 CEU credits for the one-hour presentation portion of the program. The final half hour discussion in the lounge area is optional. 

Registration: Free for members; $99 for nonmembers

Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed to you the day prior, and day of the event.

A recording of this program will be available through the 91̽»¨Resource Center 3-4 weeks following the live program.

Click, Listen and Learn Contact Information Questions: (800) 848-2792, education@apwa.org

LAST DAY TO REGISTER: 12:00 p.m. Central Time June 10, 2026

Refund Policy: Online Education Program–Cancellation/Refund Policy