How It Works

2 CEUs, equivalent to 20 Contact Hours/PDUs
Strategic planning is an important factor in an organization’s success. Planning includes finance, budgeting, purchasing, managing organizational communications, and administering contracts. To make sure you can do each of these tasks well, we provide participants with tools and strategies for each.
Format:
Self-paced course; start at anytime
Cost:
$425
Duration:
4 weeks

Meet the Program Creator

Kurt Blomquist, MS

Kurt Blomquist, MS, has served as the Public Works Director for the City of Keene, New Hampshire for the last 21 years. He spent 27 years in the US Air Force—8 on active duty and 19 in the Reserves. In the Air Force, he was a Civil Engineering Officer serving in various positions involving the maintenance, repair, and construction of facilities and infrastructure. He retired in 2012 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Kurt graduated from Norwich University with a BS in Civil Engineering, participating in the Corp of Cadets, and received his Master’s of Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California and New Hampshire and is actively involved in professional associations at the state, regional, and national level.

The Curriculum

Strategy and Planning
A leader’s effectiveness is dependent on so many factors. For one, they need to have a vision and a plan for reaching that vision that functions like a roadmap so that when it comes time to make decisions, the answers will be clear. Also, they need financial resources to fuel the organization toward its objectives and effective communication. In this course we’ll discuss important steps and tips for designing your plans, conveying information clearly, and successfully competing for limited resources.

Topics Include:

  • Navigating the complex nature of obtaining financial resources in public works organizations
  • Project Management approaches to planning
  • Identifying values and exploring how they impact communication choices and decisions


Who Should Register:

  • Public Works Professionals, especially those seeking APWA Level 2 Public Works Management (PWM) credentialing
  • Anyone who is interested in a career in public works, or who currently works in this sector, and wants to hone and enhance their existing skills in management and leadership.

Learning Format

We provide a more interactive and visually engaging learning experience than you’ll find in many online course environments.
The format of this class is fully online, instructor-led, pass/no pass, and can be taken as part of the certificate or independently. Certificate courses can be taken in any order unless otherwise noted.
Industry Experts
You'll experience optional live sessions with your instructor and other experts and have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the subject.
Active Learning
Learn content deeply through varied case studies, topical readings, infographics and other visuals, and hands-on exercises.
Engaged Classrooms
Build your knowledge repository with weekly quizzes, open group discussions, and even the occasional debate.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Strategy and Planning
Devote 6-8 hours/week
Apply knowledge to your real life
Do the extra work when you can
Be prepared to learn from each other