The diverse group of special district leaders, included:
- Johnathan Cruz, Manager of Financial Planning, Moulton Niguel Water District
- Brendan Daley, Director of Strategy & Sustainability, Chicago Park District
- Brian Kelley, Chief Technology Officer, Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
- Carlita Mendez, CMS Director, Bremerton Housing Authority
- Gloria Salazar CEO, San Joaquin Regional Transit District
Tune into this two-hour webcast created specifically to help special district leaders collaborate around current challenges and opportunities. Visit the agenda online for more details and watch now.
Insights from the Crisis
Our 2020 Annual Report shows how special districts coped with unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – and it offers a roadmap for future resiliency and success.
In all, the report includes insights, best practices and innovative ideas from 20 districts that participated in Special Districts Program events and workgroup calls throughout 2020. It's packed with real-life examples of how special districts deliver critical services amid a year filled with uncertainty:
- The Houston Airport System accelerated deployment of biometric identity systems to provide touchless security screenings.
- The San Antonio Water System in Texas is developing new performance metrics to manage remote employees.
- The Wilmington Public Library District in Illinois installed smart lockers to safely deliver materials to library patrons.
- The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission in Maryland instituted virtual inspections for new plumbing and gas fixtures.
Celebrate Your Success
Does your district have a success story to tell? It’s time to submit your nomination for a 2021 Special Districts Award. We’re looking for examples of effective leadership and innovative projects to provide digital citizen services, reengineer business processes, strengthen information security and more. Send us your nomination by June 30 and make sure your district’s achievements get the attention they deserve.
Last year, we recognized more than 40 special districts for innovation in technology and leadership. Stop by our 2020 awards page to see how districts supported remote learners, improved safety for transit riders, launched virtual fitness courses, helped deliver meals to struggling residents and more.
District Spotlight: Self-Driving Luggage
Self-driving vehicles could take over the job of moving luggage at the nation’s airports. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is experimenting with autonomous technology in vehicles – known as ground tugs – that carry luggage between the terminal and aircraft.
One of the airport’s tugs has been outfitted with technology from ThorDrive, which makes autonomous vehicle technology, to explore potential use cases. The project launched in February 2020 and moved into the testing phase earlier this year.
“We enacted an ordinance allowing autonomous vehicles and equipment to operate on airport property,” explained Mindy Kershner, a spokesperson for CVG. “Now, airline partners, both passenger and cargo, have the opportunity to partner with ThorDrive to utilize this technology to retrofit their ground equipment.”
Read the full story.
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority sets ambitious goal for electric buses. Transit officials want to nearly eliminate MTA’s diesel-powered fleet by 2040.
More Articles Worth a Read
Here are more stories from special districts around the country. Share your own news with us for inclusion in the next newsletter.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority launches on-demand bus service for late-night workers. Owl Link service gives third-shift employees safe and affordable job-related travel.
Northern California communities explore how driverless electric cars factor into public transit. Preliminary plan uses autonomous vehicles to shuttle passengers to bus and train stations.
