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:
- Identify the purpose and key components of formal public works mutual aid networks.
- Compare the structure, activation processes, and capabilities of CoWARN, IPWMAN, and the Massachusetts Highway Association.
- Describe how mutual aid networks support public works agencies during emergency response and recovery.
Speakers/panelists
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
CoWARN
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 APWA 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