From AI Pavement Scans to Winter Storm Response: Public Works Roundup Unites 300+ Experts

August 18, 2026 (Arlington, TEXAS) – Behind the roads, drainage systems, and public rights-of-way that keep North Texas moving are the people who plan, design, build, and maintain them. On August 20, 2026, those professionals will gather at the 27th Annual Public Works Roundup to share how they’re using new technology, developing their workforce, and preparing for the challenges facing our region—all to strengthen and improve the infrastructure communities rely on every day.

The one-day conference, hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, will be held at the Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst, TX 76054, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. and is expected to draw more than 300 public works professionals.

For media looking for timely, visual, and locally relevant stories, this year's Roundup offers a rare opportunity to explore how public works is evolving—from international research into artificial intelligence and pavement assessment to workforce strategies and the technology behind emergency winter storm response.

The event also marks the debut of a dedicated Stormwater afternoon track, reflecting growing regional attention on flood resilience. The Stormwater track joins the returning Public Works and Sustainable Public Rights of Way tracks.

2026 Agenda Highlights

Artificial Intelligence in Public Works

A collaboration between a North Texas university and a Japanese highway operator is exploring how artificial intelligence could change the way communities assess pavement conditions and plan infrastructure investments.

Dr. Gopal Gupta, Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas, and Koshiro Mori, Developer for NEXCO-Central, will present research involving UT Dallas and the NEXCO-Central group focused on AI-assisted pavement assessment and explainable budget simulation for public works planning.

The work provides a look at how emerging technology could help public agencies better understand infrastructure conditions and make more informed decisions about future maintenance and spending.

A workforce crisis affecting every city budget

Public works agencies face growing challenges recruiting, developing, and retaining the workforce needed to deliver essential services. Retired City Manager and Public Works Director Jim Proce, ICMA-CM, will challenge leaders to rethink workforce strategy—not simply as a vacancy to fill, but as a pipeline to build.

Drawing on 45 years in local government, Proce will share practical strategies for recruitment, retention, employee development, succession planning, youth engagement, and building connections with emerging talent. He will also examine how public agencies can compete with private-sector employers and other organizations for the same workforce.

The session will focus on practical ideas leaders can take back to their organizations and put to work immediately to address today's workforce challenges and build the talent pipeline needed for tomorrow.

Inside Plano's Winter Storm Response 

Plano's redesigned winter storm playbook is a tangible, easy-to-visualize story about how a major North Texas city responds when the roads ice over.

When winter weather threatens North Texas, public works crews have to make rapid decisions about road conditions, materials, equipment, and staffing. The City of Plano Public Works Department recently redesigned its winter storm emergency operations to streamline sanding and brine procedures while providing real-time data tracking and visibility.

Erik Ferner, Streets, Drainage, and Traffic Operations Manager, and Joe Riley, Streets and Drainage Superintendent, will detail how Plano used existing technology and resources to simplify its winter storm response and provide stakeholders with real-time information on operations and progress, without additional financial requests.

With more than 300 public works professionals expected to attend, the Roundup will provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration among public works agencies from throughout the North Texas region.

“Public works professionals are constantly adapting to new challenges, whether it's maintaining aging infrastructure, preparing for extreme weather, or finding and developing the next generation of our workforce,” said Glenn Barker, Director of Public Works for the City of Corinth and Chair of the NCTCOG Public Works Council. “The Roundup gives us an opportunity to learn from what other communities are doing, share solutions, and take those ideas back to the communities we serve.”

Media Opportunities

Media interested in attending any of the sessions on August 20^th should reach out to Caroline Vandergriff, NCTCOG Public Affairs and Communications Officer, at CVandergriff@nctcog.org or call/text at 682-427-4354.

Featured presenters, along with Public Works Council Chair Glenn Barker, will be available for interviews. The event will also provide opportunities for photography and video illustrating public works operations, technology, and regional collaboration.

For more information about the 27th Annual Public Works Roundup, visit NCTCOG's Annual Public Works Roundup webpage.

About the North Central Texas Council of Governments: NCTCOG is a voluntary association of 238 local governments serving a 16-county region centered around Dallas-Fort Worth. Established in 1966, the organization provides regional planning, coordination, and technical expertise in transportation, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, public safety, workforce development, and human services for the region's more than 8.9 million residents.

About the NCTCOG Public Works Council: The Public Works Council (PWC), initially established as the Public Works Advisory Committee in 1984, provides expertise and support to NCTCOG's Executive Board and staff on a wide range of regional public works issues. For example, the PWC provides continuing advice regarding the Public Works Construction Standards - North Central Texas, as well as such issues as managing right-of-way, comprehensive and consistent stormwater management through iSWM, regional pavement design guidance, and other identified subregional issues.