Public Works Program Administration and Infrastructure Investment Analytics

Course Overview

This course equips students and professionals with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks to administer public works programs under limited budgets using data-driven decision making and economic optimization. Participants learn to integrate economic analysis, performance metrics, and risk-based prioritization to maximize the return on infrastructure investments.

Target Audience

Public works directors and program managers; transportation and civil engineers; local and state agency staff; policy analysts and budget officers; consultants in infrastructure planning and investment analysis.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Design a public works program that aligns with budget constraints and policy priorities.

• Apply economic principles to prioritize infrastructure investments.

• Use performance-based, data-driven decision-making frameworks.

• Develop investment strategies that maximize ROI and public benefit.

• Communicate program priorities and trade-offs effectively to stakeholders.

Course Format

• Duration: 1 day (in person); multiple online sessions if delivered virtually.

• Delivery: In person or virtual, interactive workshops.

• Methods: Lecture, case studies, group problem solving, decision modeling exercises.

Workshop Draft Agenda

Foundations of Public Works Program Administration

Session 1: The Role of Public Works in Economic Development

• Public works as a driver of growth, sustainability, and resilience

• Relationship between infrastructure and regional competitiveness

Session 2: Strategic Program Planning Under Constraints

• Defining program objectives and performance measures

• Linking program delivery to policy goals and asset management

Session 3: Budget Constraints and Funding Sources

• Local, state, and federal funding structures

• Leveraging grants, public-private partnerships, and user fees

• Case study: Budget cuts and reprioritization in a small city’s public works plan

Data-Driven Investment Decision Making

Session 4: Data Sources and Analytics for Infrastructure Decisions

• Asset condition data, demand forecasting, and socioeconomic indicators

• Integrating GIS and asset management systems

Session 5: Performance-Based Prioritization Methods

• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)

• Benefit-cost ratios and net present value in program prioritization

Session 6: Risk and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Investment

• Scenario planning and Monte Carlo simulation for program risk analysis

• Contingency planning for economic and political uncertainty

• Case study: Allocating limited funds to competing transportation, water, and facility projects

Delivery and Measuring Impact

Session 7: Program Delivery Models and Efficiency Tools

• Design–bid–build, design–build, and CM/GC approaches

• Lean construction principles in public works

Session 8: Economic Impact and Return on Investment Analysis

• Short-term stimulus vs. long-term productivity gains

• Measuring social, environmental, and resilience benefits

Session 9: Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Communication

• Tracking KPIs and adjusting priorities in real time

• Reporting to elected officials, the public, and oversight agencies

Session 10: Wrap-Up and Q&A

• Capstone exercise: Develop a public works investment strategy for a hypothetical community using a provided budget, asset data, and performance objectives.

Course Materials Provided

• Slide deck with embedded data tool links

• Example investment prioritization templates

• Benefit-cost analysis spreadsheet examples

• Reading list on economic analysis and public works policy

Students who complete this non-credit course will receive 6 PDHs (Professional Development Hours) issued by the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers.

Note: CEU is a general term for continuing education units. The continuing education units this course offers are not issued by the University of Maryland.