Building Blocks for Local Agency Asset Management

Interest in civil infrastructure asset management has been increasing at all levels of government in the United States. Unlike many state departments of transportations (DOTs), local government public works agencies are often responsible for managing a diverse array of physical infrastructure assets. However, the size and scope of these asset networks at the local level tends to be much smaller than at the state level. Agencies at all levels are examining their existing infrastructure management practices and systems to determine how to best leverage these into more comprehensive asset management. At the local level, many agencies began with pavement or street management, and these agencies are using this as the foundation for asset management. In addition, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has implemented a voluntary self-assessment and accreditation process for local agencies. The self-assessment and accreditation process can help local agencies assess their progress in meeting asset management goals. This paper discusses asset management issues particular to local governments, the roles of pavement management and APWA accreditation in this process, and the experiences of the City of Columbia, Missouri in asset management development.