By Jonathan Tilenis, PE, Director of Design, HRC Engineers
When local and state leaders embark on a public works project, whether building a new community center, revitalizing a park, or upgrading transportation infrastructure, there’s a lot at stake.
Getting the project to the finish line on schedule is high priority. But equally important is assuring taxpayer dollars are carefully spent, public trust is well represented, and long-term considerations of the community are considered from the start.
What can government decision-makers like you do to ensure long-term success?
Among the first to-do on the list is hiring the right civil engineering partner. Assuring your organization is aligned with design experts who bring technical know-how to the table is key. Make sure you work in lockstep with professionals who have knowledge, experience, and foresight, including the ability to navigate the political and public landscape.
When the Pressure to Deliver Is Real (and the Scrutiny Intense) Public Works Leaders Like You Need to Understand These 7 Key Truths
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) advocates for government officials to hire civil engineering firms, emphasizing that licensed civil engineers' expertise is crucial for sound public policy and infrastructure projects, ensuring public health, safety, and welfare, and maximizing infrastructure investment benefits.
What’s Non-Negotiable? Public Accountability.
Public projects come with a layer of visibility that private developments don’t have. Every milestone (and each misstep) is aired in council meetings, news articles, and community forums. Taxpayers need to know their money’s being spent wisely—and they expect desired results.
Civil engineering firm HRC Engineers understands this dynamic. Their ability to build realistic timelines and budgets and communicate clearly enables community leaders to deliver the quality work their constituents appreciate now, and for decades to come, is key.
What Do Minor Mistakes Lead To? Major Consequences.
Hiring a CE firm lacking public-sector experience, or one that overpromises and underdelivers, quickly derails a project. A poorly managed permitting process, lack of understanding around ADA requirements, or inefficient coordination with utility providers can result in costly delays or public backlash.
The right civil engineering partner anticipates issues—and heads them off before they become problems. The ability to work with multiple jurisdictions, be well-versed in local and state regulatory codes, and apply experience to address challenges keeps your public works project on course.
What Does Public Trust Require? Quality Outcomes.
What’s a public works project at the end of the day? It’s more a line item in a capital improvement plan—it’s a community promise. The people you represent look for outcomes that instill pride. A poorly executed park or underwhelming civic building leaves taxpayers underwhelmed—and erodes trust.
Choosing the right civil engineering partner helps ensure the final product reflects investment made. From drainage that works; walkways that are safe and accessible; and roadways that keep down congestion, quality design improves community life—and reinforces that government works for the people.
What Does the Right Partner Help You Do? Manage Expectations.
City, county, and state leaders constantly navigate pressure from multiple sources: Elected officials, business groups, advocacy organizations, neighborhood associations, and the public at large. Keeping everyone informed (and aligned) is no small task.
As an experienced civil engineering partner, HRC is an asset. We help you communicate clearly with stakeholders, provide documentation and updates needed to build confidence, and adapt to scope changes without derailing the project. Count on us to bring stability and credibility needed to stay focused.
Why Choose an Engineering Partner with Public Projects Know-how? Long-term Impact.
Not all civil engineering firms are prepared for demands of public projects. Government work comes with unique timelines, requirements, and approval processes, and involves complex funding structures and coordination with multiple agencies. HRC Engineers knows how to address issues that arise, balance priorities, and keep projects moving.
Our public-sector experience enables us to put tried-and-true processes in place. We know how to structure public bids, navigate grant requirements, and deliver documentation that holds up to public and legal scrutiny. And we have the track record and positive references you’re looking for.
Why Look for a Civil Engineering Firm That’s Been There, Done That? Experience Matters.
It’s tempting to focus on the bottom line when budgets are tight. But the lowest bid isn’t always the best choice, especially when it comes with risk. An inexperienced/understaffed civil engineering firm might submit an attractive price, but not have the proven ability to deliver value, insight, and quality the community deserves.
The right partner helps you see the big picture. How? By recommending methods that save money, reduce maintenance, and improve sustainability. Taking a resilient design approach helps make sure the project delivers long term.
How Does a Civil Engineering Partnership Help ? By Ensuring Your Public Project’s Success.
When your project’s executed on time, in budget, and embraced by the community, it reflects well on everyone. You generate goodwill and confidence; you gain a reputation as a leader; and those you serve see first-hand that they live in a community that cares.
Partnering with HRC Engineers upfront assures leaders like you benefit from expertise and support needed to make sound decisions, respond to challenges, and stay focused on outcomes. We help you be a key contributor to civic progress.
Public works projects are community investments. City, county, and state leaders can’t afford to get it wrong. Choosing the right civil engineering firm up front is an important way you ensure that the trust your constituencies place in you is warranted, setting the tone for activity that follows—from design and permitting to construction and community reception.
In an environment where public trust is hard-won and easily lost, working with a civil engineering partner that understands the stakes—and knows how to deliver—makes all the difference.
Reach out to HRC Engineers—and learn more about why choosing the right civil engineers, landscape architects and other key development professionals matters.
What can government decision-makers like you do to ensure long-term success?
Among the first to-do on the list is hiring the right civil engineering partner. Assuring your organization is aligned with design experts who bring technical know-how to the table is key. Make sure you’re working with professionals who have knowledge, experience, and strategic foresight, including ability to navigate political and public pressures that come with the territory.
“Douglas County has worked on many, many projects with HRC Engineers. We’ve always been pleased with their work … they’re an honest and forthright group of professionals.”