November 19, 2024 Johnson’s role at WSB is valuable as the firm supports clients across the country.
Orlando, Fla. — Design and consulting firm WSB today announced the strategic hiring of Corey Johnson. Johnson supports the firm as director of strategy for digital construction management (DCM).
With 25 years of industry experience, Johnson’s background and expertise make him an asset to WSB. From time as a consultant and solution engineer in civil, to managing design and construction teams, to establishing strong relationships with most Departments of Transportation (DOTs)— Johnson is well equipped to lead WSB to success.
“Corey has a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to provide practical-minded digital delivery,” said Andy Kaiyala, vice president of DCM. “His diverse technical skills coupled with his ability to collaborate with staff and clients is incredibly valuable. The strategic vision, mentorship and guidance Corey provides strengthens the group as we continue to grow.”
In this position, Johnson leads the national effort to expand the firm’s DCM service, prioritizing client engagement to accelerate the adoption of a model-centric future. Additionally, his background and strong relationships support the firm and increase brand awareness.
“I had worked with WSB in the past and always admired how they approached projects,” said Johnson. “WSB is progressive and is targeting the right things to solve real problems. From assembling a strong team to finding solutions for the communities we serve; I knew this would be a good fit.”
The firm first launched DCM in spring of 2023. Since then, the service area and team of experts continue to grow as the firm partners with national brands, raising awareness about the model-centric future for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.
December 3, 2024 By Chhavi Dhingra, Senior Manager of Public Engagement, WSB
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reflect on progress toward accessibility and the work ahead.
Accessibility—ensuring everyone can participate fully in society—is not just a legal mandate but a moral imperative. People with disabilities contribute far beyond being users of infrastructure. They serve as leaders, trainers, reviewers, service providers and vendors, bringing expertise that enhances project outcomes. This year’s theme emphasizes the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.
WSB strives to advance accessibility in every facet of our work. A landmark project with Minneapolis Public Works involved designing the city’s first—and the nation’s second—shared-use street with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features.
Recognizing that accessibility goes beyond structural changes to include digital tools, equitable communication, and inclusive urban planning, our Public Engagement team at WSB helps develop materials that address barriers such as low vision, hearing impairments, motor skill challenges, and neurodiverse conditions. Collaborating with digital technologists, we use tools like ArcGIS StoryMaps, Survey123, and Collector for ArcGIS to develop accessible websites, story maps, and web applications compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The ADA’s recent mandate to expand the scope for digital accessibility improvements for state and local governments highlights the importance of rethinking accessibility in a digital-first world. Additional information on ADA requirements for digital communications is available here.
Accessibility is about creating a world where everyone can thrive, and WSB is committed to this vision by championing accessibility in both design and communication.
Chhavi is a transportation engineer and public engagement professional with nearly two decades of experience. She excels in developing sustainable policies, practices, and communication strategies, and has a proven track record in leading stakeholder management for transportation and transit projects. Chhavi has contributed to numerous road transportation planning projects worldwide, focusing on engagement, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and strategic communications to address the mobility and accessibility needs of disadvantaged communities.
The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Each year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.
WSB was recently honored with five awards from the Zweig Group for 2024 Marketing Excellence. Entries are judged by a team of marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design.
WSB is a forward-thinking firm, and we value our innovative approach with advanced project delivery. The firm uses technology to remain a leader in the industry, and this is reflected in our marketing efforts.
Recently, WSB created an improved digital sales tool about the Digital Lifecycle. Our efforts to design an interactive presentation that uniquely caters to each audience was recognized by the Zweig Group and received first place in Brochure Design.
The WSB 2024 firm overview brochure is designed as a presentation folder that accommodates division collateral, one-pagers and additional marketing materials.
It also includes a cutout for holding a business card. This innovative folder can serve as a standalone piece or a leave behind. We received second place from the Zweig Group for this timeless and contemporary brochure presentation.
Since 2009, WSB has published our annual Year In Review. This publication recaps the previous year and is distributed at our firm’s annual celebration. The goal is simple – to tell the story of WSB to our staff. In recent years, we have grown significantly both in staff size and geography. The stories of how we are building what is next in infrastructure across the country are important for our staff to hear.
The Year in Review helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. It received second place in Internal Newsletters.
Twice a year, WSB publishes an external newsletter. For over 10 years, WSB has mailed a newsletter highlighting projects, innovations, techniques, and news. We feel there is still value in a well-done printed piece. Issuing a newsletter helps us tell our WSB story in a broader way than digital marketing.
This newsletter focused on the work we have done across the country and our growth as a firm. It received second place from the Zweig Group for External Newsletters.
We know that the future is what we make of it, and we value the bright minds of the next generation. This is why we chose to advertise in environments where the next great engineers are as a Minnesota State High School Sponsor.
00:15-second commercials ran during the live web-streaming of the 2024 Girls’ & Boys’ State Hockey and Basketball, as well as rotational courtside signage during the basketball tournaments. We received third place in Advertising.
July 15, 2024 By Jake Newhall, Director of Water Resources, WSB and Bill Alms, Project Manager in Water Resources, WSB
WSB is Leading a New Study that Will Assess the Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds.
Stormwater ponds are an effective way to treat and control stormwater runoff. However, recent studies have indicated that there may be an increasing threat of phosphorus being released from stormwater ponds that can increase pollutant loading to lakes, streams, and wetlands. To address this concern, WSB, the University of Minnesota and six Minnesota communities have come together to perform a study funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Local Road Research Board. This study will provide practical data that will help communities across Minnesota manage their stormwater ponds and ultimately improve water quality.
With that in mind, here is what communities and their residents can expect.
What Does The Study Entail?
Six Minnesota communities – Maple Grove, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Savage, Burnsville and Woodbury – will each provide one stormwater pond project to be used as the basis of the study. During the summer of 2024, researchers will visit each pond, take sediment samples and run analysis to determine how much phosphorus is in the basin and how much phosphorus release potentially exists. Then, in the winter of 2024, each pond will undergo a pond dredging project that removes sediment buildup. Following the dredging projects, new samples will be taken during the summer of 2025 to analyze and determine whether current maintenance processes for stormwater ponds can address phosphorus release concerns.
Why Is The Study Needed?
Minnesota has over thirty thousand stormwater retention ponds that treat and control stormwater runoff, but also risk discharging pollutants that impact water quality. Additionally, stormwater ponds are used across the country, meaning that if current dredging practices are not working as intended, the data gathered by this study will directly impact stormwater management regionally and nationally. Primarily, this study will provide much needed data to make new recommendations on how to tackle and prioritize maintenance to maximize pollutant removal.
Phosphorus is particularly detrimental to water quality as it causes the growth of algae in lakes and rivers. Algae blooms not only lower water quality, but also reduce oxygen in the water and are toxic to people and wildlife alike, with studies attributing algae blooms as a potential cause for detrimental health conditions.
What Is WSB Doing To Help?
WSB’s team of experts understand how to manage and improve water resources. WSB is innovating, looking at the science and developing cutting edge tools and techniques to help communities better manage stormwater runoff and water quality. As the study commences and the final data sets are made available in 2025, the work of our talented team will provide the information necessary for communities in Minnesota and across the country improve their programs and to protect their water and their residents.
Jake has more than 18 years of engineering experience and has managed and designed many types of water resources projects, including modeling, planning, design, maintenance programs, and construction. He has worked with numerous watershed municipalities, counties and state agencies.
Bill is a project manager in WSB’s Water Resources Group with over 10 years of experience serving clients with their water resources engineering needs. Bill’s experience includes planning, design, and construction management for a wide range of water resource projects including water quality treatment BMPS and erosion stabilization.
August 1, 2024 By Ang Points, Sr Project Manager, WSB
Cities, counties, and municipalities are growing at exponential rates, more now than ever before. Ensuring that these rapidly growing communities execute projects efficiently and effectively is necessary to meet the expectations of their stakeholders and current citizens and to prepare for the demands on existing and even new infrastructure. However, there is often too much work that current staff cannot handle alone, and cities may not be able to hire enough or qualified full-time staff to support the demands. Program Management provides support for cities that do not have the capacity or ability to take on these programs or projects themselves as an immediate, even short-term solution that is flexible and scalable to meet the ever-changing demands of a city.
Through Program Management, we partner and work alongside city staff, interweaving and executing work on behalf of the city as an extension of the staff. It provides technical knowledge and design as well as valuable expertise and support in project management, contract management, communications with elected officials and stakeholders, building financial strategies and more.
To best support our clients in Program Management needs, our team of experts use the 3 T’s— technology, transparency and teamwork.
Technology
To build an effective and efficient program, technology is key. It is the foundation of the 3 T’s, and only through technology can we build a collaborative team and establish trust with the public, stakeholders and elected officials.
Using Smartsheet, Power BI, Teams, Bluebeam, Primavera 6, and communication tools — we can increase knowledge and awareness of the city’s projects and efficiently and effectively connect with all those involved in the execution of projects. Reliable data and information at the fingertips of decision makers and the public creates an environment of trust. Technology is a driving factor in moving these programs forward.
Transparency
The public’s tax dollars are the reasons these projects get accomplished— its only right to keep the public informed. It is best practice to be proactive when providing information and make it easily accessible. This can be done by creating a website designed specifically for the program with a Power BI dashboard. The dashboard shares financial data including where the funding is coming from, the designated uses of those dollars, and even spending projections. Monthly newsletters and project-by-project updates on the website give stakeholders the ability to access information without requesting it through official channels.
By sharing this information with the public and providing it at their fingertips, you are funding transparency. This will put taxpayers at ease and build trust for the ongoing program. For internal decision makers, tools like Teams, Smartsheet and PowerBI are key to seeing the overall program down to dollar-for-dollar and even day-to-day details in real-time.
We have seen great success from taking this approach with a recent project, with the City of Buda and their 2021 Buda Bond Program.
Teamwork
A goal of Project Management is to integrate our teams and work collaboratively across all levels of effort. This is best accomplished through using Teams. Being responsive and available as a consultant to the city staff is critical, and joining the same Teams platform alleviates any challenges of connecting. This type of teamwork makes us reachable, responsive, and able to collaborate daily and on-demand to all levels of staff. This level of teamwork using Teams and even Bluebeam also allows ourselves, the city’s consultants, and city staff to work interactively on documents and decisions more easily.
Smartsheet, an elite, interactive tool, significantly improves collaboration and consistency. Its advanced capabilities of storing documents and unique viewership of history and updates strengthens workflows. Smartsheet makes coordinating with teams, making decisions, and viewing progress more efficient.
How WSB can Help
Program Management is a tool and service available to cities, but we know to be successful you must rely on the 3 T’s. Our experienced team provides your staff with technical excellence and additional support, and we also prioritize using advanced technology to prepare you for the future while building trust with the public and increasing collaboration. Technology, transparency and teamwork will drive projects forward, and we are here to offer scalable, flexible, and effective support.
Our Program Management team is more than designers— we effortlessly integrate all aspects from writing council reports and presentations, projecting budgets and financial actions, managing contracts on behalf of the city, presenting to the public, engaging with consultants, creating finance and management strategies, and executing plans in design and in project management. Our team has the expertise to build innovative and feasible strategies, and compiles everything into organized workflows that can then be shared with city staff in real-time. With increasing demands on cities, we can integrate workflows using technology to make processes and procedures more efficient and less time consuming.
We understand how cities operate and what cities want and need – we have first-hand experience in the city staff’s shoes. We are eager to support cities as they Forge Ahead.
Angellia has 13+ years experience in various sectors of the industry from project engineer for a water/wastewater firm, serving as the Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the City of Belton, Texas, and leading the Operations and Maintenance Division for Fort Leonard Wood, MO. She is a PE licensed in both Texas and Missouri, and her skills and strengths are project and program management. Her passion is helping municipalities thrive and grow.
August 1, 2024 By Jake Newhall, Director of Water Resources and Samuel Phillips, Water Resources Engineer, WSB
As communities grow, the challenge of stormwater management becomes increasingly complex. The key to success lies in proactive planning and the strategic development of infrastructure that can adapt to future growth. Learn more about strategies for effective stormwater management in growing communities.
Impact of Population Growth on Stormwater Systems With urban expansion comes the inevitable addition of impervious surfaces – concrete, asphalt, and roofs, for example – which significantly increases stormwater runoff and alters natural drainage patterns. These changes make communities more vulnerable to flooding and localized erosion, pushing existing infrastructure to its limits and leading to environmental degradation.
Strategic Infrastructure Planning Effective stormwater management starts with comprehensive planning. Communities need to integrate stormwater management considerations into all stages of development. This includes assessing the potential impact of new construction on stormwater runoff and making necessary adjustments to the stormwater system in early planning phases. It is critical that the planning factors in the existing regulatory framework at the state level, e.g., MPCA regulations in Minnesota, or at local level, e.g., Watershed Districts or city regulations.
Incorporating Flexibility in Infrastructure Design To accommodate growth, stormwater systems must be designed for flexibility and scalability. This involves creating systems that can be expanded or adjusted as the population grows and land use changes. Techniques such as flow rate control structures, expandable stormwater detention facilities including underground storage are vital. These systems ensure that the infrastructure can evolve in step with the growing community’s needs, without requiring complete overhauls. Often it can be beneficial to plan stormwater management at a regional level, rather than on a project-by-project basis.
Surface Water Quality In recent decades the stormwater management focus has shifted from traditional rate control through detention towards water quality and volume reduction. Runoff retention, infiltration practices, and erosion control techniques are essential components of the infrastructure planning. Creative solutions such as biofiltration or underground infiltration play an important role in keeping the sediment and nutrient loads at a minimum to preserve healthy riverine and lacustrine ecosystems.
Enhancing System Resilience Through Advanced Engineering Employing advanced engineering solutions can significantly boost the efficiency and resilience of stormwater systems. For instance, real-time monitoring systems can provide immediate data on water levels, flow rates and system performance, allowing for swift responses to potential flooding events. Additionally, automated control systems can dynamically manage gates and pumps to optimize water flow during different weather conditions.
As communities build resilient infrastructure in growing areas, it may be desirable to bring enhanced stormwater infrastructure to previously developed areas. This is often a challenge, as space may be limited. Hydraulic and water quality modeling can be useful tools in completing subwatershed assessments to identify optimal areas for improvement.
Community Engagement and Education Community involvement is crucial for the success of stormwater management strategies. Educating the public about the importance of reducing surface runoff and maintaining personal property to aid in water absorption can have profound effects. Community-based initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and the proper maintenance of private drainage systems, complement larger infrastructure projects and empower residents to contribute to the health of their environment.
Economic and Regulatory Considerations Planning for the economic aspects of stormwater management is as critical as the technical components. Funding mechanisms, whether through local government budgets, grants or public-private partnerships, need to be established. Moreover, robust regulatory frameworks that mandate sustainable stormwater practices in new developments can drive compliance and ensure that growth is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
How WSB Can Help Managing stormwater in a growing community requires foresight, innovation, and community collaboration. At WSB, we provide expert consulting and engineering services that help communities plan, design, construct and maintain flexible, efficient and cost-effective stormwater management systems. Our approach ensures that your infrastructure not only meets today’s needs but is also prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Jake has more than 15 years of engineering experience designing and managing many types of water resources projects, including modeling, planning, design, maintenance programs, and construction. Jake has worked with various municipalities, counties and state agencies to solve challenging water quality and water quantity problems.
Samuel has experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, water quality modeling and permitting. His stream restoration experience spans all phases, from feasibility to plan production to construction observation.
August 1, 2024 By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater, WSB
The resilience of public water treatment systems has never been more crucial. There are also new opportunities that allow us to design systems that are sustainable, efficient, healthy and adaptable.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) presents a pivotal opportunity for cities to bolster their water treatment infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and resilience. This historic funding initiative supports the modernization of critical infrastructure, including the integration of sustainable technologies and practices within public water systems. By accessing IIJA funds, cities can invest in treatment technologies, green infrastructure and energy-efficient upgrades that meet regulatory demands position them to better address future challenges. The act offers a strategic pathway for cities to align financial investments with long-term sustainability and water treatment goals.
Three of the current models being used include:
Water Reclamation using Green Infrastructure, such as biofiltration systems, which can contribute to urban greenery while reducing irrigation loads on a water treatment plant.
Advanced Water Recycling Technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO) that treat and reuse wastewater.
Water Supply Plan initiatives by which public water supplies work to reduce per capita demands and maximum day to average day peaking factors.
Three new, innovative strategies for sustainable drinking water systems that can enhance the resilience of drinking water treatment systems:
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION – This technology has been used in the vast majority of European drinking water treatment plants for the last few decades. WSB has been at the forefront of working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to pilot test and implement the technology in several metropolitan area Minnesota communities. The process harnesses nature to avoid challenges and realize many benefits including:
Vastly reduce costs for water treatment plant expansions through MDH approval of filtration rates that can be double that of what MDH approves for conventional filter operations. This level of filter efficiency can eliminate the need for building additions and filter expansions and save municipalities millions of dollars in capital improvements costs.
Reduce chemicals added during treatment resulting in more natural drinking water and less potential for the formation of chemical by-products and the health risks such byproducts may introduce.
Better air quality in the water treatment plant, healthier air for the plant operators and less corrosion of equipment and infrastructure in the plant.
Better tasting water.
Reduce taste, odor and corrosion in the distribution system, which is good for Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) compliance and reduces the amount of expensive orthophosphates that need to be added to the finished water and carried into the distribution system.
GEO-THERMAL ENERGY – WSB staff have worked with water treatment staff to harness the geo-thermal energy of drinking water that passes through treatment plants in Minnesota. No such large-scale systems have been allowed in the last several years. Recently, a new technology, by which to capture this geo-thermal energy, is emerging and may prove fruitful for some Minnesota drinking water treatment plants.
PLATE SETTLERS – Although not as recent, there is once again the potential to apply for funding assistance if the expansion or optimization of your water treatment facility could benefit from the space saving and increased water recovery associated with plate settlers. We have helped implement nearly a dozen plate settlers for such purposes.
How WSB Can Help These new opportunities to procure funding and enhance sustainable drinking water systems promote adaptability, treated water aesthetics and operator health are something we are prepared to assist you with. Our team works with you to leverage these technologies, apply for federal or state funding and help you build a drinking water treatment system that provides great water quality, reduced chemical use and adaptability for meeting future demands and regulations.
Steve designs treatment plants and renovations (for both groundwater and surface water plants) including treatment process technologies such as reverse osmosis, ozone, activated alumina, biological filtration, lime softening, radium reduction, plate settlers, plate and frame presses and solids handling. He has worked with the AWWA Office of Government Affairs and the AWWA Research Foundation on water studies.
July 29, 2024 By David J. Gordinier, P.E., Geotechnical Department Manager, WSB
In the complex landscape of infrastructure development, the role of a geotechnical engineer is often pivotal yet understated. For municipalities, counties, and private developers, understanding the ground on which they build is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Geotechnical engineering is the key that unlocks the potential of any site, ensuring that the envisioned projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and cost-effective.
Understanding the Foundation: The Geotechnical Guide
Before any concrete is poured or any beam is erected, a thorough understanding of the site’s soil is crucial. A geotechnical engineer provides this insight through detailed soil studies, which are the first step in transforming an area from a plot of land to a developed property. These studies allow developers to understand what they can build and how they can build it, aligning their ambitions with the practical realities of the soil beneath.
The Value of Geotechnical Reports
A comprehensive geotechnical report is more than just a routine check—it’s a fundamental part of due diligence. It assesses various soil characteristics such as density, composition, and stability, which can vary significantly from one site to another. This report can reveal critical issues such as soft or expansive soils, or deeper Geologic risks including Karst and subsidence. Such insights are crucial not only in deciding whether to purchase a property but also in planning the development to avoid costly errors and delays to the project.
Why Choose WSB?
Choosing WSB for geotechnical engineering means opting for a partner who prioritizes your project’s timelines and budget. Our detailed attention to these aspects has earned us a loyal client base. WSB boasts a diverse portfolio, rich in a variety of projects, allowing us to quickly devise solutions tailored to the specific geological challenges of your site.
We believe in clear communication, translating complex geotechnical data into easy-to-understand terms, and maintaining constant contact with our clients. From delivering detailed reports to conducting follow-up calls, we ensure that you are well-informed at every step.
Building with Confidence
Incorporating a geotechnical engineer into your development team is not just about adhering to standards—it’s about building with confidence. With WSB, you gain a partner who provides the expertise to navigate the complexities of soil challenges, ensuring that your infrastructure projects are built on solid ground. The guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable geotechnical engineer can also make the difference in success during construction including assisting the contractor with cost effective solutions when or if they arise.
David is a geotechnical department manager in the southeast region. He has experience managing estimating costs for geotechnical, and construction materials projects, and geotechnical engineering design for transportation, commercial, industrial and residential projects. He had led his team through managing construction and resolving issues encountered throughout the project process.
WSB was recently awarded Special Achievement in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) at the 2024 Esri User Conference. This award is given to users around the world recognizing outstanding work with GIS technology. WSB was recognized for its work as a consultant supporting renewable energy organizations with implementing Esri GIS technology.
Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence and mapping. The firm is honored to have received this prestigious award.
August 8, 2024 WSB is investing in the future of traffic control technology.
Minneapolis, Minn – WSB, a forward-thinking design and consulting firm, announced today their partnership with European company GoodVision. This partnership is more than two teams joining together, rather, it signifies the join t effort of advancing the traffic industry.
WSB and GoodVision have been cooperating since 2021 in the traffic modeling domain.
WSB’s use of technology in their services has made the firm a leader in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Over the next three years, WSB will invest in GoodVision as well as traffic analytics project efforts, support and education. In turn, GoodVision will focus on enhancing these solutions, implementations and support. This partnership propels the industry forward even more.
“A partnership between WSB and GoodVision aims at creating a powerful technology and implementer collaboration in North America,” said Daniel Stofan, GoodVision CEO. “Both companies are heavily investing in the improvement of the traffic industry and aim to excel by implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to address current traffic analytics needs with local traffic expertise and support.”
This partnership is leading the traffic industry, implementing AI to address current needs in the areas of traffic analysis, transportation safety and active traffic management. Deliverables include turnkey traffic solutions to support clients, ITS solutions, preventing congestion and increased safety. WSB’s staff of subject matter experts can use the data and insights provided by these solutions to create a tailored consulting service for each client. This joint effort is shaping the future of traffic monitoring and analytics.
“Not only does this innovative technology progress the industry, but it also creates safer and more efficient communities,” said Gordon McPhee, Vice President of Digital Solutions. “Using AI, this service provides instant detection of roadway incidents with automated responses. This increases overall safety and builds a safer community.”
Additionally, this service improves productivity and cost savings through real time automation. By implementing this system, clients reduce the heavy workload for their staff and create a more efficient work environment.
WSB and GoodVision are committed to serving communities around the world. This partnership and technology-driven service make that possible. Together, WSB and GoodVision will provide clients with the opportunity to implement traffic monitoring and data analytics into their practices, furthering the advancement of the industry and building safer communities.
