WEBINAR

The Taxpayer Trust Deficit: Why 70% of Public Construction Projects Exceed Original Budgets

If you work in public construction, you know the feeling: You start a project with the best intentions, careful planning, and a commitment to serving your community. Yet somehow, despite everyone's hard work, projects still face budget challenges and timeline pressures that strain taxpayer trust.

You're not alone. Research shows that 70% of public construction projects exceed their original budgets – not because of incompetence or mismanagement, but due to systemic challenges that have evolved over decades.

This webinar explores these challenges with empathy and insight, offering a fresh perspective on why even well-run projects struggle to meet initial promises.

Whether you're new to public construction or a seasoned veteran, you'll gain valuable insights into why projects unfold the way they do – and leave feeling empowered with knowledge that can help you better serve your community.
8.20 Webinar transparent

Who Should Watch:

  • City Managers and County Administrators
  • Public Works Directors and City Engineers
  • Elected Officials and Community Leaders
  • Finance Directors overseeing capital programs
  • Procurement Officials
  • Capital Program Managers
  • Anyone passionate about improving public construction outcomes

View this webinar for an honest, supportive discussion about:

Understanding the Numbers: A clear look at industry-wide trends and why budget overruns have become so common in public construction

The Procurement Puzzle: How rules designed to protect taxpayer interests can sometimes create unintended consequences that increase project costs

The Collaboration Challenge: Why the traditional relationship between owners and contractors often leads to conflicts rather than partnerships

The Ripple Effect: How small delays can cascade into larger budget impacts, and why this is particularly challenging in the public sector

Success Stories: Inspiring examples of public agencies that have found innovative ways to improve project outcomes while working within existing constraints

Building Trust: Practical insights on strengthening community confidence through improved project delivery

About Our Speakers

Keith Webber_headshot

Keith Webber, P.E., PMP, ENV SP | Assistant Director of Utilities, Engineering, City of Boynton Beach

Keith is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) with a deep-rooted passion for advancing utility infrastructure, water resources, and environmental engineering. With extensive experience in municipal utilities, [he/she] specializes in delivering sustainable, community-focused solutions that enhance public infrastructure and resilience.

Currently serving as Assistant Director of Utilities at the City of Boynton Beach, Keith leads multidisciplinary teams in the planning, execution, and optimization of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. His approach integrates technical precision with strategic project management, ensuring that initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with environmental best practices.

 

Laura Replacement

Laura M. Nee | VPO Creator & CEO

When Laura bought our company in 1998, we were an Oracle Primavera solutions provider known as The Simplex Group, Inc. In 2008, Laura created VPO with Beth Anderson after observing that our customers would have even greater project success if portfolio owners and construction managers had a cloud-based vehicle for efficient and effective collaboration.

Today, AEC professionals use VPO to manage their construction projects expertly from concept through closeout. In May of 2023, VPO was proud to earn certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). In addition to leading VPO, Laura enjoys serving as a resource for peers, so she volunteers as Vice President of the Three Rivers Chapter of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).