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How can public works departments do better?

Sewer directions
A sewer access cover is labeled with directions as crews assembled a flood barrier along Shepard Road in St. Paul, Minn. Monday, March 21, 2011.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR Photo file

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In St. Paul, former City Council President Kathy Lantry takes the public works director position this week.

Public works departments manage everything from sewers to recycling to street design. Urban geographer and writer Bill Lindeke argues that the job of public works staffers is changing in the face of new challenges: growing pressure to make cities walkable and bike-friendly, increased community engagement, and even climate change.

Lantry and Lindeke join MPR News' Tom Weber to talk about the future of public works.