Former Public Works Director Todd Hoppenstedt joins the show to share what life is really like behind the scenes of municipal infrastructure.

From training CDL drivers only to lose them to the private sector, to managing emergencies with understaffed crews, Todd explains why public works is at a breaking point — and why more leaders are making tough career transitions.

This episode explores:

• Workforce shortages in public works

• CDL training challenges

• Pay disparities between public and private sectors

• The personal toll of emergency response

• Why infrastructure workers are invisible… until something breaks

If you work in public works, utilities, or municipal leadership — this episode will hit close to home.