MnLTAP’s steering committee is made up of volunteer transportation professionals from across the state who oversee the program’s priorities, spending, and execution. Representing both their own agencies and professional organizations, members also identify partnership opportunities and exchange information about state and national LTAP programs across their networks.
Will Manchester, public works director for the City of Minnetonka, has served on the LTAP steering committee for three years and represents the Minnesota Local Road Research Board research implementation committee.
Manchester was drawn to a career in Will Manchester transportation and engineering as a kid. “My father was a civil engineer, so growing up, [transportation] was a topic of conversation in our home along with an occasional ‘field trip’ to a project,” he says. “It was definitely the right path for me, as I love what I do.”
In addition to loving his job, Manchester says he feels fortunate to work for and with great people. “In our line of work, you don’t do anything alone, and being surrounded by coworkers who are smart, caring, responsible, adaptable, and positive inspires you to do your best every day,” he says.
Major challenges local agencies are facing include an aging infrastructure and typical budget and funding constraints, Manchester says. Additionally, he believes that incorporating new technology into decision making and fostering stronger collaboration are huge opportunities moving forward.
MnLTAP offers a wide range of training opportunities at low or no cost, shares technical resources, provides hands-on assistance, and tracks local issues and needs. Manchester affirms that value. “Being part of the group has taught me a ton about important industry topics and how to find great resources I wasn’t aware of prior,” he says.
Outside of his professional life, Manchester enjoys spending time with his wife, Nichelle, and son, Evan—often watching a good family movie at the theater or in the basement. “I’m still working on getting better at Mario Kart because I’m not doing too well against my competition!” Manchester says. He also tries to get in a few runs every week.
“My family has been a huge inspiration to me,” he says. “I couldn’t do anything without their support.”