The Unified Government (UG) Public Works Department joined more than 200 public works professionals. These professionals were from 22 cities. They gathered at the 2025 Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo, held Oct. 8 to 10.
Hosted by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-America Chapter, the annual event featured hands-on competitions. It included technical training. It also provided professional development opportunities. These activities were designed to strengthen safety, efficiency, and teamwork across all areas of public works.
UG employees competed in several events. These included the Skid Steer, Mini Excavator, Small and Large Snowplow Truck, Loader, and Mechanics competitions. Each challenge tested participants’ precision, technical skills, and ability to perform under real-world conditions.
In addition to competition events, the Expo offered flagger certification. It also provided soft-skill training led by Johnson County Community College. The sessions focused on communication, leadership, and collaboration.
Public Works participants represented multiple divisions:
- Environmental Services: Jack Baska, Daniel Botello, Emilio De La Rosa, Trevor Hand, Cory Kraft, and Alex Taylor
- Fleet Services: John Chamberlin, Jayson Dunn, Sebastian Mejia, Jorge Moreno-Muñoz, and Josh Strumillo
- Street Maintenance: Gene McCombs, James Petty, Matthew Stark, Chris Traffis, and Michael Tarwater
Several team members placed among the Top 10 in their events:
- Jack Baska – 3rd Place, Mini Excavator Challenge
- John Chamberlin – 6th Place, Mechanics
- Matthew Stark – 10th Place, Mini Excavator Challenge
- Alex Taylor – 6th Place, Skid Steer Challenge
“Congratulations to our crews for representing our community with professionalism and pride,” said Public Works Director Troy Shaw. “Events like the Mid-America Equipment Expo and Roadeo are valuable because they combine hands-on learning with peer exchange. The experience strengthens our workforce, supports safety and innovation, and reinforces the professionalism that defines public works.”
The Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo gives public works professionals across the region a chance to share best practices. They can enhance their skills. Additionally, they can build relationships that improve service delivery in their home communities.
The UG Public Works Department congratulates all participants for their hard work and teamwork in representing Kansas City, Kansas.
Interested in a career in Public Works? Check out available opportunities on the UG’s careers website.
