{Brief}ly Speaking Podcast

Texas’ $1 Billion Water Grant – What You Need to Know with Daniela Garnica

{Brief}ly Speaking about a rare $1 billion funding opportunity for Texas water systems. SEH’s Daniela Garnica breaks down the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants program, including who qualifies, what projects are eligible, and how it differs from traditional funding.

With a fast-approaching 2027 deadline, this episode highlights what communities need to know now to plan strategically and secure long-term water reliability.

Designed with Firefighters, Built for Real Response with Chuck Leipzig

{Brief}ly Speaking about why firefighter experience matters in fire station design. SEH Operational Planner and Former Fire Chief, Chuck Leipzig, shares how firsthand fire service knowledge helps bridge the gap between operational reality and facility design, ensuring stations support both emergency response and daily life in the firehouse. From translating firefighter workflows into practical design choices to helping project teams avoid costly oversights, this episode explores how having former fire chiefs and firefighters involved in planning leads to safer, more functional stations for departments and the communities they serve.

Turning Public Meetings into Project Momentum with Kristin Petersen

 {Brief}ly Speaking about turning public engagement into a project advantage. Senior planner Kristin Petersen shares how agencies can move beyond tense public meetings and create meaningful community conversations that build trust and improve outcomes. From preparing teams and communicating complex ideas clearly to managing difficult moments and turning feedback into real decisions, this episode explores practical strategies for making public engagement more productive and impactful. 

The Next Phase of Lead and Copper Compliance with Brian Hare

{Brief}ly Speaking about the next phase of lead and copper compliance. SEH civil engineer Brian Hare shares how communities can move beyond inventories and start making smart, defensible decisions about service line replacement. From setting priorities and meeting deadlines to managing public communication and long-term compliance, this episode outlines the practical steps utilities can take to protect residents and stay ahead of evolving regulations.

 *Registered Professional Engineer in MN 

 Spring Runoff Reality Check with Emily Jennings: Is Your Stormwater System Ready? 

{Brief}ly Speaking about why stormwater evaluations are one of the smartest moves a community can make before spring runoff exposes hidden problems. SEH’s Emily Jennings breaks down what a thorough evaluation includes, how it clarifies flooding and regulatory risk, and why data-driven analysis must translate into practical, prioritized action. From controlling long-term costs to supporting resilience and asset management goals, this episode shows how proactive stormwater planning helps communities stay ahead of issues instead of chasing them after the water starts rising.

 *Registered Professional Engineer in MN 

Running a Successful On-Call Program with Alan Hart

{Brief}ly Speaking about how communities can make engineering on-call programs work for them, not against them. SEH’s Alan Hart explains what clients need to know before starting an on-call program or fixing one that is falling short. From understanding local and state regulations to setting clear expectations and controlling costs, this episode shows how the right on-call approach helps communities respond faster, reduce risk, and stay ahead of issues instead of constantly reacting to them.

What Every Community Should Put on Their 2026 Wish List with Jenna Obernolte

{Brief}ly Speaking about planning ahead for 2026. Municipal engineering expert Jenna Obernolte digs into the infrastructure investments that make the biggest impact, the upgrades communities often overlook, and how to turn big-picture goals into realistic, budget-smart decisions.

*Registered Professional Engineer in MN