Between Two Shovels with Derek Minnema

Chris Cox is a land planner, landscape architect, and development consultant who helps property owners, builders, and developers unlock the potential of their land through feasibility, permitting, and compliance. In this episode of Between Two Shovels, we dig into what it actually takes to develop property along the Capital SouthEast Connector corridor, from wetland constraints and California tiger salamander mitigation to access control, utility planning, and the rising cost of environmental compliance in Sacramento County.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Chris Cox Background 00:53 68 Miles of Frontage and What Landowners Are Asking 02:30 Wetlands Everywhere: The First Thing to Check on Grant Line 03:45 California Tiger Salamander and the Major Core Recovery Area 04:04 No Driveways on an Expressway: Access Control Explained 05:45 Finding Mitigation Land Is Getting Harder 06:10 Mitigation Costs: From $300K to $1 Million Per Acre 07:30 Multiple Species, Multiple Mitigation Locations 08:00 South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan and the JPA's Role 09:30 Housing Demand, Interest Rates and the 2025 Market 10:45 Utilities Along the Corridor: SMUD, Water and Sewer 14:00 Cost Sharing Agreements and Economies of Scale 16:00 How JPA Environmental Coverage Relates to Adjacent Properties 18:30 General Plan Adoption and Development Consistency 20:00 Sphere of Influence, Annexations and Comment Letters 22:00 Folsom Master Plan and Seamless Corridor Integration 24:59 River Rock Casino, the Grant Line Interchange and Elk Grove Growth 27:30 Kammerer Road Extension: Federal Funds, Wetlands and the Road to I-5 31:05 68 Miles of Frontage and How the JPA Can Help Landowners Navigate the ProcessSubscribe to Between Two Shovels for conversations with the people building, funding, and planning infrastructure across California and beyond.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Guest: Chris Cox, Principal Land Development Consultant, specializing in finding ROI for property owners and developers.

John Merchant has lived in Rancho Murieta for 40 years. In this episode of Between Two Shovels, he sits down with Derek Minnema to talk through what four decades of growth in southeast Sacramento County actually looks like from the ground, and why the roads connecting his community to the rest of the region have not kept pace.The conversation covers the deteriorating state of Scott Road and Grant Line Boulevard, the fire and flood risks facing Rancho Murieta, why a community of 6,000 people already cannot evacuate safely, and what it means to keep approving development without a serious conversation about emergency access.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:58 40 Years in Rancho Murieta and the Stoplight Count 04:27 Scott Road, Grant Line, and a Million Trips a Year 05:34 Island of Urbanization Explained 05:57 Urban Services Boundary and Fire Risk 09:21 Development Pressure and Insurance Pullout 13:36 If We Can't Get 6,000 People Out, How Do We Get 8,000 Out? 15:02 Paradise, Maui, and Los Angeles: The Names That Changed the Conversation 16:39 Two Kinds of Disaster: Flood and Fire 19:36 What the County Study Needs to Solve 21:22 Why a Two Lane Road Is Not Enough 22:57 We Need a Real Grown-Up Route 23:59 The Landfill Road and the Case for Four Lanes 26:24 How the $25 Million Federal Grant Will Be Used 31:03 Three Floods Since 1986 and the Call to Action 33:53 Closing and What Comes NextSubscribe to Between Two Shovels for conversations with the people building, funding, and planning infrastructure across California and beyond.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Guest: John Merchant Title: Between Two Shovels EP 21: John Merchant - Roads, Evacuation, and Growth in Southeast Sacramento County

From forming one of the nation's first MPOs in Las Vegas to serving as Caltrans' Chief Environmental Engineer, Steve Borroum has spent decades at the intersection of transportation, air quality, and land use policy. In this episode, he breaks down what the data actually says about Vehicle Miles Traveled, why induced demand isn't the full story, and what really drives traffic growth.Steve's career spans creating the first regional development fee program in the country, shaping national air quality conformity regulations, and helping lift a court-ordered development moratorium in El Dorado County. He was also instrumental in the early vision for the Capital Southeast Connector.Chapters:00:00 Intro and Background02:21 Starting the Las Vegas MPO05:05 The First Regional Development Fee Program07:03 Working for Caltrans as Chief Environmental Engineer07:54 Shaping National Air Quality Conformity Rules11:03 El Dorado County and the Development Stop Order14:05 The Origins of the Capital Southeast Connector17:05 The Real Story Behind VMT23:00 Induced Demand — What the Data Actually Shows31:39 Why VMT Per Capita Has Been Flat Since 199034:10 What Actually Changes VMT36:04 Clean the Tailpipe: The Path Forward38:12 Closing Thoughts on Job-Housing BalanceSubscribe to Between Two Shovels for conversations with the people building, moving, and funding infrastructure across California and beyond.Guest: Steve Borroum, Former Chief Environmental Engineer, CaltransBetween Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.

Most people have never heard of a freight broker. Travis Dodge has spent 11 years as one, and in this episode he pulls back the curtain on how freight actually moves across the country, how brokers make their money, and what is really happening in the trucking industry right now.Travis is the founder of Wheelhouse, a freight brokerage based in Oakland. He launched the company in September 2024 after a decade of building his book of business as an independent agent.Chapters:00:00 Intro and High School Reunion 03:21 What Does a Freight Broker Actually Do? 06:03 Travis's Journey From Software Sales to Freight 08:52 How Public Infrastructure Projects Get Built 21:25 Where Does Public Transportation Fit In? 23:22 The Single User Problem With Mass Transit 28:19 How Wheelhouse Makes Money and Who They Work With 29:18 Does Congestion Affect Freight Costs? 33:59 AB5, Independent Contractors, and Rate Spikes 37:23 Electric Trucks and the Reality of Freight 42:49 Why Travis Started Using LinkedIn 47:03 Why California Still Does Not Have High Speed Rail 52:58 Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to Between Two Shovels for conversations with the people building, moving, and funding infrastructure across California and beyond.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Guest: Travis Dodge, Founder at Wheelhouse FreightTitle: Between Two Shovels EP 19: Travis Dodge - Freight Broker Explains Markup, Congestion & Electric Trucks

Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association, and Chris Shimoda, principal lobbyist for CTA, join Derek Minnema for a full conversation on what is happening in the California trucking industry right now. From the regulatory environment and electrification challenges to supply chain fragility, freight bottlenecks, and the fight for transportation funding.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Backgrounds01:52 What the California Trucking Association Does05:18 What It Is Like to Operate in California Right Now07:46 How COVID Reshaped Freight Demand and the Supply Chain Crisis09:18 Multi-Generation Carriers Going Out of Business10:32 Freight Bottlenecks and Highway Infrastructure Needs12:44 The Dwindling Gas Tax and Road User Charge Explained17:52 The Reality of Electric Trucks in California21:13 Three Chargers Equaling a Thousand Homes Worth of Power23:09 What Happens When Trucks Stop Moving24:00 Where Electric Truck Regulations Stand Today27:15 CTA Member Benefits, Compliance Help and Driver Recognition29:29 The Truck Driver Championship and Family Events30:41 Why the Industry Must Get Politically Active Now33:23 Taking Elected Officials Into the Field34:10 California Freight Bottlenecks That Need Fixing35:37 How to Expand the Transportation Funding PieSubscribe for more conversations on transportation policy, infrastructure and what keeps supply chains moving.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Title: Between Two Shovels EP 18: Eric Sauer & Chris Shimoda - California Trucking Association Services

GoodFellow Brothers built the Capital SouthEast Connector's White Rock Road expressway, the first modern four-lane expressway in the Sacramento region. In this episode, Vice President John Hovde and Project Manager Josh Nichols break down exactly how they did it, from winning the bid during COVID lockdowns to finishing with a bike path that was never in the original contract.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and GoodFellow Brothers Overview02:16 How Contractors Win Public Infrastructure Work05:19 Bidding and Building During COVID09:18 Coordinating Construction Alongside a Growing Community12:02 Eliminating 200,000 Yards of Import: The Cost Reduction Incentive15:02 How Cost Savings Built the Bike Path17:04 Blasting Rock Next to Occupied Homes22:18 Paving an Expressway: 55,000 Tons and 28 Trucks a Day28:38 Why Traffic Poles Take 6 Months to Deliver31:24 Long Lead Items Every Contractor Should Plan For32:12 Lessons Learned for the Next Phase of the Connector35:30 Final Thoughts from the FieldSubscribe for more conversations about infrastructure, construction and what it actually takes to build the roads communities depend on.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Guest: John Hovde and Josh Nichols, GoodFellow BrothersTitle: Between Two Shovels EP 17: John Hovde & Josh Nichols (GoodFellow Brothers) - How We Saved Millions

Steve Miklos served as Folsom's mayor and was chairman of the Connector JPA when Derek Minnema was hired as executive director. This conversation covers the origin story of the Capital SouthEast Connector, from forming the JPA in the early 2000s to securing 75% voter approval in 2004.Steve shares what it was like navigating ideological opposition at SACOG, building regional consensus across five jurisdictions, and why institutional knowledge matters when council leadership changes every few years. He also reveals his leadership philosophy on staff reports, team building, and making promises to communities that you keep for decades.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Steve's Background with Connector JPA 03:41 - Fire, Police & Transportation: Top 3 Resident Priorities 06:18 - Traffic Fatalities on White Rock Road Drove Regional Vision 11:15 - Forming a JPA: Leaving Egos at the Door 17:41 - Leadership Style: Keep Staff Reports Simple 23:26 - SACOG Formation: Overcoming Ideology & Sprawl Opposition 27:12 - 75% Voter Approval: How They Built Community Support 32:39 - Lost Institutional Knowledge: Why Regular Council Briefings Matter 35:16 - The Aquatic Center Story: Raising $525K to Flip a VoteBetween Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Learn more about the Capital SouthEast Connector: Website: connectorjpa.com#Transportation #Infrastructure #Leadership #RegionalPlanning #California #PublicPolicyTitle: Between Two Shovels Ep.16: Steve Miklos - Promises Made, Promises Kept & the 75% Voter Mandate 

Will Kempton shares five decades of transportation infrastructure experience, from creating California's first local sales tax measure to leading Caltrans through historic emergency responses. This conversation covers the origins of self-help counties, lessons from the MacArthur Maze collapse, and what it takes to build unanimity for major infrastructure projects.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 Introduction and 52 years in transportation 2:56 From Caltrans to Santa Clara County's first sales tax measure 9:38 Origins of self-help counties in California 12:57 Running Caltrans under Governor Schwarzenegger 15:58 The MacArthur Maze collapse emergency response 19:53 How Caltrans rebuilt a highway in 26 days 21:57 The Bay Bridge closure that beat the deadline 27:11 Corvettes and transportation connections 30:34 Why Sacramento County transportation measures keep failing 35:30 Advice for building the Capital SouthEast Connector 39:42 Building public trust through visible accountability42:44 What Sacramento really needs for transportation 44:11 The unanimity strategy that delivered projects fastWill Kempton's career spans the development of California's transportation funding mechanisms and major infrastructure delivery. His insights on community engagement, emergency response, and building regional consensus offer valuable lessons for transportation agencies navigating today's funding challenges.Between Two Shovels is produced by the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority and explores transportation policy, engineering, and project delivery through conversations with industry leaders.Title: Between Two Shovels Ep.15: Will Kempton - 52 Years in Transportation, First Local Tax, to Caltrans

Right-of-way acquisition has changed dramatically from the days when governments simply took land for railroads. Ann Grava, Real Estate Program Manager at the City of Elk Grove, breaks down the modern process cities follow to acquire property for public infrastructure projects, from early relationship building through final compensation.Learn how independent appraisals work, what rights property owners have during negotiations, and why the process takes a minimum of six months. This episode covers everything from the $5,000 appraisal reimbursement to relocation assistance packages and the resolution of necessity hearings that protect both public interests and private property rights.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Meet Ann Grava 1:13 - What is Right-of-Way? Understanding Property Rights 4:52 - How Right-of-Way Has Changed Since the 1800s 8:11 - The Acquisition Process: Step-by-Step Walkthrough 11:56 - Independent Appraisals and Just Compensation 16:10 - Making the Offer: Property Owner Rights 18:39 - What Happens When Owners Disagree with the Appraisal 21:12 - Resolution of Necessity: The Public Hearing Process 24:34 - Timeline: Why Acquisitions Take Months, Not Days 26:08 - Real Example: Saving a Garage While Taking a House 27:34 - Tips for Engineers: Utilities and Title Reports 31:09 - Current Project Update: Kammerer Road Extension 34:37 - Relocation Assistance: Moving Costs and Housing Studies 38:42 - Final Thoughts: Fair Process in Modern AmericaBetween Two Shovels is a podcast exploring the people, projects, and processes behind public infrastructure.Guest: Ann Grava, Real Estate Program Manager, City of Elk Grove

Mike Sturino, President and CEO of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, discusses cutting-edge transportation technology including wireless EV charging roads, AI-powered infrastructure, and smart highway systems. Learn about Sweden's successful wireless charging pilot on Gotland Island, Chicago's ongoing programs, and how Middle East innovations are shaping the future of transportation safety and efficiency.Timestamps:6:31 - Mike's Background: From Attorney to Road Builders CEO7:24 - Sweden Study Mission: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure11:41 - Wireless Charging Technology: How It Works14:51 - Chicago's Two Pilot Programs for Wireless Charging16:20 - Who Manufactures Wireless Charging Road Systems?17:16 - Regulatory Challenges and Public-Private Partnerships20:01 - The Future: Bus Drivers Never Stopping for Fuel21:45 - Middle East AI Innovation: Abu Dhabi and Dubai23:38 - Weigh-in-Motion Technology for Trucks24:10 - Secretary Duffy's Three Priorities: Safety, Building, Innovation26:09 - Learning from Infrastructure Failures: Baltimore Bridge27:45 - Rapid Reconstruction: Minnesota Bridge and Sanibel Causeway29:17 - Illinois as Thought Leaders in Transportation InnovationMike Sturino leads the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association in exploring innovative technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in transportation infrastructure. From wireless charging roads to AI-powered enforcement systems, this conversation covers the technologies reshaping how we build and maintain highways.Subscribe for more infrastructure innovation insights and transportation industry conversations.Guest: Mike Sturino, President and CEO at Illinois Road and Transportation Builders AssociationLearn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com

California's supply chain is more vulnerable now than during COVID—and most people don't even realize it.In this episode of Between Two Shovels, Derek Minnema sits down with Amanda Blackwood, Strategic Advisor at the Supply Chain Federation, to discuss the mounting challenges facing America's goods movement infrastructure. From ineffective indirect source rules to tariff uncertainty and misaligned state regulations, the conversation reveals why businesses are leaving California and what it means for the future of freight.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Why the supply chain is more fragile than during COVID 3:50 - Trump tariffs and industry disruption 6:45 - What is the supply chain? Ports to doorsteps 8:00 - Indirect Source Rules explained 12:15 - The last 2% problem and regulation overreach 15:58 - Businesses leaving California 17:22 - How other states view their ports vs. California 19:00 - Cost-effective solutions and what's actually implementable 20:20 - Federal legislation and working with the new administration 21:30 - Why local infrastructure matters for freight movementAmanda Blackwood brings years of supply chain expertise to explain complex policy issues in straightforward terms. This conversation matters for anyone concerned about inflation, supply chain resilience, or California's economic competitiveness.Subscribe for more conversations about infrastructure, transportation policy, and the decisions shaping America's future.Guest: Amanda Blackwood - Strategic Advisor at Supply Chain FederationLearn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com

Matt Smeltzer, Deputy Director of Engineering for El Dorado County, takes us inside the largest capital improvement project in county history: the $20+ million Mosquito Road Bridge that crosses a 400-foot canyon.This isn't your typical bridge project. For nearly 30 years, Matt has been working to replace a century-old swinging bridge that emergency vehicles couldn't even cross. The new bridge will eliminate a dangerous 1.3-mile journey through rockslide-prone canyon roads, replacing it with a safe 0.3-mile crossing 400 feet above the American River.From helicopter-delivered geotech equipment to portable concrete batch plants, this project showcases the incredible logistics behind modern infrastructure. Matt shares the persistence required to secure 100% federal funding and the engineering challenges of building 200-foot tall columns in one of California's most remote locations.Key Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction 4:59 - The big bridge story begins8:46 - Project timeline: 1998 to 202614:43 - Helicopter geotech and construction challenges18:11 - Balanced segmental cantilever construction explained21:06 - Timeline delays and complexity factors26:43 - Bridge aesthetics and design features28:46 - Why this bridge matters: saving lives and moneySubscribe for more infrastructure insights from California's transportation leaders.Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.comGuest: Matt Smeltzer - Deputy Director of Engineering at County of El Dorado

Sacramento State civil engineering graduate Orgil Batchuluun sits down to share his first-year insights from the transportation industry. From passing the EIT exam early to navigating private vs public sector decisions, this conversation covers the real challenges new engineers face.Derek Minnema dives deep into career advice, AI adoption in engineering, mentorship strategies, and what it takes to stand out as a young professional. Orgil opens up about project challenges, communication struggles, and his entrepreneurial ambitions.Whether you're a current engineering student, recent graduate, or seasoned professional looking to mentor others, this episode delivers practical insights about building a successful engineering career.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction and Background2:06 - EIT Exam Strategy and Professional License Path5:00 - Setting Yourself Apart as a Young Engineer7:44 - Current Projects and Real-World Challenges10:57 - AI's Role in Civil Engineering14:12 - Private vs Public Sector Career Decisions21:22 - The Future of Transportation and Transit Systems25:02 - Entrepreneurial Path and Starting Your Own Firm32:17 - Biggest Career Inspirations and Project Interests36:28 - New Graduate Challenges and Industry Changes41:51 - Finding Mentors and Developing Soft Skills46:10 - Final Advice and Wrap-upSubscribe for more insights on infrastructure, transportation policy, and engineering career development from industry leaders and rising professionals.Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com Guest: Orgil Batchuluun - 2024 Sacramento State College Graduate in Civil Engineering - https://www.linkedin.com/in/orgilbatchuluun/

Join Derek Minnema as he sits down with longtime friend and BKF Engineers' Glenn Armstrong to discuss 25 years of changes in the civil engineering industry. From their Sacramento State days getting through structures lab together to navigating today's funding landscape, this conversation covers the real challenges facing engineers today.Glenn shares insights on the shifting priorities in transportation funding, the concerning trend of new graduates avoiding professional licensing, and what it takes to build lasting client relationships in consulting. The discussion touches on everything from active transportation projects to the importance of networking with your college classmates who become tomorrow's decision makers.Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your engineering career, this episode offers practical advice on career development, project management, and adapting to an evolving industry.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Sacramento State memories2:33 - Glenn's transition from banking to civil engineering4:32 - The importance of communication skills in engineering7:19 - Preparation strategies for meetings and presentations11:42 - What motivates Derek's content creation13:11 - Glenn's career focus on roadway design16:08 - The funding environment and "hungry hungry hippos" approach18:25 - Active transportation projects and ATP funding24:15 - Career advice for new civil engineering graduates27:44 - Public vs private sector career paths30:29 - Notable projects and what makes them fulfilling35:15 - Professional licensing trends among new graduates41:17 - Industry consolidation and firm sizes44:16 - Leadership development and mentoring approachesSubscribe for more insights from transportation and infrastructure leaders.Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com Guest: Glenn Armstrong - Regional Transportation Lead at BKF Engineers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennarmstrong/

Michael Quigley, Executive Director of California Alliance For Jobs, joins Derek Minnema to discuss the state's massive infrastructure funding challenges and opportunities. From cap and trade reauthorization to decades-delayed water projects, discover the real story behind California's infrastructure priorities.Key Topics Covered:-Cap and trade program generating $4B annually-Sites Reservoir: 45 years in the making, breaking ground by 2026?-High speed rail funding under federal scrutiny-Highway 37 climate-resilient infrastructure project-Public-private partnerships in mega projects-Construction industry employment and opportunitiesTimestamps: 0:00 Introduction and Michael's background 2:10 California Alliance For Jobs 30-year history 4:37 Construction careers and family-supporting jobs 6:21 Cap and trade program explained 9:21 High speed rail federal funding challenges 12:04 Sites Reservoir: California's water infrastructure gap 15:50 Bay Delta tunnels project update 18:20 Industry optimism and P3 opportunities 19:47 Highway 37 elevated toll bridge vision 21:12 Biden administration infrastructure wins 23:09 Next California governor speculation 23:51 CC Myers legacy and innovation 25:35 Closing thoughtsMichael Quigley represents the unique labor-management alliance that has shaped California infrastructure policy for three decades. His perspective offers rare insight into how billion-dollar projects actually get funded and built.Connect with the show and guests for more infrastructure insights.Learn more at https://connectorjpa.comGuest: Michael Quigley, Executive Director at California Alliance For Jobs

Why is housing affordability slipping further out of reach, and what can be done about it?In this episode of Between Two Shovels, Tim Murphy, President & CEO of the North State Building Industry Association, unpacks the complex mix of costs, regulations, and policies shaping California’s housing crisis. From six-figure fees to legislative reforms, this conversation offers an inside look at why home prices keep climbing and what solutions are on the table.What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why new housing faces $80K-$140K in fees before construction begins • How every $1,000 price increase prices 150,000 families out of a home • The role of CEQA reform and why it’s not a complete fix • How VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) costs could add $20K-$25K per home • Why suburban and rural housing demand is often overlooked • Creative solutions builders are using to keep homeownership attainableTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Tim Murphy’s background 00:01:31 - The Connector Project and regional infrastructure needs 00:04:40 - The real cost of housing fees: $80K–$140K per unit 00:06:07 - How the housing shortage impacts families 00:06:53 - Affordable housing vs. attainable housing 00:08:33 - What $1,400/month gets you in today’s market 00:11:28 - California’s affordability crisis spreading to other states 00:12:41 - CEQA reform and its limitations 00:17:00 - Understanding VMT costs and their impact on housing 00:21:22 - Local advocacy and managing development fees 00:23:23 - How small cost increases push families out of the market 00:25:13 - Creative solutions for attainable housing 00:26:56 - How HomeAid Sacramento supports transitional housing 00:29:16 - 88% job placement through construction training programs 00:30:27 - Creative financing and interest rate programs for buyersWatch now and join the conversation.What do you think is the single biggest barrier to housing affordability where you live?

Transportation engineers Mike Schmitt and Chris Gregerson from Kimley-Horn join Derek Minnema for an in-depth discussion about modern traffic analysis challenges. The conversation covers VMT implementation struggles, safety improvements on rural infrastructure, post-COVID travel pattern changes, and emerging technologies' impact on transportation planning. Their professional insights reveal the gap between policy promises and practical implementation in the transportation industry.Timestamps:00:01:13 - Professional backgrounds in transportation planning00:04:08 - Regional connectivity and evacuation route benefits00:05:37 - Pandemic impacts on travel demand modeling00:08:16 - Transition from traditional level of service metrics00:15:10 - VMT analysis implementation challenges00:16:28 - Rural road safety data and crash analysis00:19:04 - Future of autonomous vehicle safety00:20:36 - Unintended consequences of ridesharing services00:24:10 - Latest developments in VMT policy guidance00:27:57 - Regional infrastructure needs and solutionsLearn more at https://connectorjpa.comDerek Minnema: https://derekminnema.com

On Between Two Shovels, I have a conversation with Zach Liptak from Dokken Engineering about the environmental side of the Capital Southeast Connector project. As someone who's been in the trenches of this project for years, I wanted to share some eye-opening insights about what it really takes to build infrastructure responsibly.Key Insights:- Environmental mitigation can cost $3 million for just 3.5 miles of roadway- Vernal pool impacts run $250,000 per acre for direct impacts- The South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan has been a game-changer for streamlining projects- California is starting to exempt critical infrastructure projects from lengthy environmental reviews- We completed environmental documents in just 10-11 months instead of yearsTimestamps:00:00 - Meet Zach Liptak, Environmental Planner02:25 - The Power of Program-Level Environmental Planning04:57 - White Rock Road Mitigation Costs Breakdown07:08 - South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan Explained11:18 - Waters of the United States vs State Waters14:09 - Grant Line Project Mitigation Costs16:33 - The Most Expensive Mitigation Project Ever19:33 - Why Grasslands Cost So Much to Mitigate21:08 - GPS Mapping Revolution in Environmental Work23:14 - Complex Environmental Assessments Explained26:03 - California's Shift Toward Project Exemptions30:25 - Success Story34:23 - The JPA's Investment in Regional ConservationThe bottom line? Environmental compliance is expensive but necessary. The key is having the right partnerships and planning ahead.

Join infrastructure thought leader Derek Minnema and his team at the Connector JPA as they pull back the curtain on the complex realities of delivering major transportation projects in California. In this candid conversation, Derek and his leadership team reveal how navigating regulatory hurdles, securing funding, and managing stakeholder expectations requires strategic vision and adaptability that goes far beyond simply "building a road." This rare behind-the-scenes look demonstrates why infrastructure leadership requires both technical expertise and political savvy to transform transportation visions into reality.Episode Highlights:00:00:00 - 01:34 - Introduction to the podcast and the Connector JPA team; discussion of modern public engagement approaches01:34 - 03:01 - Osman shares his "Midwest perspective" culture shock when facing California's regulatory environment03:01 - 05:33 - How project needs drive vision; infrastructure delivery as "a series of legal steps"05:33 - 08:33 - The challenge of piecing together funding from multiple sources; JPA as "effectively a startup"08:33 - 11:03 - Comparing state funding consistency with federal funding unpredictability; adapting to changing criteria11:03 - 13:17 - Managing dynamics between cities and counties within the JPA structure13:17 - 15:07 - The JPA's role in delivering funding and getting projects "shovel ready"15:07 - 19:09 - The team's passion for the project and daily challenges in moving it forward19:09 - 22:18 - The strategic decision to reduce board meeting frequency and its impact on productivity22:18 - 25:41 - Benefits of quarterly board meetings for project planning and milestone tracking25:41 - 28:30 - Future funding strategies and maintaining relevance with state and federal funding sources28:30 - 30:23 - Modern approaches to public engagement and transparency; advantages of a focused JPAConnect with Derek MinnemaDerek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekminnema/Connector JPA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-southeast-connector-joint-powers-authority/Derek's Website: https://www.derekminnema.com/Connector JPA Website: https://connectorjpa.com/Derek X: @derekminnemaonxDerek Instagram: @derekminnemaSubscribe for more infrastructure insights from industry leaders navigating the complex world of transportation project delivery.

In this episode, Derek Minnema, Executive Director of Connector JPA, sits down with Kevin Bewsey, Executive Director of the Sacramento Transportation Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of transportation funding in California.They discuss:-Kevin’s career journey from civil engineer to countywide transportation leader-How VMT mitigation strategies could reshape project funding-The future of toll lanes and expressways in Sacramento County-Challenges in balancing local needs with regional mobility goals-Lessons from navigating Measure A sales tax funding and leveraging federal grantsThe real-world impact of small agencies doing big workFrom managing complex infrastructure projects to securing critical funding, Derek and Kevin share what it really takes to deliver modern transportation solutions in a fast-changing regulatory environment.📍 Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com/ 📍 Learn more about Sacramento Transportation Authority: https://www.sacta.org/Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of infrastructure and regional development.#TransportationPolicy #InfrastructureDevelopment #CaliforniaRoads #PublicWorks #SupplyChainInfrastructure #ConnectorJPA #SacramentoTransportation #FreightLogistics #CaliforniaFunding

In the premiere episode of Between Two Shovels, Derek Minnema, Executive Director of Connector JPA, sits down with Principal Civil Engineer Matt Lampa to unpack the high-stakes challenges of modern infrastructure delivery. From securing federal funding to navigating complex environmental regulations, Derek offers unfiltered insight into why local agencies like Connector JPA are filling the vacuum left by state DOTs, and how that shift is reshaping regional development. This isn’t just a local road project. It’s a national case study in how infrastructure gets done in America now.🔹 EPISODE BREAKDOWN01:27 - Derek introduces himself and Matt Lampa from the Connector JPA04:19 - Explanation of what the Connector JPA is and how it functions06:08 - Why the Connector JPA exists instead of Caltrans handling the project09:33 - The Folsom project as their "proof of concept" for the expressway16:09 - Funding challenges and limitations18:31 - Current work on Grant Line Road and its importance23:25- The implementation phase of projects and federal funding process27:05 - Working with congressional members and political aspects33:01 - The Trade Corridor Enhancement program and truck safety35:47 - Environmental mitigation challenges and regulations43:17 - Matt and Derek share their career journeys and why they joined the Connector JPA51:57 - Closing remarks📌 Connect with Derek Minnema🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekminnema/🌐 Websites: https://www.derekminnema.com/ | https://connectorjpa.com/📱 X: @derekminnemaonx | Instagram: @derekminnema

Between Two Shovels presents - Derek Minnema, Executive Director of Connector JPA, joining Vitaliy Moskalenko from Onsite Observer in this deep dive into Sacramento's infrastructure development and the ambitious 34-mile Connector expressway project.In this revealing conversation, they explore:-Vitaliy's unique journey from real estate agent to infrastructure journalist-How social media is changing public engagement with local development-The complex funding mechanisms that make or break major infrastructure-Environmental regulations and lawsuits that shape project timelines-Why California's climate policies have essentially halted highway expansion-The challenges of property acquisition and right-of-way negotiations-The future of Sacramento's development landscapeAs local development continues to transform Sacramento, this episode offers rare insights into how major infrastructure decisions get made, the political realities that shape them, and what the future holds for our region's growth.This is essential viewing for anyone interested in Sacramento's development, transportation planning, or the intersection of policy and infrastructure.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction04:20 Vitaliy's journey to local development journalism16:45 The visual appeal of infrastructure projects25:30 How project funding actually works31:05 Environmental permitting challenges35:38 Climate policy's impact on highway projects44:40 Career paths in civil engineering and infrastructure48:20 Sacramento's development future📍 Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com/