Ep. 22: Chad Butzow, Director of Public Works

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on your morning commute, wondered why a road project takes so long, questioned how repaving decisions get made, or felt frustrated trying to understand how growth is outpacing infrastructure, this is the episode you need to hear.

It is an engaging conversation with Public Works Director Chad Butzow; a refreshingly direct breakdown of the issues residents care about most. This is not a scripted, polished county update. Chad talks like a real human who knows exactly what people are feeling, and he doesn’t hold back.

We get into: • all things traffic • roundabouts • buses, repaving, new signals • street sweeping, and maintenance tie directly to flooding and safety • and the recent expansion of 44th Ave.

Chad also gives a rare inside look at how public works decisions are made, what slows things down, what speeds things up, and what residents should expect as Manatee County continues to grow.

If you care about roads, traffic, growth, or infrastructure in Manatee County, this episode is a must listen. It’s honest. It’s clear. And it answers many of the common questions so many people ask every day.

Contact the public works team: publicworks.maintenance@mymanatee.org

Public Works Website (you can even follow specific projects!)

Public Works Strategic Plan

Public Works Standards