Kawsar Vazifdar, P.E., M.S., ENVSP

Presentation Title:

Closing the Gap: A Public-Private Approach to Infrastructure Development

Kawsar Vazifdar, P.E., M.S., ENVSP, Civil Engineer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Abstract:

Los Angeles County Public Works (PW) leads regional efforts in developing infrastructure to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 1383’s organic waste disposal reduction regulations. This presentation will outline PW’s public-private approach to developing organic waste infrastructure projects. The presentation will provide information on PW’s development of a proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) facility and the project’s site selection, solicitation, funding, and stakeholder engagement strategies. The presenter will share lessons learned to help other jurisdictions identify infrastructure development opportunities, navigate through the complexities of the development process, and create a sustainable waste management future.

Bio:

Kawsar Vazifdar is an Acting Civil Engineer serving as an assistant head of the Planning and Policy Development section in the Environmental Programs Division. Her team develops, analyzes, and implements environmental policies related to solid waste, organic waste, and renewable energy. She oversees the Southern California Conversion Technology Project, the Infrastructure LA Sustainable Waste and Recycling Management (SWARM) subcommittee, sustainability metrics and reporting, and the implementation of single-use plastics reduction and other waste management programs in unincorporated County and at County facilities. Ms. Vazifdar is registered as a Professional Civil Engineer in California and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCLA.