Aging systems. Bigger demands. Tight budgets. If you’re a utility owner, you know the challenges facing water and wastewater systems today. The pressure is real and rising.

That’s where agile program management comes in. It’s more than traditional project management — it’s a smarter, more adaptive approach to managing complex infrastructure challenges.

At GFT, we’ve spent over 25 years refining a flexible, outcome-driven approach to helping utilities deliver large capital programs. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so ours is centered around customized solutions for each program vision. Every community and every challenge is different. Our core focus never changes: delivering value faster, managing risks, and maximizing cost-effectiveness.

Here are some key features of our customized approach to program management honed over decades of practical application.

The best programs begin with clear priorities and a solid roadmap.

We work with owners to develop program management plans that take a holistic approach rather than focusing on individual projects. It defines the full management approach: governance, funding, quality, technical performance, delivery models, risk, communication, and more.

Prioritizing projects, setting realistic budgets, and scheduling work to minimize disruption are all part of the process. Our approach is grounded in asset management principles and built to be adaptable as conditions change.

One of the most powerful tools in your toolbox? Collaborative delivery.

We work with you to select the right collaborative delivery method based on factors such as organizational preparedness, project scale, schedule, and legal and regulatory framework. Whether you go with progressive design-build, construction manager at risk, or another model, the goal should be the same: effectively manage your risks, improve schedule, and boost quality.

We help you weigh the options, then guide you through procurement and contracting. Collaboration isn’t just about contractors; it’s about building trust across the whole team from day one.

Successful program delivery and outcomes largely depend on great contractors. But in many regions, competition is thin and growing thinner. 

We support utility clients in building a stronger local contractor ecosystem. That includes everything from industry workshops and early outreach to simplified qualification processes and mentoring for small and disadvantaged businesses. 

Our work with West Harris County Regional Water Authority shows the impact. Strategic outreach led to a pipeline of qualified bidders, saving time and money across a $4+ billion capital program. 

Funding is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for any infrastructure program. 

In Texas, we supported clients through the SWIFT program, unlocking nearly $1 billion in low-cost funding and saving hundreds of millions in long-term costs.  

The current funding climate is marked by uncertainty and increased competition. Even so, we remain focused on helping our clients find funding opportunities that others may overlook. Through creative and strategic thinking, we help position projects for continued progress and success. 

We help owners navigate the full landscape: state and federal grants, bonds, low-interest loans, and more. Our agile team knows how to time applications, align project schedules, and manage compliance reporting across funding sources. Join our funding experts for “Funding in Flux: Navigating Uncertainty in Water Project Funding” on Nov. 20, 2025, or watch at a later date on demand. You’ll gain practical tools to plan, prioritize, and pursue funding with greater confidence. 

Our program managers often act as an extension of the utility staff. That means staying aligned with the organization’s mission, culture, and long-term goals while providing independent advice and fresh perspective based on industry best practices. 

From managing real estate needs and utility relocations to supporting stakeholder engagement, we keep owners in control and projects on track with real-time reporting and transparency. 

One example: In the Texas Coastal Storm Program Management Program, GFT is helping guide the Gulf Coast Protection District through a $2.4 billion effort to protect communities with new levees, pump stations, and environmental mitigations, balancing complex funding, technical, and stakeholder demands. 

With GFT, you get more than program management. You get a trusted partner who’s all in, every step of the way.