Feb. 16-22, 2025, is Engineers Week. Join us as we spotlight some of the people behind the design, construction, and record-keeping of our city's streets, bridges, and water and sewer systems.
Meet Kimberly Walden! Kimberly, a Battle Creek Central High School graduate, serves as the City of Battle Creek’s engineering infrastructure coordinator. In this role, Kimberly coordinates site plan reviews, approves Right of Way permits, oversees the introduction to water and sewer infrastructure, manages sidewalk rehabilitation, approves special event permits for engineering, and assists with engineering project inspections.
What’s the best part of your job?
Working with builders and the Engineering Division to bring new developments and buildings into our community.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment? What made it special?
I am new to this position, and I have only been in this role for three weeks. I am still trying to learn all the ins and outs of this position, but I am excited to see what is to come!
What role do you think engineers will play in addressing future challenges in Battle Creek?
Engineers work to build new things and to maintain infrastructure. Engineers will help our city accommodate new growth, through housing developments and business developments. They work to keep our roads drivable and our bridges safe, all to ensure that traffic keeps flowing.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working?
I coach my kids’ sports teams, read, and work on puzzles.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be and why?
I wish I could control time. A lot of the time, I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get all our work done.
What skills and qualities do you think are essential for someone in your position?
Organization is critical, as well as being able to communicate and multitask. There are multiple projects and tasks happening at the same time, and I must be flexible all the time to move between tasks and projects.
What advice would you give to young aspiring engineers who want to make a difference in the Battle Creek community?
Be coachable, willing to learn, and able to be positive. Change and progress takes time and is a team effort. 