NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
National Public Works Week May 15-21, 2016 recognizes the planning, building, and management of local communities that keep our cities running smoothly day in and day out.
The responsibilities of the public works department come in many forms. No matter the city, it is a massive and necessary undertaking. Every employee plays their part in providing the infrastructure necessary to keep a city running smoothly.
The people in the public works department wear many hats, some literally. These diverse departments work in harmony to keep their cities operational, safe, and productive. Many of these departments include:
- Transportation
- Wastewater
- Parks & Recreation
- Emergency Management
- Utilities
- Fleet Services
- Forestry
- Building Maintenance
While not all public works are as big as the one in Houston, Texas (the largest in the United States), they all serve the people of the communities where they live. The week recognizes their dedication and the often arduous task of taking care of a city and the people who live there.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPublicWorksWeek
- Host an event honoring the public works department in your city.
- Recognize those who’ve done exemplary work for the city.
- Thank a public works employee you know.
- Visit the American Public Works Association website to find resources and this year’s theme.
- Consider a public works career.
- Learn all the places
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK HISTORY
National Public Works Week became an education campaign in 1960. Rear Admiral Cushing Phillips, United States Navy (retired), chaired the campaign. That same year, Admiral Phillips retired as President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. National Public Works Week would receive federal recognition in 1962 through a proclamation by President John F. Kennedy.
Each year, the American Public Works Association creates a theme and resources to share with the public. Some of the past themes include:
2022 – Ready and Resilient
2021 – Stronger Together
2020 – The Rhythm of Public Works
2019 – It Starts Here
2018 – The Power of Public Works