National Public Works Week

"Because of Public Works..."

May 19-25, 2013

Since 1960, APWA has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across North America, our more than 28,000 members in the US and Canada use this week to energize and educate the public on the importance of the contribution of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing and operating the heart of our local communities and building the quality of life.

APWA has selected “Because of Public Works...” as its theme for 2013’s National Public Works Week, which will be celebrated May 19-25. The theme is about the quality of life brought to communities around the world. We are able to have clean water, safe streets and neighborhoods, efficient traffic and safe clean communities "Because of Public Works..."

About this year's artist: Jannie Ho

This year, artist Jannie Ho shows the many facets of public works in a whimsical and bright illustration. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Philadelphia, Jannie studied at Parsons School of Design in New York. Her work appears in children’s books, magazines, toys, crafts and digital media.

If you have questions about NPWW or art requests, please contact Jon Dilley via email or call 816-595-5251.
 

JOIN US IN CELEBRATION!

Buy the 2013 NPWW Poster Now!

National Public Works Week (NPWW) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.


Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society-the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.

APWA encourages public works agencies and professionals to take the opportunity to make their stories known in their communities. Over the years the observances have taken many forms, including parades, displays of public works equipment, high school essay contests, open houses, programs for civic organizations and media events. The occasion is marked each year with scores of resolutions and proclamations from mayors and governors, as well. Some special highlights of NPWW include a United States Senate resolution affirming the first National Public Works Week in 1960, letters of acknowledgment from Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson, and a Presidential Proclamation signed by John F. Kennedy in 1962.

From the beginning, the selection of a Top Ten list of exceptional public works professionals has been a cornerstone of NPWW. The program has identified more than 400 men and women who reflect the highest standards of professional conduct for public works officials. These honorees have been recognized for discharging critical responsibilities in connection to the design, construction, maintenance and/or operation of major public works projects or activities in large and small municipalities throughout North America. Often their accomplishments are particularly noteworthy in relation to the limited manpower and financial resources available to them.

National Public Works Week is observed each year during the third full week of May. Through NPWW and other efforts, APWA seeks to raise the public's awareness of public works issues and to increase confidence in public works employees who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for present and future generations.

The National Public Works Week How-To Guide is one of several resources the Association makes available to agencies to assist them in the development and implementation of their own individual celebrations. With this tool, an agency will learn how to create proclamations and solicit endorsements from government officials, develop media and press releases, write editorials and articles, and generate material for speeches. There are also several suggestions for celebratory activities to be implemented at the local level.

However you choose to celebrate NPWW this year, APWA is proud to be a resource for you. You deserve the recognition.