~ May 18 - 24 is weeklong observance this year ~
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va - National Public Works Week (NPWW) is an annual event recognized in the Public Works industry during the third week in May. It’s sponsored by the American Public Works Association, or APWA. The agency was founded in 1937 by a cohort of public works leaders on the heels of an initiative by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to heavily invest in a major economic package following the Great Depression.
This year’s NPWW theme is “People, Purpose, Presence”. According to APWA, these signify the “…three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day.”
While the theme changes annually, the purpose does not. The goal is to heighten public awareness of the importance and critical nature of public works, and to show appreciation to its employees for their stewardship as service ambassadors. The tradition started in 1960, when APWA held the first National Public Works Week as a public education campaign, following an endorsement from the United States Senate.
Two years later, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation heralding public works as, “…vitally important to our national health and welfare,” and acknowledged the efforts of those working in the industry.
May 18-24 has been set aside this year for National Public Works Week for all agencies, accredited and non-accredited. Though optional, the custom of issuing a proclamation remains at the local level. As in previous years, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will issue a proclamation to DPWES.
Throughout the week, all over North America, there will be picnics, heavy equipment ‘roadeos’, proclamations and other events and recognitions.
Currently, there are more than 200 APWA accredited agencies in the United States and Canada, comprising more than 32,000 employees. The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is one of several agencies in Virginia accredited by the American Public Works Association.