National Public Works Week

"Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression"

May 20-26, 2012

Since 1960, APWA has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across the nation, our more than 28,000 members 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 “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression” as its theme for 2012’s National Public Works Week, which will be celebrated May 20-26. The theme speaks to the never-ending effort of public works professionals to use sustainable solutions to bring their communities the highest possible quality of life within a framework of environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

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

JOIN US IN CELEBRATION!

This year’s poster is a watercolor scene representing our theme “Public Works: Creating a Lasting Impression” by Robert Gantt Steele.

Robert prefers to paint from life. He has developed his artistic skills through constant observation and by studying the masters. He has illustrated for musicals such as Showboat on Broadway, for magazines such as Smithsonian and for book covers, children’s books and exhibitions.

Robert lives with his wife and two children in Larkspur, California.
Poster size is 20" X 30"
 

Buy the poster now!

Description on poster:
Inspiration comes from many places in our lives. In public works, inspiration is all around us.
 
This year, as the Golden Gate Bridge celebrates its 75th anniversary, we celebrate the inspiration and lasting impression it has provided to many generations.

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.