What do police and fire responding to an emergency, checking out a book at the library, driving to a recreation center, weekly trash collection, and safely walking your child to school all have in common? They are all made possible, in part, by the City of Arlington's Department of Public Works and Transportation.

When you think of the impact a department has on the daily lives of Arlington's residents and visitors, it's hard to beat that of the nearly 280 full- and part-time Public Works and Transportation employees. These men and women are responsible for the design, building, and maintenance of all street and drainage infrastructure; maintenance of public buildings and fleet; optimizing mobility through traffic engineering; management of the City landfill; recycling programs; environmental education; and ensuring children's safety through school crossing guard services. In recognition of the integral role these employees have in the health, safety, and comfort of the community, Mayor Jeff Williams proclaimed the week of May 21-27, 2017, as National Public Works Week.

Since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week to educate the public on the importance public works activities have on their daily lives. This year's theme, "Public Works Connects Us"highlights and celebrates the connections and communities formed as a result of public works services. Without individuals dedicated to the planning, building, and maintenance of public infrastructure, communities like Arlington could not exist.

"I'm honored to be a part of a Public Works organization that genuinely cares about our city and is dedicated to making Arlington a healthy and safe place to live, work, and play,"said Mindy Carmichael, Director of Public Works and Transportation.