Arlington Public Works Earns Third Reaccreditation from American Public Works Association

By Amberley Shelby, Arlington Public Works

Posted on March 03, 2023, March 03, 2023

The City of Arlington Public Works Department has been awarded its third reaccreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). APWA is an international professional association that recognizes public works agencies committed to promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and knowledge.

APWA North Texas Chapter President Jay VonAhsen presented the reaccreditation award to the Director of Public Works Keith Brooks during the evening council meeting on Feb. 28, 2023. Designation as an accredited agency is an honor for the City of Arlington, as it is only awarded to agencies who have been willing to undergo an intensive self-assessment process which requires agencies to thoroughly evaluate department-wide policies, procedures, and practices.

In January 2021, the department began the process of becoming reaccredited by reviewing over 534 management and operations policies, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with the latest industry standards. Upon finalizing the self-evaluation, evaluators from Ohio and British Columbia and department staff met July 2022 to review the department’s operations. The results of the review concluded that the department met or exceeded all the applicable established standards.

One practice was designated a “model practice” for other Public Works agencies to implement within their organization. The Stormwater Education Division’s “Turn Around Don’t Drown®” art contest as being a model practice for other Public Works agencies to implement in their organizations. The campaign was recognized as a creative way for children in grades 3-5 to illustrate the dangers of, riding, a bike, or walking through flood waters.

Click here to learn more about the City’s the Stormwater Management programs.

At the time of initial accreditation in July 2010, the department became the 3rd agency in the State of Texas and the 59th agency in North America to receive the prestigious designation. Today, APWA has over 30,000 members and 179 accredited agencies in North America.

To learn more about the Public Works Department’s programs and services, visit the department’s website.