Public Works Department Celebrates National Public Works Week
Published on May 22, 2023
The Unified Government’s Public Works Department proudly joins cities across North America in observing National Public Works Week from May 21-27, 2023, as declared by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This year's theme is "Connecting the World Through Public Works."
National Public Works Week, an initiative ongoing since 1960, celebrates the fundamental role public works professionals play in connecting and enhancing our communities.
"Public works professionals are the unsung heroes of our community," said Jeff Fisher, Public Works Director. "Their hard work ensures ambulances and emergency vehicles are always running, that streets are clear in the winter, and that wastewater is cleaned and returned safely to the environment.”
Public Works provides an array of services that are integral to the community. These essential services are the backbone of daily life, from managing transportation infrastructure and waste systems to maintaining public spaces and responding to emergencies.
Last year, teams performed 5,230 equipment repairs, cleaned 264 miles of underground pipe, patched 28,208 potholes, applied 10,877 tons of salt to streets during winter storms, installed 278 ADA ramps, and paved 43 lane miles of local roads. View or download Public Work’s 2022 Annual Report to learn more about their work.
Dedicated professionals work behind the scenes to maintain and enhance the infrastructure and services the community relies upon daily. "Every road we drive on, the public facilities we use, the many bridges we cross, the Dumpster Days events, and even the response to emergencies, are all thanks to our dedicated public works teams,” said Fisher.
As part of the National Public Works Week observance, the Public Works Department invites the community to learn more about their work online at wycokck.org/pw. Residents can join the conversation online using the hashtag #NPWW and explore the resources provided by APWA.
"We encourage everyone in Kansas City, Kansas to join us in this celebration," said Fisher. "Show your appreciation for public works when you see them in the field, learn about the impact of their services on our lives, and let’s raise awareness about their work."
National Public Works Week is an opportunity to spotlight the work of our public works professionals and serve as a platform for educating the public about the value and necessities of public works services across the country and beyond.
The UG’s Public Works Department extends its deepest gratitude to its team and all public works professionals for their commitment to making our city a better place to live.
