HIGHLIGHTS
ARLINGTON PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION KEEPS CITY MOVING
Each year , during the third full week of May , the nation celebrates National Public Works Week . The theme of this year ’ s campaign , which was held May 16-22 , was “ Stronger Together ” and is meant to increase awareness of how the collaboration between residents and public works professionals magnifies the ability to accomplish goals that improve the quality of life in a community .
Although we hear the term public works used often , exactly what public works is and does can be a mystery to many people . Public works is defined as the building of things by the government for the community . Within the City of Arlington , the Public Works and Transportation Department does this and so much more . Comprised of 12 divisions , the department is responsible for the following :
• Construction Inspection and Survey Services
• Drainage Infrastructure Maintenance and Repair
• Environmental Compliance and Education
• Flood Mitigation
• Floodplain Management
• Pavement Marking Installation and Maintenance
• Roadway Capital Improvement Program
• Street Pavement Maintenance
• Traffic Safety and Flow Engineering
• Traffic Sign Installation and Maintenance
• Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance
In 2010 , the department became the third in the state to be recognized by the American Public Works Association as an accredited agency that goes above and beyond nationally established management practices . To maintain this distinction , the department must commit to performing a self-evaluation to ensure that critical services are being addressed , set goals for improvement , and accomplish increased productivity and effectiveness . In June 2018 , the department underwent a comprehensive review of their practices by the American Public Works Association and were found to be in complete compliance with over 420 industry practices . The department is currently beginning the reaccreditation process in anticipation of a re-evaluation in July 2022 .
In recognition of the integral role the department ’ s nearly 280 employees have in the health , safety , and comfort of the community , Mayor Jeff Williams proclaimed the week of May 16-22 , 2021 , as National Public Works Week .
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