City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Rosemary Lozada, Management Analyst
Subject
National Public Works Week Proclamation
Recommendation
Recognize the week of May 18-24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in the City of Vernon.
Background
National Public Works Week (NPWW), celebrated annually during the third full week of May, is a time to recognize and honor the critical role public works professionals play in maintaining and improving the infrastructure and services that keep our communities safe, clean, and functioning.
Established in 1960 by the American Public Works Association (APWA), this week shines a spotlight on the often behind-the-scenes work that supports everyday life. Public works professionals are responsible for essential services such as clean water delivery, sewer system maintenance, road construction and repair, public buildings, and emergency response infrastructure. NPWW raises awareness of these contributions, fosters community pride, and encourages public understanding of the investments needed in infrastructure and to inspire future generations to consider careers in public service fields that are vital to the community. 2025 Theme – “People, Purpose, Presence”
This year's theme of "People, Purpose, Presence" highlights three ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day. Meeting the needs of people and the community they serve is what gives public works professionals their sense of purpose.
Although these professionals may never meet those whose lives have been impacted, they are always present, working in the background to improve the quality of life for the people they serve.
Public Works as First Responders
Public works professionals are one of the first on scene and the last to leave disasters and emergencies. Following 9/11, public works professionals were recognized as first responders, during the Geroge W, Bush administration, in the 2003 Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-8). The ability to designate public works as first responders is an essential step toward enhancing community resilience and ensuring comprehensive emergency response.
The proclamation recognizing May 18-24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in the City of Vernon is intended to acknowledge the contributions of public works professionals who consistently maintain public safety, ensure the continuity of essential services, and recognize the crucial role they play in disaster response and recovery efforts, often working behind the scenes to support the community in times of greatest need.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Proclamation – 2025 National Public Works Week