The Public Works Department is proud of its culture of self-improvement. We have conducted numerous studies of our business practices, embraced the concept of total quality management and through ongoing process improvement, implemented changes in several areas. The American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation Program gives the Department an opportunity to measure its practices, policies, and procedures against nationally accepted public works standards. The Department was the first county public works agency in California to be accredited back in 2001. We were re-accredited in 2004, 2008 and 2012. In anticipation of our re-accreditation visit by the APWA evaluators scheduled for October 3, 4 & 5, 2016, we have reviewed all of our practices, policies, and procedures and feel we are in full compliance with the standards set by APWA.
In addition to the Public Works Department, the Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Flood Control District) has applied for independent accreditation by APWA. During the same site visit in October 2016, the APWA evaluators will review the practices, policies and procedures and judge the Flood Control District as a stand-alone District.
The Department will not benefit from the opportunity to become re-accredited and the Flood Control District will not have the opportunity to receive independent accreditation and be recognized by the American Public Works Association.