Welcome to www.apwa.net, the website of the American Public Works Association (APWA), the largest and one of the oldest associations of public works professionals worldwide. Whether you are one of APWA’s nearly 30,000 members, or a non-member seeking information, solutions or connections, we want to make sure that you find what you need. APWA members are leaders in the profession and industry. They are cross-cutting in terms of where they work (local, regional, state, provincial and federal government), who they work for (both public and private sector) and disciplines (all parts of the vast public infrastructure framework, from airports to zoning). APWA exists to provide a forum in which public works professionals can exchange ideas, improve professional competency, increase the performance of their agencies and companies, and bring important public works-related topics to public attention in local, state and federal arenas. Our objectives are to develop and support the people, agencies and organizations that design, plan, build, maintain and improve our communities. Working together, we contribute to a higher and sustainable quality of life. The challenges of the 21st century require public works to build the livable communities of the coming decades, and public works professionals are well suited to meet these challenges. APWA’s priorities center on five major themes: education, sustainability, international relations, emergency management and leadership. First, APWA is focusing on creating a world-class education program for the profession. Please look through all of the professional development, educational and credentialing options we offer at the national and chapter levels through North America. And, keep in mind that managerial, social, and environmental skills are no longer “soft skills,” but essential and important requirements of a successful public works leader. APWA is committed to the building of livable communities both currently and for the future, and the APWA Center for Sustainability is taking a bold approach to defining the skills and setting the pathway for public works leaders and managers to lead the sustainability movement in the coming decades. Understanding the connectivity between the built and natural environment is essential, and the Center’s Leadership Team has already made headway in that direction. The webpage for the Center at http://www.apwa.net/sustainability/centerforsustainability.aspx delineates much of their current efforts. In addition, APWA is extending its vision worldwide, and working to link APWA members to the latest innovations in technology, regardless of where on the planet those great solutions are created. We look forward to working together with international public works friends and colleagues on issues important to public works and infrastructure. APWA is also committed to emergency management. Man-made and natural disasters signal a call to action to the public works community. Public works is a “first responder,” but we need to continue to formalize that reality by recognition of public works in legislation and legal agreements, by providing training, as well as strengthening community and municipal partnerships that allow public works officials to share resources across the country and the world in time of disaster. Traditionally, public works has shown great tenacity in times of disaster, and APWA is facing the future with leadership and innovation by forging ahead and dedicating ourselves to these challenges. You will find that we are stretching and expanding by exploring new opportunities to enhance the profession. I look forward to working with all members as we continue to advance the profession and the industry, and set the stage for even greater accomplishments. Please take the time to explore all of your professional needs and solutions through the APWA website – it’s here for you!
Sincerely,
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