PEORIA, Ariz. (July
22, 2009) – Peoria’s Public Works Department has joined the elite in its
field, becoming only the 54th organization in North America to be accredited by
the American Public Works Association (APWA).
Accreditation
recognizes public works agencies that “go beyond the requirements of the
management practices established nationally in the public works industry.” Such
agencies meet or exceed performance standards in areas such as transit, solid
waste, streets, storm drains and fleet operation and maintenance.
“This is consistent
with our goal of providing efficient, professional service to the people of
Peoria,” says City Manager Carl Swenson.
A team of public works
professionals from Florida, Oregon and Missouri evaluated Peoria’s operations
during a visit earlier this month.
“This is an independent
confirmation that our employees and managers subscribe to the concept of
continuous improvement,” says Bill Mattingly, the city’s director of Public
Works-Utilities. “It is the rubber stamp on our determination to embrace the
best practices in our professional domain.”
Peoria sought APWA
accreditation to create impetus for improving practices and raising standards;
recognize good performance and motivate employees to continue; improve the way
it provides services to the public; increase professionalism; and instill pride
among the department, the whole city government and community itself.
“The Peoria Public
Works Department is to be commended for improving operations to enhance their
internal performance and assuring their community they meet or exceed national
standards,” says Ann Daniels, the APWA’s credentialing director. “They proved
that any agency with the desire to expend the effort can attain the highest
level of achievement.”
Chandler is the only
other Phoenix-area city with APWA accreditation. There are only three others in
Arizona – in Tucson, Coconino County and Mohave County.
