WHEREAS, Public works professionals focus on facilities, infrastructure, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, and to the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of the State of California; and

WHEREAS, These facilities, infrastructure, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, including engineers, managers, and employees, at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is in the public interest of California communities to gain knowledge of, and maintain an ongoing interest in and understanding of, the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and

WHEREAS, Public works is often considered “the silent arm of public safety,” usually without fanfare. Public works professionals provide vital support to emergency response partners, helping to protect essential services and restore those services following an emergency, and are often the first on scene and the last to leave the scenes of disasters, no matter the peril; and

WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association; and

WHEREAS, The American Public Works Association applauds the national recognition of the “Public Works First Responder” status and its use to support and promote public works first responders; now, therefore, be it