Soon We’ll Be Celebrating National Public Works Week!
National Public Works Week (NPWW) is May 17–23. We’re excited to share resources that will ensure your chapter’s NPWW celebrations shine! Visit www.apwa.org/npww to see what’s available, including the 2026 NPWW poster. We encourage poster orders to be placed by April 15 to ensure timely delivery.
By working together, we can make more noise during NPWW! We encourage you to:
- Submit a proclamation to your state governor’s or local mayor’s office. Or both!
- Use our official hashtag #NPWW in all your social media posts. Consider using a combination of any of the following hashtags: #PoweredbyCommunity, #RootedinService, #WeArePublicWorks, #PeopleMatter, and #PublicWorksService.
- Share with APWA national what your chapter is planning by filling out this brief three question survey.
Looking for a little inspiration in planning your NPWW celebrations? Listen to our latest Public Works Radio episode! Questions may be sent to Aleatha Ezra.
APWA Awards Program – PACE
Nominations for the APWA Awards Program are now open FOR the Presidential Acknowledgment for Chapter Excellence (PACE), due June 1.
Click here to submit a nomination! Questions can be sent to Cameron Harmeyer at charmeyer@apwa.org.
New Initiatives Program Applications Due April 15!
The window to submit funding proposals to APWA’s New Initiatives Program remains open.
At its core, this program exists to support entrepreneurial ideas that enhance the value of the experiences, services, education, and tools APWA provides. If you’ve been dreaming about a project that could strengthen your chapter, elevate public awareness, support frontline staff, advance technology, or contribute to any of APWA’s strategic priorities—this is your moment.
Click here to complete a brief application outlining your concept, its purpose, and your operational plan. Reminder: applications are due April 15, and we’ll announce awardees by May 21.
APWA Committees and Councils
APWA is soliciting nominations for appointments to national-level committees, councils, and external representation groups for the 2026–27 year. For more information, please visit the nominations page on APWA’s website. The nomination deadline is March 31.
Envision SP Training
Advance your expertise in sustainable infrastructure through APWA’s live online Envision SP Training, delivered in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). This four-day program, held May 4–7, prepares participants to apply Envision principles to real-world projects and qualifies them to sit for the ENV SP certification exam. Exam fees are included with registration.
Visit our webpage here for more information or to register.
Volunteer Opportunity: Stormwater Microcredentials
APWA is recruiting stormwater subject matter experts to contribute to the development of our new Stormwater Microcredentials. Volunteer opportunities are available in two areas:
- Education Content Development—Help shape the learning materials.
- Exam Item Writing—Help create and review exam questions.
Ideal volunteers include stormwater professionals in the public or private sector who work with stormwater programs or infrastructure. Training is provided—no prior experience required. Volunteers may serve in one role only.
To volunteer use this form. For questions, contact certification@apwa.org.
Changes to the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) Program
APWA is excited to announce an update to the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) program that will launch in 2027. This update aligns APWA’s stormwater education and credentialing, providing better overall experience for members and stormwater professionals.
Those applying under the current CSM program should be aware of the following:
- Eligibility applications will be accepted through June 30, 2026.
- After this date, applications will pause until the new CSM program launches in 2027.
- This transition period ensures that all eligible applicants have time to complete the current exam process.
For those who have already been approved for eligibility, the existing application and expiration date will remain valid. Once earned, the CSM credential will continue to be recognized under the new program, and it will be maintained through the regular recertification process. Learn more about the new stormwater credentials.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact certification@apwa.org.
APWA Accreditation Announcements
Accreditation is the mark of professionalism indicating a public works agency has made the commitment to continuous improvement in delivering public works operations and services to their community. Accreditation recognizes an agency’s policies, procedures, and practices, which have been evaluated against nationally-recognized management practices determined to be appropriate for that specific agency.
The following public works agencies were accredited in February 2026:
Region 5
- Crystal Lake, Illinois Public Works Department – 3rd accreditation
Region 7
- Houston, Texas Public Works Department – 4th accreditation
To help chapters recognize and celebrate accredited and re-accredited agencies, we have provided a toolbox to help. The toolbox information can be found here: Promote APWA Accreditation: Chapter Outreach Resources.
For further information on APWA’s accreditation program, please feel free to contact Jeanette Klamm, Associate Director of Credentialing at accreditation@apwa.org.
Two New Chapter Outreach Resources!
Click Listen, & Learn (CLL)—APWA’s new CLL Toolbox shows how your chapter or agency can leverage CLLs in your chapter education programming/staff development plan. Click here to view the CLL Toolbox.
APWA Accreditation—Learn how you can promote the accreditation program and celebrate accredited agencies within their regions. Inspire agencies to explore self-assessment and accreditation, raising the standard for public works excellence across North America. Click here to learn more.
Host a Certificate Program at Your Chapter!
Discover the many benefits of hosting a certificate program at your chapter and get everything you need to put on a successful event. Click here to learn more.
Questions can be sent to education@apwa.org.
Chapter Special Event Insurance Update
APWA has secured a blanket insurance policy covering Roadeos and related types of events from January 15, 2026, through January 14, 2027.
We’ve negotiated a low, flat cost of $960 per event, providing protection for participants and peace of mind for your chapter. APWA will invoice the chapter/branch treasurer unless an alternate billing contact has been designated.
Here’s how it works:
- Fill out the Chapter/Branch Roadeo Information Form at least 30 days prior to your event.
- Submit the form at least 30 days prior to your event start date to chapterservices@apwa.org.
- You’ll receive a certificate of insurance within 48 hours of submission.
Questions can be sent to chapterservices@apwa.org.
APWA Monthly Chapter Leader Training
The next APWA Chapter Leader Training will be held on April 13 at noon central time. The topic will be “What’s New in APWA Credentialing: Chapter Resources and Opportunities.”
Past Chapter Leader Training calls can be viewed by clicking here.
Invitations are sent to all chapter leaders approximately three weeks prior to the call. Questions can be sent to Jill Wilbeck.
Coming Soon: YP Summit Complimentary Registrations
APWA will continue offering complimentary registrations for the Young Professional (YP) Summit in 2026. This year’s goal is to use all 62 complimentary registrations and continue increasing overall attendance at the Summit.
To help achieve this, we are adjusting the process:
- Chapters will have until April 30 to identify a Young Professional from their chapter to receive complimentary registration.
- Beginning May 1, any remaining complimentary registrations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis by chapter.
- All applicants will complete an online intake form, which outlines eligibility requirements and serves as the tracking method for submissions.
Additional details will be shared with Chapter Leaders later this month. If you have any questions, please contact Maureen Weber.
