NPWW 2026
May 17–23, 2026
This year's theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. It’s what has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility. Some work—like building roads and bridges—is highly visible, while other public works contributions—like maintaining water and sewer systems—are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.
NPWW 2026 content coming soon, including:
- Theme and Poster
- Downloads
- Proclamations
- Social Media
- How-To Guide
Future Dates
- May 16-22, 2027
- May 21-27, 2028
- May 20-26, 2029
- May 19-25, 2030
About NPWW
National Public Works Week (NPWW) has ballooned in reach and impact across the decades. The number of participating municipalities continues to grow, which means the number of citizens educated on the importance and nature of public works grows. Across North America, APWA’s more than 30,000 members in the US and Canada use this week to raise awareness about the importance and criticality of public works in our daily lives: planning, building, managing and operating at the heart of their local communities to improve everyday quality of life.
Since 1960, APWA has sponsored NPWW the third week of May. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation describing public works as vitally important to our national health and welfare and praising the dedicated efforts of public works professionals. Further, “it is in the public interest for the citizens and civic leaders of this country to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest in the public works needs and programs of their respective communities,” the proclamation reads.
APWA encourages public works agencies and professionals to amplify their stories in their communities this NPWW by using our how-to guide and downloadable assets. The sentiments of JFK’s 1962 proclamation ring as true today as they did then. In fact, the occasion of NPWW continues to be marked each year with scores of resolutions and proclamations from mayors and governors.