APWA Celebrates 2026 Public Works Projects of the Year

KANSAS CITY, MO—The American Public Works Association (APWA) recently announced its 2026 Public Works Project of the Year Award recipients. Winners oversee infrastructure projects that are publicly developed, owned, and maintained, and promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects. These awards recognize partnerships among the managing agency, contractor, and consultant, in addition to their cooperative achievements.

Competition is fierce every year, but especially this year. APWA received a record number of nominations for the award—more than 300, meaning winners are truly the best of the best.

“Each 2026 Project of the Year award winner demonstrates what is possible when public agencies, consultants, and contractors work together toward a common goal. It’s exciting to see more agencies submitting their projects for recognition because it allows us to shine a spotlight on the people who are providing high-level innovation and service to their communities,” said APWA President Vic Bianes.

This year’s winners will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony on Monday, August 31 at the APWA Public Works Expo (PWX), which is happening in Houston, Texas, from August 30–September 2. PWX is the largest conference of its kind for public works, welcoming more than 6,000 professionals each year. In addition to the ceremony, a video showcasing the winners will be posted on APWA TV on Wednesday, September 2. Review a complete list of winners and read project summaries here.

“These projects are more than impressive engineering accomplishments,” said APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “They are investments in community resilience, safety, sustainability, and economic vitality. Being selected from the largest pool of nominations in the history of the program is a testament to the exceptional leadership and teamwork behind each award-winning project.”

Awards are won in four divisions and five categories, with divisions split by cost and categories encompassing structures, transportation, environment, historical restoration/preservation, and disaster or emergency construction repair. Projects of the Year for Small Cities/Rural Communities are awarded to cities or counties with a population of 50,000 or less in the same categories.

For more information about the program, please contact APWA Chapter Services Manager Cameron Harmeyer at charmeyer@apwa.org or by phone at (816) 595-5257.

For additional information about APWA, please contact Jared Shilhanek, APWA Chief Growth Officer, at jshilhanek@apwa.org or by phone at (816) 595-5257.