The American Public Works Association (APWA) has announced the recipients of the FY26 New Initiatives Program awards, providing funding support for six innovative projects focused on workforce development, youth engagement, industry collaboration, and public works career awareness.
Established to encourage innovation and support the entrepreneurial spirit of APWA members and partners, the New Initiatives Program helps advance new ideas, services, and educational opportunities that align with APWA’s Strategic Plan. 2026 marks the third year of the program, which continues to generate strong interest and creative proposals from chapters across North America. This year, the committee received 33 applications and approved six projects for funding totaling $51,500.
“Congratulations to our New Initiatives recipients! It was hard to narrow down the choices as we received so many great applications. The recipients will bring new ideas and energy to their projects and the field of public works,” said Jeffery Brown, PE, New Initiatives Committee Chair and APWA Finance Committee Representative.
The FY26 award recipients include:
- Texas Chapter: Future City Competition North Texas. Expanding hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students in grades 4–12 while increasing awareness of public works careers and infrastructure challenges.
- Georgia Chapter: Reverse Trade Show and Vendor Engagement Event. Creating an innovative agency-led networking experience designed to strengthen collaboration between public agencies and vendors.
- Georgia Chapter: Girls in Public Works Day 2026. Introducing high school girls to public works careers through hands-on learning, equipment demonstrations, and networking with industry professionals.
- North Carolina Chapter: Youth-Developed Social Media Framework (YL3C). Launching a youth-driven social media initiative designed to modernize public works recruitment and engagement with Generations Z and Alpha.
- Sacramento Chapter: GOAL (Growth, Outreach, Access, Leadership). Developing mentorship and outreach opportunities that support workforce development and leadership growth within the profession.
- San Diego Imperial County Chapter: Building the Future Public Works Workforce. Delivering immersive educational experiences that connect students with public works career pathways through interactive infrastructure learning modules.
APWA’s Board of Directors approved up to $75,000 in annual funding, reinforcing the association’s continued investment in innovative programs that support the future of the public works profession.
