The APWA Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in public works. Explore the list of available awards and their criteria and learn how to nominate an individual or group for their professional contributions.
Featured Awards
Presidential Award for Chapter Excellence (PACE)
To recognize APWA chapters for contributions made to positively impact their membership, profession, and community.
Public Works Project of the Year Award
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/ architect/engineer, and the contractor who working together to complete public works projects.
Public Works Project of the Year Award for Small Cities/Rural Communities
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award for agencies from cities or counties with a population of 50,000 or less is established to promote excellence in demonstrating creativity, ingenuity, and efficiency in the delivery of public works projects that have a profound impact on the community.
Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year Award
The Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year award seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, from both the public and private sectors. The primary focus of the award is on career service to the public works profession rather than on any one single event or project.
Member Awards
Excellence in Education Award
To recognize outstanding and meritorious achievement of individuals for their work in delivering educational opportunities for all levels of individuals engaged in the delivery of public works services as well as assisting in the areas of continuing and graduate professional education for public works professionals.
Myron Calkins Young Leader of the Year Award
To recognize and encourage young APWA members who have demonstrated an initial commitment to the profession and the association and show potential for future growth within the association.
Outstanding Chapter Achievement and Excellence in Chapter Service Award
This award recognizes achievements at the chapter level that support APWA’s strategic plan, goals, and objectives through dedicated and longstanding contributions to the chapter.
Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management
The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of administration within the public works field who inspires excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.
Public Works Industry Awards
Asset Management Award
To recognize a team or organization for advancements made in their Asset Management (AM) System. The AM System refers to the global activities of the organization geared toward maximizing the value the community receives from infrastructure assets.
Distinguished Service to Public Works Award
To recognize an elected or appointed government service leader for far-reaching impact on local, state, or national public works programs, services, or policies through exemplary public service and commitment. This award particularly recognizes leadership in furthering the mission and goals of public works.
Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award
The APWA Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works snow and ice operations. To promote the best practices in snow and ice removal while minimizing environmental impacts.
Management Innovation Award
To recognize an individual, team or organization for the development, management and implementation of a creative idea, program, process, or system that enhances the delivery of public works services to the public. A management innovation is defined as a procedure such as a system, program or process.