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 Acknowledgment for Chapter Excellence (PACE)

To recognize APWA chapters for contributions made to positively impact their membership, profession, and community.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Member Awards

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of public works emergency management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

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Professional Manager of the Year Award in Solid Waste

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Solid Waste recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of solid waste management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

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Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public transportation professionals within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

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Professional Manager of the Year Award in Water Resources

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Water Resources recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of water resources within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Technical 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 technical innovation involves materials, design, and equipment such as pinch valves, a carbon fiber reinforced bridge, etc.

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Discontinued Awards