CONTACT:    Scot Keith, Public Works Communications & Outreach Supervisor, (360) 867-2375 or scot.keith@co.thurston.wa.us   

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Public Works Department recently received full accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the fourth time. This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes the agency fully complies with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. 

Open to all governmental agencies with responsibilities for public works functions, initial accreditation from APWA is for a four-year period, during which time semi-annual updates will be required to demonstrate continuing compliance. After that time, there is a re-accreditation process which builds on the original accreditation, encouraging continuous improvement and compliance with newly identified practices.

Accreditation aims to promote excellence in operating and managing a public works agency, its programs, and its employees. Accreditation is designed to assist the agency in continuously improving operations and management, and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession.

“Earning our fourth APWA accreditation is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment and professionalism. This accolade serves as both a validation of our past efforts and a commitment to future excellence in serving the Thurston County community. We are honored by this recognition and remain steadfast in our mission to deliver excellent public services in all areas of our business,” said Jennifer D. Walker, Thurston County Public Works Director.

Thurston County Public Works was first awarded APWA Accreditation in 2011 and has maintained its accreditation since that time. In addition to Thurston County, the accredited agencies in Washington include the cities of Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Bothell, Shoreline, and Tacoma, and the counties of Kitsap and Pierce and the Clark Regional Wastewater District. 

For more information about APWA Accreditation, please contact APWA Accreditation Manager, Nicole Shoemaker, at nshoemaker@apwa.org, or (816) 595-5294.

About APWA

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 63 chapters in North America.

-30-