The City of Knoxville is recognizing National Public Works Week this week.
National Public Works Week is recognized annually by the American Public Works Association (APWA), and this year’s theme is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community”. According to APWA, this year’s theme acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. It’s what has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility. Some work—like building roads and bridges—is highly visible, while other public works contributions—like maintaining water and sewer systems—are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.
A proclamation was read at Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting by Mayor Brian Hatch to honor National Public Works Week and the services that the Knoxville Public Works Department provides. City Manager Heather Ussery says this is an extended opportunity to thank public works employees for their work in our community.
“Public Works does a lot of behind-the-scenes things for our community that not everybody thinks about, but it definitely shows in our community, and the pride that we take and the infrastructure that they maintain, so we greatly appreciate everything we do, and it’s an opportunity to thank them for their work.”
This year marks the 66th annual Public Works Week.
