Title
APWA Presentation of Accreditation
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The DPU recently received full accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that the department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA's Public Works Management Practices Manual. APWA's accreditation opportunity is open to all governmental agencies with responsibilities for public works functions. The initial accreditation is for a four-year period with semi-annual updates that demonstrate continuing compliance. After four years, the re-accreditation process will build on the original accreditation, encouraging continuous improvement and compliance with newly identified practices.
The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in operations and management, programs, and employees. It is designed to help instill a culture of continuous improvement while providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession. DPU is the second agency to earn the APWA Accreditation in the state of New Mexico. The other agency is the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
According to DPU's Charter, "at least every five years thereafter, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) shall employ a qualified consultant to review, comment, and make recommendations as to the operation and condition of the County Utilities." In January 2021, BPU directed staff to seek APWA accreditation as part of a peer review of department operations.
Kristina Ramirez, APWA Board of Directors, will be presenting the accreditation. Ms. Ramirez serves as APWA's Region VII Director. She is the City Engineer for the City of Harker Heights in central Texas.
Attachments
A - Letter of Accreditation LAC