Mayor Terri Courtney has proclaimed that Walton will recognize National Public Works Week this year in tribute to the city’s public works employees.
The proclamation made at a city council meeting in early April declares that Walton will designate the week of May 18-24 as National Public Works Week, as recognized by the American Public Works Association.
This year marks the 65th National Public Works Week. In honor of the milestone anniversary, the American Public Works Association has themed this year’s celebration “People, Purpose, Presence,” in acknowledgement of the three ideals that inspire public works professionals to serve their communities, despite the lack of public fanfare they receive as a result.
Courtney hopes to challenge this notion by publicly acknowledging Walton’s own public works employees by encouraging residents to learn more about the work they do to maintain the city and their community.
“It is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in the city of Walton to gain knowledge and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and the public works programs in their respective communities,” Courtney’s proclamation reads. “I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government and agencies and activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees, and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all on this day.”
Walton’s public works department is responsible for repairing and maintaining city infrastructure, including roads, utility systems, buildings and other public assets.