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APWA 75th Anniversary: Thoughts on evolution in the organization
Jim Attebery
City Engineer (retired) City of Phoenix, Arizona Past President, Public Works Historical Society
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he most pronounced feature in APWA’s organizational growth is its multipurpose role. Many organizations choose to be exclusive. APWA has chosen to be inclusive.
In the early years the organization focused heavily on the municipal sector. Then it was broadened. Institutes such as Solid Waste, Fleet Management, and later, Transportation were added. These provided a forum for the various disciplines in public works. Efforts were made to bring in county and state members. Private sector public works employees were welcomed into the organization, although with a limited leadership role.
In the 1970s action was taken to broaden the role of private utility members through the formation of the Utility Location & Coordination Council. This ultimately led to participation in development of OneCall centers, Blue Stake organizations and uniform color markings. In this same decade there was an emphasis on Emergency Management training.
Also in the 1970s, APWA recognized its relationship with history and established a team to write History of Public Works in the United States. This book is still one of the premier books available on public works history and the undertaking was the catalyst for the Public Works Historical Society.
Knowing that many of the rules, regulations and financial aid came from the federal government, APWA established an office in Washington, D.C., to keep tabs on happenings that affected public works programs and shared that information with its members.
In the 1980s the inclusiveness of the organization continued when the top leadership positions were opened to members, both public and private. Inclusiveness in public works is a virtue and much of the “inclusiveness” approach was driven by the organization’s strong national leadership and the personal commitment of Executive Director Bob Bugher.
Jim Attebery can be reached at atteberyjam@msn.com.
