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Public Works Week

Celebrate Public Works Week! Salute the heroes who keep our cities running smoothly - From roads and bridges to parks and water supply!

Sunday

16–22

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEPublic Works Week (APWA, 3rd Sun May, 7-day)

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYTrades

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to cheer on the heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our cities functioning! Public Works Week kicks off on May 19, a time to show our appreciation for the hardworking professionals who maintain our roads, bridges, parks and water supply. Instituted in 1960 by the American Public Works Association (APWA), this week honors the vital contribution these unsung heroes make to our lives every day. Without them, we wouldn't enjoy the smoothly functioning cities and towns we live in. So let's get ready to celebrate and say a big thank you to our public works professionals!

TIMELINE

Public Works Week Timeline

Creation of Public Works Week

The American Public Works Association (APWA) initiates Public Works Week to recognize public works professionals.

Clean Water Act Enacted

The U.S. government passes the Clean Water Act, highlighting the crucial role of public works in maintaining safe and clean water.

Infrastructure Report Card Initiation

The APWA collaborates in the creation of the Infrastructure Report Card, pointing out the significance of public works in infrastructure maintenance.

Expansion of Public Works Definition

A broader definition of public works is embraced, including parks, solid waste, and public buildings.

Emphasis on Disaster Management

Post Hurricane Katrina, the disaster management role of public works gets more recognition and emphasis in Public Works Week celebrations.

Sustainability Focus

There's a renewed emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices in modern public works operations.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Public Works Week

Tour a Public Works Facility

Get a firsthand look into where these professionals work everyday. Check with your local Public Works Department to see if they're hosting tours during the week. Getting a closer look at their operations might give you a newfound appreciation for all the work they do.

CREATE

Create a thank you banner

Show your appreciation in a big way! Get together with friends, family, or community members to create a large sign or banner thanking the public works team. Place it in your yard, a community park, or somewhere where it can be easily seen.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a clean-up initiative

One of the best ways to show appreciation for these professionals is by helping keep our cities clean. Organize a community cleanup day during Public Works Week. It could be as simple as picking up trash in your neighborhood or as involved as beautifying a community park.

EXPRESS

Express your gratitude personally

Simple thank you's go a long way. If you see a public works professional in your neighborhood, take a moment to express your gratitude for their hard work. Thank them for their role in making your city a better place to live.

ENGAGE

Engage in social media campaigns

Spread the word on social media! Post photos or stories about the good work these professionals are doing in your community. Use popular public works hashtags to share your messages of gratitude and recognition.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Public Works Week is Important

Encourages Personal Gratitude Expressions

Whether it's creating a thank-you banner or expressing gratitude on social media, Public Works Week offers multiple avenues for individuals to personally acknowledge and thank public work professionals. These personal expressions of gratitude not only make their day but also remind us of the valuable work they do.

It's a Chance to Recognize Unsung Heroes

Public Works Week is an opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation for the professionals who maintain our cities but often go unrecognized. From maintaining roads and bridges to ensuring the supply of clean water, their daily contributions significantly improve our quality of life.

Increases Community Awareness and Engagement

Public Works Week encourages community involvement through various activities and initiatives like facility tours and clean-up drives. It promotes a greater understanding of the scope of work public works professionals do, facilitating stronger community bonds and fostering a sense of pride in our cities and towns.

Related holidays

Public Service Recognition Week

Honor their dedication and achievements this Public Service Recognition Week - our public heroes who commit to serving our communities every day!

Clean Beaches Week

Ready to hit the beach and make a positive impact? Join Clean Beaches Week and help keep our oceans clean for future generations to enjoy!

Keep America Beautiful Month

Join the movement and help Keep America Beautiful this month! Together, we can make our country cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.

National Plumbers Day

On National Plumbers Day, let's give a shoutout to our hardworking plumbers who keep our pipes flowing and homes running smoothly!

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