Recognition places UG among a select group of agencies nationwide.
The Unified Government Public Works Department has earned national accreditation through the American Public Works Association (APWA), marking a significant milestone for the department and placing it among a small number of accredited public works agencies worldwide.
The announcement was made during the Dec. 18 Full Commission meeting, where representatives from APWA joined Public Works Director Troy Shaw in recognizing the achievement and its significance for Kansas City, Kansas.
Accreditation is one of the highest distinctions a public works agency can receive. Fewer than ten agencies in Kansas and fewer than 250 worldwide currently hold APWA accreditation, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement, adherence to professional standards, and transparent service delivery.
“Accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process that less than one percent of public works departments achieve,” said Bill Stogsdill, APWA Region IV director. “The Unified Government’s Public Works team has embraced it as an opportunity to raise the bar for the organization and the community it serves. This recognition reflects both strong management practices and the daily work of staff who keep Kansas City, Kansas, safe, connected and moving.”
Shaw told commissioners that accreditation reflects the department’s growth over the past several years and the collective effort of employees across all seven Public Works divisions.
“This recognition is about the people behind the work,” Shaw said. “It represents how team members came together to improve documentation, strengthen communication and establish shared expectations for how we serve the community every day.”
APWA representatives noted that the accreditation program is designed to help agencies align with national best practices, strengthen internal systems and build public trust. They described the UG’s accreditation as a milestone achievement.
APWA’s evaluation team visited Kansas City, Kansas, earlier this fall to review hundreds of documented policies and procedures and to confirm that field practices aligned with written standards. After three days of interviews, demonstrations and review, the evaluators recommended full accreditation.
The evaluation team included public works professionals from across the country:
- Jeanette Klamm, APWA associate director of credentialing
- Jodie Ledat, City of University Park, Texas
- Ernie Medina, San Diego Port Authority, California
- Adam Smith, City of Des Moines, Iowa
As part of the evaluation, APWA identified four model practices within the UG’s policies and procedures for national recognition. Model practices are examples of exceptional alignment with APWA standards and are shared nationally as resources for other agencies.
The four recognized model practices include:
- Chapter 6.2: Communication with the Public
- Chapter 11.5: Infrastructure Maintenance, Improvement, or Replacement
- Chapter 19.8: Fleet Replacement Policy
- Chapter 25.5: Operations and Maintenance Procedures and Standards
It is uncommon for an agency to receive accreditation with even one model practice identified. APWA representatives noted that identifying four model practices reflects a high level of organizational maturity and consistency.
Shaw thanked commissioners, administration and partner departments for supporting the accreditation effort.
“Every improvement came from employees who care deeply about the quality of their work and the community they serve,” Shaw said. “Our team earned this accreditation together.”
Public Works will maintain its accredited status through ongoing compliance and reporting and will prepare for its first re-accreditation review in 2029.
