Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
title
The City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department Earns 7th Re-accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA).
body
Submitted By: Colt Schwerdt, Public Works Director & City Engineer
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department was the first Public Works Agency accredited in the state of Florida and the eighth in North America in 2001. The City has successfully sought accreditation seven times. The American Public Works Association (APWA) and Public Works Department would like to inform the Council, City staff and the residents of Port St. Lucie of its recent re-accreditation.
Presentation Information: Colt Schwerdt, P.E., will provide a brief overview of City’s APWA journey and efforts associated with obtaining re-accreditation. A video from President Vic Bianes will be played in recognition of our 25-year celebration of being accredited.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the Public Works Department and APWA representatives’ brief video regarding the City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department APWA re-accreditation.
Background: The City of Port Saint Lucie Public Works Department is proud to announce their 7th Re-Accreditation with the American Public Works Association (APWA). The Department has held this prestigious honor for the past 25 years. The accreditation process allows City employees to refamiliarize themselves with ever-changing standards and incorporate and effectively establish an agency-wide culture of continuous improvement. Thanks to the recommended practices set forth by the APWA our department has seen 25 years of improved operational performance, communication, succession planning as well as lowered costs, and better resource management. On April 23,2026 the APWA reviewed and found the department in one hundred percent full compliance of the 110 practices administered by the City’s Public Works Department for re-accreditation. The Department could not have completed updating all the practices submitted without the collaborative efforts of the Department’s Accreditation Team, led by Valerie Delgado. The Public Works Department is officially recognized as an Accredited Public Works Agency for another four-year period.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: The cost of seeking re-accreditation with the APWA was $9,025.00 and was split funded by the Road and Bridge Fund 1044105-554000 and Stormwater Fund 4014105-554000.
Special Consideration: The APWA recognizes agencies for their leadership in the field of Public Works and their dedication to continuous improvement in search of excellence in government service to the public. The re-accreditation confirms that the Public Works Department follows established guidelines and criteria ensuring optimal service to the residents of Port St. Lucie.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Re-Accreditation Video from APWA President
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A