Skokie Public Works Department Earns APWA Re-accreditation

The Village of Skokie Public Works Department recently earned re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). A formal award presentation was held at the January 20, 2015 Village Board meeting.

“APWA re-accreditation is acknowledgment that the work done by our Public Works employees meets rigorous national standards,” said Mayor George Van Dusen. “I congratulate Public Works Director Max Slankard, the Public Works staff and all Village Departments that contributed to this achievement.”

The Skokie Public Works Department originally earned APWA accreditation in spring 2003 and re-accreditation in 2006, 2010 and 2014. The purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended practices that were set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. During a three day site visit in October 2014, the evaluation team reviewed 161 management practices, selected at random from a total of 593 practices. During the review, Skokie achieved a rating of Full Compliance on all 161 practice areas.

The APWA accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry. On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed standards of performance in areas such as water, solid waste management, street/sewer repair and maintenance, engineering, building maintenance and vehicle maintenance.

Skokie was the first municipality in the nation with professionally accredited Police and Public Works Departments and a professionally accredited, ISO Class One-rated Fire Department.

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge.

For more information:

Max Slankard, Public Works Director, Village of Skokie, 847/933-8427