Show how public works teams keep your community safe by declaring May 17-23 Public Works Week

By Damon Conklin, legislative advocate

Cal Cities is co-sponsoring HR 95 (Caloza), an Assembly resolution declaring May 17–23 as National Public Works Week in California. At Cal Cities’ urging, Asm. Jessica Caloza amended the annual resolution to recognize how public works teams shape the critical first few hours and days of emergency responses.

“The men and women of Public Works are more than service providers; they are essential emergency responders. Whether managing evacuations or restoring critical infrastructure, they are often the first on the scene and the last to leave. Their bravery and expertise are fundamental to any community’s safety and recovery,” said Rebecca Neves, Folsom public works director and president of the Cal Cities public works department.

Cal Cities is encouraging cities to adopt their own resolutions recognizing National Public Works Week, using its sample resolution. Doing so not only honors the men and women who keep our communities functioning — including during crises — but also builds awareness among elected officials, partner agencies, and the public about the essential role public works plays in safeguarding our communities.

How public works keep communities safe

HR 95 is part of a broader effort to make it easier for local public works staff to restore critical infrastructure during or after a disaster. When disasters strike, public works crews are often the first on the ground. Before ambulances, fire trucks, and utility crews arrive, they are clearing debris, stabilizing roadways, and reopening critical access routes. Their work determines how quickly a community can respond and how safely it can recover.

But their responsibilities extend far beyond road clearance. Public works teams also manage traffic, secure perimeters, support evacuations and rescue efforts, and deploy critical supplies and equipment, in addition to assessing and rebuilding critical infrastructure. These are mission-critical functions that directly affect life and safety.

This reality has long been recognized at the federal level. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 identified public works as essential to emergency planning and response. Yet, too often, public works are not afforded equal recognition alongside police, fire, and public health in emergency management discussions.

Equally important, cities are expected to manage the first 72 hours of any incident, often without state or federal assistance. That responsibility falls heavily on local public works teams, whose preparation, training, and coordination determine whether a response is effective.

HR 95 provides an opportunity to elevate this critical role and ensure public works professionals receive the recognition they deserve. This is a simple but important step toward ensuring their work is recognized, valued, and fully integrated into the emergency management framework communities rely on every day.