Public Works Accreditation Update 
 

The city of Flagstaff Public Works division has been working with the American Public Works Association (APWA) to achieve agency accreditation and the formal definition of becoming an accredited agency.  This nearly 3-year-long effort has required the division's professional and skilled staff to evaluate all practices and a review of all services provided to the community. The accreditation process is summed up in 5 distinct segments. 

1. Self-evaluation stage — An organized internal evaluation of the division's directives, procedures, planning and practices that guide the core services provided to the community.   
2. Application stage - A formal submittal of all supporting documentation and evidence to demonstrate our compliance with the professional organizations' best practices and recommended compliance with each program or service provided. 
3. Improvement stage - A formal internal review of the documentation and cooperation across the division resulting in modifications or updates to conform with best practices, strong efficiency and/or modified delivery.  
4. Evaluation - A formal outside review of the accreditation documentation and onsite visit by public works professionals that are subject-matter experts and trained in evaluation of agencies seeking accreditation. 
5. Accrediation - Upon a successful evaluation, the recommendation of the evaluators is forwarded to the APWA accreditation council and the agency status is determined. 

Once accredited, the public works division has demonstrated the strongest understanding of the services provided and good community benefits.  The documentation and all supporting exhibits will continue to be refined and scoped with a formal review every 4 years.  The re-evaluation accreditation is a less intense process but will ensure a constant focus on improvement and a strong commitment to the public works profession.  In the attached exhibit, you will find an excellent work product of the division that establishes a new mission statement and supporting values.  
 

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