City of Charleston receives full accreditation from the American Public Works Association

Earlier this year, the City of Charleston became the first city in the state of South Carolina to receive accreditation from the American Public Works Association. This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that the city’s Public Service department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. Tonight, during the Charleston City Council meeting, Mayor John J. Tecklenburg will recognize the Public Service department for the remarkable achievement.

The purpose of accreditation is to acknowledge excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs and employees. Accreditation is designed to assist in continuous improvement of operations and management, and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of programs as a service to the public and the profession.

The City was awarded the prestigious accreditation on January 7, 2020. However, due to COVID-19, an in-person recognition by APWA was not able to take place. In addition to the City, the other accredited agencies in South Carolina are Georgetown County, Charleston County and Anderson County.

“The Public Service Department has dedicated itself to continuous improvement and excellence, and the heroes of this accomplishment are the employees whose mission is to provide services and programs that contribute to making the City of Charleston a great place live and work,” says Director Tom O’Brien.