2015 National Public Works Week

This is National Public Works Week, the one week of the year when extra special attention is given to our local Department of Public Works (DPW).  Within the public sector, it is the members of DPW staffs that often get little recognition for the contributions they make each and every day to the communities in which they work.  So what does the DPW do?  Well, think about all of the daily conveniences that we take for granted.  Taking a shower, getting a glass of water, flushing a toilet.  It’s the DPW that keeps the water and sewer lines flowing. How about those crazy Michigan winters when your local DPW is up all night plowing and salting roads so you can get to where you need to go.  After a windstorm, they are out clearing trees from roadways.  They keep all of our parks maintained and all our municipal facilities in tip top shape.  The list goes on and on . . .

The work of the DPW is often not glamorous.  And no, they are usually not seen as local heroes.  But when you think about how much the work of the DPW impacts so many aspects of your daily life, you have to step back and think about how inconvenienced you might be if they were not on the job. 

So this week, if you happen to see one of our DPW employees on your street, perhaps you might consider giving them a wave.  Each of them is honored to serve you and the entire Auburn Hills community.  We hope you might take a moment to recognize them for the work they do every day to make Auburn Hills a great place to live and work.

Tom Tanghe, City Manager