1. The Benefits of APWA Accreditation
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The Benefits of APWA Accreditation
Voluntary, self-motivated approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with the recommended management practices. The objectives of the accreditation program are to:
create impetus for organization self improvement and stimulate general raising of standards
offer a voluntary evaluation and education program rather than government regulated activity
recognize good performance and provide motivation to maintain and improve performance
improve public works performance and the provision of services
increase professionalism
instill pride among agency staff, elected officials and the local community
APWA also offers credentialing: certified public fleet professional, certified public infrastructure inspector, and certified stormwater manager.
Members and nonmembers also have the opportunity to earn a professional certificate by successfully completing a nationally-approved Public Works Institute
November 8, 2018

2. APWA Accreditation What is accreditation?
10/26/2017
APWA Accreditation
What is accreditation?
‘Voluntary, self-motivated approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with recommended management practices’
What is accreditation?
Defined by APWA

3. APWA Accreditation What is accreditation? Stimulate self-improvement
10/26/2017
APWA Accreditation
What is accreditation?
Stimulate self-improvement
Recognize good performance
Improve provision of services
Increase professionalism
Instill pride
What is accreditation?
Objectives, simply stated

4. APWA Accreditation 40 chapters More than 600 practices
10/26/2017
APWA Accreditation
40 chapters
More than 600 practices
Ranging from airport marketing to zoning control
What is accreditation?
First step is self-assessment
Then full accreditation
Heart of the program is the Public Works Management Practices Manual
A work in progress since 1983
Advisory committee of public works professionals have developed and refined the recommended management practices
Non-prescriptive general guidance, not rules on how things must be done
The underpinning of the guidance is formal, written policy, practice or procedure.

5. 10/26/2017
Ron Calkins

6. APWA Accreditation Chapter 12 Engineering Management
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APWA Accreditation
Chapter 12 Engineering Management
12.8 Preliminary Design
Guidelines define preliminary design standards, methodologies, and cost estimates.

7. APWA Accreditation Chapter 24 Street Maintenance
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APWA Accreditation
Chapter 24 Street Maintenance
24.10 Maintenance Records
A work crew record documents types of activities, repairs, costs, and locations.

8. APWA Accreditation Chapter 27 Stormwater and Flood Management
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APWA Accreditation
Chapter 27 Stormwater and Flood Management
27.1 Stormwater and Flood Management Service Levels
A policy establishes the storm magnitudes, level of protection, and ways of addressing stormwater quality.

9. APWA Accreditation Chapter 6 Communication
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APWA Accreditation
Chapter 6 Communication
6.2 Communication with the public
Procedures are established for communicating with the public.

10. APWA Accreditation Accredited Agencies in Oregon
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APWA Accreditation
Accredited Agencies in Oregon
City of Albany (2010, 2015)
City of Bend (2007, 2011, 2015)
City of Eugene (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
City of West Linn (2018)
City of Beaverton (applicant)
More than 140 public works agencies around the country are accredited, and 35 other agencies are in the process of becoming accredited.

11. APWA Accreditation Eugene’s accreditation history
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APWA Accreditation
Eugene’s accreditation history
First accredited in 2004, three reaccreditations
28 chapters/425 practices relevant
Included new Environmental Management chapter
One full year of preparation
3 accreditation co-managers

12. APWA Accreditation Cost-benefit analysis for Eugene Cost
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APWA Accreditation
Cost-benefit analysis for Eugene
Cost
Time: 600+ staff hours
Money: $25,000
Benefit
In-depth review of relevant practices
Staff engagement
Recognition by council, community
Made a concerted effort to involve all levels of the organization, particularly section managers and supervisors.
It worked. Our operating divisions now have well-organized policy and procedure documents that guide our day-to-day work and that are accessible to all members of the department

13. 10/26/2017
City of Bend, Oregon

14. APWA Accreditation Lessons learned
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APWA Accreditation
Lessons learned
Information management and document control systems are critical
Several project management models
Practice, practice, practice
Wastewater is ISO compliant with a document control system
Maintenance and Parks use another document control system
Airport documentation structured around FAA requirements
Engineering maintains its records using a capital project management system
Admin uses laser-fische and PeopleSoft systems

15. APWA Accreditation For more information
10/26/2017
APWA Accreditation
For more information
Education & Events tab
Go to APWA.net and click on the Education & Events tab, then select Accreditation.