ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú

Purpose

Recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations for developing andÌýimplementingÌýinnovative systems, programs,Ìýworkforce strategies, orÌýprocesses that significantly improve public works service delivery and sustainability.ÌýÌý

Emphasis is placed onÌýenhanced operational efficiency,Ìýcost-effectiveness, and service quality through creative ideas, program, process, or new managementÌýtechniques that enhances the delivery and long-term commitment of public worksÌýservices to the public.Ìý

Eligibility

Anyone actively involved in the public works profession is eligible. ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú membership is not required.

Selection

The Awards Committee reviews the nominations and selects the award winners.

Criteria

Innovations will beÌýjudgedÌýby the overall positive effect itÌýhasÌýhad on theÌýagency, the public, and/or the communityÌýrelativeÌýto the delivery of public works services that are new and creative methods and programs. These may include, but are not limited to, materials, design, equipment that improves efficiency, dissemination of information, education of the public and/or personnel, or creation of an innovative system for workforce training, recruitment, and retention. The innovations must be provenÌýcostÌýeffective and sustainable. They mustÌýhave beenÌýsuccessfully implemented andÌýdemonstrateÌýa significant advancement, rather than be the result of natural evolution of existing methods, common sense, or good practice.ÌýÌý

The innovations must be well-documented and presented in a manner that describes the deficiency and/or challenge and the results of innovation implementation.ÌýÌý

Applications should address the following specific criteria, which will be evaluated in the selection process:

• Describe the complexity of the innovation—provide specific information related to the challenge identified and the innovation utilized to address it
• Explain the innovation’s positive impact—provide specific information related to the long-term benefits and operational efficiencies realized to public works
• Describe the approach utilized to create the innovation—provide detailed information on the originality and approach utilized to create the management innovation

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by any public agency or ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú chapter. Submissions are limited to ten pages. The ten pages do not include a letter of introduction from the chapter/nominator.

Deadline

March 2, 2026

Presentation

The award winners are presented with a plaque at the Awards Recognition Ceremony during PWX and are featured in ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú publications.Ìý