Detroit City Wire

DETROIT, MI - The Wayne County Department of Public Services (DPS) has received re-accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). Wayne County was evaluated on key operations, policies, and procedures within DPS and across other collaborating departments. The re-accreditation is valid for a four- year period and will expire in July 2026.

Accreditation by the APWA highlights excellence in the operation and management of a public works entity, its programs as well as its employees. This serves as Wayne County's second accreditation from the association. The county is the only county in Michigan and one of two municipalities, with an accreditation from the American Public Works Association. APWA also recognized DPS for the implementation of four model practices including the Wayne County Leadership Retreat, Ethics Commission, Tree Inventory Summary Report and the Snow and Ice plan.

Seeking accreditation is voluntary and self-motivated. Interested agencies must complete a self- assessment using the Public Works Management Practices Manual, created by members of the APWA as a blueprint for suggested practices, prior to applying. An improvement phase allows for agencies to identify and improve practices based on the results from the self-assessment. Agencies can then request a site visit from the association's council for completion of the final steps in the accreditation process.

"Congratulations to our Department of Public Services team for making Wayne County just one of two municipalities in our state to receive such a prestigious accreditation. It was the vision and dedication of the department's former director, Beverly Watts, and the continued work of now-director Andrew Kandrevas, that kept staff motivated and focused on perfecting our policies and procedures. DPS continues to be in line with, and in many instances, above, the standards of the industry," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "I am proud of the work DPS is doing for our 43 communities.

The Department of Public Services just celebrated a record construction season completing more than 50 paving projects in just over 20 cities. DPS was able to pave 151 lane miles to improve Wayne County roads.

Original source can be found here.