Posted November 14, 2025

Richmond, VA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) has recently received full national accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the 6th consecutive time, marking a significant milestone in the department’s long-standing commitment to service excellence, accountability, and innovation. It formally verifies and recognizes that the department is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual. 

Richmond remains one of the 225 accredited public works agencies in the United States and Canada, reaffirming its leadership among cities recognized for meeting the highest standards in public service operations.

Earning APWA accreditation is a rigorous, extensive, and multi-step process that evaluates every aspect of a public works department. It begins with a comprehensive self-assessment where policies, procedures and operational practices are reviewed against national best practices. This is followed by a peer review conducted by experienced public works professionals, who verify compliance through documentation and on-site visits. The process examines al divisions ensuring the department operates efficiently, safely, and transparently. 

Richmond first earned this distinction in 2005 and has successfully maintained it through every four-year review cycle (20 years), demonstrating continuous improvement and organizational excellence across all public works divisions and in providing a valid and objective evaluation of agency programs as a service to the public and the profession.  

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our Department of Public Works team,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “When we talk about building a Thriving City that works for everyone, this is what it looks like in practice — core services delivered with excellence, accountability, and a focus on residents’ daily experience. Earning this 6th accreditation shows Richmond’s ongoing commitment to running a city that gets the basics right, every single day.”

The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs, and employees. 

“Operating in excellence ensures that services ranging from street maintenance to solid waste collection benefits our customers. Maintaining this accreditation, that less than 1 percent of cities receive, is a significant symbol that we are delivering effective and efficient service that benefits every one of our neighborhoods,” says Odie Donald, Chief Administrative Officer.  I am excited to see our staff heroes at DPW, who have committed to making Richmond a great place to live and work get the recognition they deserve.” 

The process strengthens accountability and reinforces a culture of teamwork, succession planning, and customer service within the department. “Accreditation challenges us to be better every day and keep abreast of the most current industry standards,” said Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works. “Each cycle is an opportunity to evaluate what we do, how we do it and how we can do it even better for our community.”

Go to rva.gov/public-works to learn more about the DPW or send an email to askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters in North America.