Coppell Public Works earns APWA accreditation; six practices called model standards

The Coppell Public Works Department received full accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA) on Sept. 9, APWA regional officials told the City Council, praising six practices as models for other agencies. APWA regional director Christina Ramirez presented a plaque to Public Works Director Mike Garza and said a review team found full compliance with 352 management practices. She noted six outstanding practices that evaluators declared “model” practices for other agencies to emulate, including how the department defines and evaluates mission, vision and values, a “4 C Success Handbook” for career development and succession planning, a consolidated emergency communications/annex for media relations and coordination with police and fire, innovative SharePoint/IT use, a five‑year component replacement forecasting procedure, and an organized drinking-water sampling and testing monitoring plan. Why it matters: APWA accreditation is rare — Ramirez said only 223 agencies in North America are accredited — and the recognition signals formal, documented management practices in infrastructure, operations, workforce development and emergency coordination. Council reaction: Mayor and council praised the department’s staff and leadership. “This is such a great accomplishment,” Councilmember Nevills said. Council members singled out the department’s relationship with firefighters and police during emergencies and the staff’s community responsiveness. Staff remarks: Director Mike Garza thanked the mayor and council and singled out staff members and accreditation manager Renee Esis. APWA representatives from surrounding jurisdictions also attended the presentation. Ending: The city will display the accreditation plaque and continue to use the recognized practices as a reference for future work and budgeting.