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Commerce City proclaims National Public Works Week; staff highlights $37 million in capital projects
Summary
The council designated a week in May as National Public Works Week and received a presentation on current public works activity, including 22 capital improvement projects with approximately $37 million in funding and ongoing street, irrigation and safety programs.
The Commerce City Council designated a week in May as National Public Works Week on Tuesday and received a staff presentation highlighting the work and current capital program of the public works department.
Shahid Abbas, director of public works, presented the proclamation adopted by the council and said this year’s American Public Works Association theme is “people, purpose, presence.” Public works staff member Lily Padiana (presented as “Salina” in the meeting) described everyday city services and showcased the department’s recent work on graffiti removal, sinkhole response and park installations.
“Some community members may ask, what does public works do exactly? Well, we do a lot,” Padiana told the council as she described park maintenance, street maintenance, road safety, irrigation upgrades and flood control work.
Staff said the city currently has 22 capital improvement, or “CLP,” projects funded at approximately $37,000,000. The presentation cited a permanent rehabilitation program, a highway safety improvement plan and signal improvements as examples of ongoing efforts to keep streets safe for all users. Staff also described community engagement programs such as Arbor Day partnerships with local schools and a student leadership day that showcases public-works careers.
The council signed the proclamation, which the staff report lists as approved and adopted on 05/13/2025 and signed by the mayor and the city council.
Council members praised the department: one councilmember thanked specific employees by name and noted rapid graffiti removal and consistent park cleanup by crews and volunteers. The mayor said the department’s staff frequently respond to emergencies such as sinkholes and downed trees, and he noted plans for a photo with the public-works team after the meeting.
The proclamation and presentation do not impose regulatory changes or require separate council action; they recognize the department’s ongoing operations and public outreach activities.
