El Paso County, Colorado, April 27, 2026 – The El Paso County Department of Public Works is proud to announce it has successfully completed the American Public Works Association (APWA) accreditation evaluation process and has been recommended for accreditation, a nationally recognized distinction that reflects excellence in public works leadership, management, and service delivery.
With this achievement, El Paso County is poised to become only the second county public works agency in Colorado to receive APWA accreditation, placing the Department among an elite group of agencies across North America committed to the highest standards of professionalism and operational performance.
APWA accreditation recognizes agencies that operate at a high level across nationally recognized management practices, reflecting excellence in leadership, service delivery, and operational performance.
“This achievement is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of our entire Public Works team,” said Jack Ladley, Executive Director of Public Works. “Successfully completing the evaluation and receiving a recommendation for accreditation affirms that our department not only meets nationally recognized best practices, but is consistently delivering high quality services to the residents of El Paso County.”
Earning this recommendation required the Department to complete a comprehensive self assessment followed by a rigorous, independent evaluation conducted by a team of experienced public works professionals.
The Department demonstrated 100 percent compliance across nearly 300 nationally recognized management practices, spanning all major areas of public works operations, including:
- Strategic leadership and resource management
- Workforce capability and employee development
- Safety, risk management, and operational resilience
- Emergency preparedness and response readiness
- Infrastructure stewardship and long term asset management
- Customer service and community engagement
The accreditation process requires agencies to provide clear, documented evidence that policies and procedures are not only established but actively implemented and sustained. Final accreditation is awarded by the APWA Accreditation Council following review of the evaluation results.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering high quality public services and being responsible stewards of public resources,” said Jeff Manchester, Deputy County Engineer and Accreditation Manager. “Achieving full compliance across nearly 300 nationally recognized management practices is a direct result of the discipline, coordination, and dedication of the El Paso County Public Works team.”
Upon final approval, El Paso County will join a select group of accredited public works agencies across North America. This designation not only validates current practices, but also provides a framework for ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement to better serve the community.
For more information about APWA accreditation, visit www.apwa.org.