The American Public Works Association (AWPA) is a non-profit professional association for members of public and private organizations dedicated to public works and administration. The AWPA loosely defines 'public works' as: "the combination of physical assets, management practices, policies, and personnel necessary for government to provide and sustain structures and services essential to the welfare and acceptable quality of life for its citizens." [Source: AWPA official site]
APWA grew out of a merger between two previous organizations, the 1894 American Society of Municipal Engineers (AME) and the International Association of Public Works Officials (IAPWO). In 1934, AME and IAPWO agreed to a joint organization after seeing that other associations had obtained financial assistance toward developing their programs. In January 1937, funding was secured and the AWPA was created.
The APWA has 63 chapters throughout North America, including eight in Canada. AWPA members include public works and community development directors, city managers and engineers, property and equipment superintendents, utilities managers, transportation managers, park directors, county officials, and representatives from engineering and other consulting firms, manufacturers, and construction companies.
Rights: Reproduction and publication of materials in this collection are subject to the policies of the UNT Special Collections department. Copyright restrictions may apply.
Access Notes: This collection is stored off-site and requires a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to use.
Acquisition Note: Source: Kathy Gurwell.
Preferred Citation:American Public Works Association (APWA) Collection, University of North Texas Special Collections Department
Scope and Contents: This collections contains documents, publications, and photographs of the American Public Works Association (APWA), a non-profit professional association dedicated to public works. Covering over two decades of items, these newspaper articles, newsletters, magazine clippings, pamphlets, letters, and photos provide a glimpse into the workings of various public works organizations throughout the United States as the country pulled itself out of the Great Depression and through World War II. A portion of the documents and photographs focuses on John K. Gurwell, who was editor of "Public Works News" for a time and later worked for The Houston Press.
| Manuscripts
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