Yuma Public Works Earns National Accreditation, Secures Service Standards

The City of Yuma Public Works Department received full accreditation from the American Public Works Association on November 20, 2025, after meeting every standard in the APWA evaluation process. Agencies must meet at least 95 percent of APWA standards to earn full accreditation, and Yuma achieved a 100 percent compliance rating, a result municipal officials described as evidence of strong operations and service delivery.

“Achieving APWA accreditation is a major milestone for our organization and a testament to the dedication of every member of the Public Works team,” said City of Yuma Public Works Director Joel Olea. “Most importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services that our residents can depend on every day.” The accreditation remains valid for four years and requires semiannual updates to demonstrate ongoing progress and compliance, with a full reaccreditation review scheduled at the end of that period.

Yuma is now one of seven accredited public works agencies in Arizona, joining Buckeye, Chandler, Coconino County, Mohave County, Peoria, and Surprise. The designation links the city to a nationwide professional network, and to an organization with more than 32,000 members worldwide who represent local, county, state, and federal public works functions and private sector partners.

The City of Yuma Public Works Department includes Administration, Streets, Solid Waste, and Fleet Services divisions. Together the teams manage roadway maintenance, trash and recycling collection, and the upkeep of city vehicles and equipment. With approximately 110 employees, the department maintains infrastructure that residents encounter daily, and operates Yuma Click & Fix, an online tool for reporting non emergency issues such as street repairs, graffiti, vandalism, streetlight outages, and road sign repairs.

For Yuma County residents, accreditation means an external affirmation of the department’s systems for planning, asset management, and service reliability. Local leaders say the recognition can bolster public confidence and help the city demonstrate professional standards when coordinating with regional and state partners. The APWA accreditation places Yuma among a small group of Arizona agencies recognized for meeting industry standards, and sets a benchmark for continued improvement in municipal services.