Greenville County’s Public Works Department was honored at the August 18 County Council meeting when it received full accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). The accreditation confirms that the department complies with every management practice outlined in APWA’s manual, achieving a 100% compliance rating.
Recognition of management and operational standards
The APWA review singled out four of Greenville County’s practices as models for other public works agencies nationwide. Those practices were praised for their effectiveness, transparency, and commitment to continuous improvement. According to APWA, only ten other public works departments in South Carolina and 234 across the United States hold the same distinction.
Leadership comments
“Achieving full APW accreditation requires an organization‑wide commitment to excellence and continuous improvement,” said Hesha Gamble, assistant county administrator for public works, planning and development. “This accreditation recognizes our Public Works employees’ expertise, dedication, and passion to serve. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the work they do every day to improve our community’s quality of life.”
Impact on the community
The accreditation underscores the department’s role in maintaining roads, bridges, water systems, and other essential infrastructure that supports families and businesses throughout Greenville County. By meeting rigorous national standards, the department demonstrates stewardship of taxpayer resources and a focus on reliable service delivery—principles that align with the county’s broader commitment to responsible governance.
What the accreditation means going forward
Full APWA accreditation is not a one‑time award; it requires ongoing compliance and periodic re‑evaluation. Greenville County officials indicated that the department will continue to use the APWA framework to guide future improvements, ensuring that residents benefit from safe, well‑maintained public facilities.
County Council members praised the achievement as a testament to effective local leadership and the dedication of public‑sector employees. The recognition also positions Greenville County as a benchmark for other South Carolina jurisdictions seeking to elevate their own public works operations.
About APWA accreditation
The American Public Works Association offers a voluntary accreditation program that evaluates public works agencies against a comprehensive set of management practices covering areas such as budgeting, personnel, safety, and community outreach. Agencies that achieve full accreditation have demonstrated that they meet every criterion in the APWA manual, a status that only a small fraction of departments nationwide attain.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
