2009 B.E.S.T AWARDS APPLICATIONS

American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino County) of APWA is seeking nominations for 2009 B.E.S.T. Project of the Year Awards, National Public Works Week Awards and Top Leader Awards.  READ THROUGH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FIRST BEFORE FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION - THEN - SCROLL DOWN TO FIND THE CORRECT APPLICATION.

2009 B.E.S.T. TOP LEADERS AWARDS

 APWA seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, from both the public and private sector.  Take this opportunity to nominate a top leader. 

Categories

Top Leader awards will be given in 5 categories:

      Elected Official: Elected officials charged with the oversight or policy level review for public works or infrastructure issues.  This service may have been at the federal, state, county or municipal government level.

      Top Leader - Public: Any non-elected, full time employee of a county or regional government agency, municipal government or special district.

      Top Leader – Private: Any public works and/or civil engineering professionals.

      Top Young Leader - Public:  Any active member of APWA, employed at a county of regional governmental agency, municipal government or special district.  Candidate must be an active member of APWA for five consecutive years and not exceed 35 years of age as of the award deadline. 

      Top Young Leader - Private:  Any active member of APWA, employed in the public works and/or civil engineering profession.  Candidate must be an active member of APWA for five consecutive years and not exceed 35 years of age as of the award deadline.    

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the candidate’s involvement in major achievements and accomplishments.

2009 B.E.S.T. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK AWARDS

APWA seeks to recognize deserving public agencies for outstanding Public Works Week Activities held during National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2009. 

Categories

National Public Works Week Awards are given in 3 categories:

       Community Outreach: equipment shows, open houses, video production

       Public Works Employee Recognition: awards programs, department breakfast/lunch, employee recognition at council meetings

       School Outreach: speakers, equipment shows for schools, tours of public works facilities

Divisions

National Public Works Week Awards are given in four divisions for cities, counties or special districts that serve populations of the following sizes:

       Up to 40,000             

       40,000 to 80,000     

       80,000 to 120,000   

       Over 120,000   

2009 B.E.S.T. PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

APWA seeks to recognize deserving public agencies for outstanding public works projects or programs completed between January 1, 2008 and September 14, 2009 (the deadline for nominations).  The Southern California Chapter Project of the Year Award Program was established to:

         Recognize public agencies for outstanding capital improvement projects and public works programs

         Share the good ideas displayed in these projects and programs with other APWA members

Categories

Project of the Year Awards will be given in the 9 categories listed. Examples of acceptable projects are shown for each category:

       Streets and Transportation: capacity improvement, bridges, and disabled accessibility (Street overlays and/or slurry seal projects do not qualify for award)

       Traffic Congestion/Mitigation: traffic calming, signal improvement/innovations, pedestrian safety, and congestion management

       Water and Wastewater:  new, replacement or upgraded storm water systems & treatment, water & reclaimed water projects, pump stations, and related water resources projects

       Facilities: parking structures, rail stations, public works yards, and substations.

       Buildings: libraries, civic centers, and public safety facilities

       Public Works Management:  GIS, solid waste management, public works website, and innovation in management.

       Parks and Recreation Facilities: new, renovated, or modernized projects in parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, nature trails, soccer fields, baseball fields, aquatic facilities, and community centers. 

       Environmental: NPDES, alternative energy, sustainable projects and Green technology.

       Utilities: utility undergrounding districts; water, sewer, storm drain; and telecom and fiberoptic installations.

Divisions

Project of the Year Awards are given in four divisions for cities, counties or special districts that serve populations of the following sizes:

         Up to 40,000             

         40,000 to 80,000     

         80,000 to 120,000   

         Over 120,000           

Selection Criteria

Projects or programs submitted for consideration for a Project of the Year Award should be unique or outstanding in one or more of the following areas: