Families, friends and guests joined the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Public Works Department as they showcased their different divisions on May 12. The event was held at the Salt River Community Building and featured water and light demonstrations, a free planting activity, big wheels and so much more!

Public works encompasses those who plan, design, build, manage and maintain the infrastructure that supports quality of life in communities across the United States. “In May, National Public Works Week is celebrated, which recognizes the men and women that work for public works organizations throughout the United States to celebrate the services we provide,” said SRPMIC Public Works Director Joshua Sciacca. 

This year’s theme is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” chosen by the American Public Works Association (APWA), which sponsors National Public Works Week as part of its public awareness and education activities. According to the APWA, the chosen theme “reminds us that public works professionals are motivated to serve the communities that they love and that power them to always do their best.” 

SRPMIC Public Works Customer Service Administrator Crystal Leonard said, “I think [the theme] is very on point for Salt River because we are rooted in the Salt River Community. I think this is a good time for us to sit back and show appreciation for one another and our appreciation for the Community.”

SRPMIC Public Works has several divisions: Administration, Community Services, Facilities, Utilities and Roads. The department has more than 350 staff members who work daily to keep vital services running. Sciacca said, “I am extremely humbled and proud of the work [the Public Works Department] does day in and day out. They always have a Community mindset, and they are proud of the work that they do.” 

During Sciacca’s time with Public Works, he said, he has felt like it’s a family. “We all know each other, and everyone’s got everyone’s back. We work together!”

To reach SRPMIC Public Works, call (480) 362-5600, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (480) 850-9230 for after-hours services. The department can also be contacted through email at PWCustomerService@srpmic-nsn.gov.