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This year's theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” shows how deeply service is woven into public works. Some jobs, like building roads and bridges, are easy to spot. Others, such as keeping water and sewer systems running, often go unnoticed. All of these efforts help our communities thrive and remind us that every project, whether visible or not, connects service to the people who rely on it.
We often take important services like wastewater treatment and traffic signals for granted when everything works as it should. But imagine not being able to flush your toilet or drive safely on your usual roads.
Since 1960, National Public Works Week has recognized the hard work and resources needed to keep our infrastructure running. This work is vital for public health, safety, quality of life, and the economy. It covers everything from daily operations and maintenance to planning, design, construction, and project management.
Here’s a quick look at how Clackamas County works year-round to keep the infrastructure you depend on safe.
Providing Clean Water: A Foundation for Health and Safety - Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES)
Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) produces clean water, protects water quality and recovers renewable resources. We do this by providing wastewater services, stormwater management, and environmental education. It's our job to protect public health and support the vitality of our communities, natural environment and economy.
Reliable wastewater treatment sets our country apart from places without good sewer systems, where people can get sick from unsafe water. Improvements in wastewater treatment have helped double the average life expectancy in the United States over the past 200 years.
We operate and maintain 360 miles of sewer systems and five wastewater treatment plants serving approximately 200,000 customers. Together, these facilities treat seven billion gallons of wastewater annually. In this process, WES converts materials that are traditionally regarded as waste into renewable energy and fertilizer.
We also protect our community’s water by offering educational programs and taking care of stormwater systems. These efforts help cut down on pollution in our rivers, streams, and wetlands from city runoff.
Check out the WES event calendar, and get involved with helping to protect our water
Prioritizing Safety on the Road (Department of Transportation and Development - DTD)
The Department of Transportation and Development maintains 1,400 miles of county roads, 2,400 miles of rock shoulders, and 21 miles of guardrail. Staff regularly repair potholes and address road deterioration and water damage. Additionally, we keep 70,000 road signs and 165 traffic signals in good condition to keep you safe on the road.
Beyond maintaining well-paved roads, we sweep the streets to allow stormwater drainage, control pollution, and improve public safety and water quality. We also remove brush over a 250-mile area and maintain 46 miles of ditches to prevent flooding and erosion after heavy storms.
We maintain 186 county bridges, ensuring they remain strong and sturdy while preventing deterioration through regular painting and repairs.
Transportation and Development upcoming events
Experience Nature with the Canby Ferry
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Canby Ferry and cross the Willamette River between Canby and Wilsonville/Stafford, operating seven days a week. In service since 1914, the ferry has been cherished by generations to appreciate its scenic and relaxing journey.
Protecting Our Green Infrastructure for Recreation (Clackamas County Parks)
Clackamas County Parks operates 16 parks and four property holdings totaling 961 acres. The county park staff maintain 226 campsites, 21 reservable picnic areas, 16 restrooms, 7 playgrounds, 6 watercraft launches, and over 1,500 parking spaces. They also oversee natural areas, open lawns, ballfields, sport courts, picnic areas, hiking trails, and the utility infrastructure needed to support these facilities.
Clackamas County Parks are spread throughout rural Clackamas County and offer various outdoor recreational activities, including camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and relaxation. These parks provide access to the Willamette, Clackamas, Molalla, and Sandy Rivers, as well as Clear and Deep Creeks.
Promoting Healthy Living Through Parks and Recreation (North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District - NCPRD)
The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) supports community vitality and healthy living by offering connections to nature and play. With over 106,000 District residents in Milwaukie and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Clackamas County, NCPRD brings community together through its parks, natural areas, and recreation offerings.
The district offers 35 parks and natural areas and 6.5 miles of trails and greenways, including the 6-mile Trolley Trail. Community members also enjoy access to three unique facilities, including North Clackamas Aquatic Park, Concord Community Center, and Milwaukie Community Center. Through protected green spaces and a wide variety of recreational programs, NCPRD provides opportunities for all ages to connect, stay active, and explore the outdoors.