The City of Sacramento is recognizing National Public Works Week, May 17–23, by celebrating the employees who maintain critical infrastructure, improve neighborhoods and deliver essential services residents rely on every day.
Sponsored annually by the American Public Works Association (APWA), National Public Works Week highlights the contributions of public works professionals across North America.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” recognizes the essential role public works employees play in supporting safe, connected and thriving communities.
From repairing streets and sidewalks to maintaining traffic signals, streetlights, trees and city facilities, Sacramento Public Works employees help keep the city operating every day — often behind the scenes.
The department maintains thousands of lane miles of roadway, more than 100,000 City trees, dozens of freeway undercrossings and miles of bike trails while also supporting transportation safety improvements, neighborhood enhancement projects, sustainability initiatives and 24/7 emergency response operations citywide.
“Public works employees are the backbone of our city’s infrastructure and essential services,” Public Works Director Matt Eierman said. “Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving the community are what keep Sacramento safe, connected and moving forward. They are the people residents count on every day — often without realizing it — and National Public Works Week is an important opportunity to recognize the tremendous impact they have on our community.”
As part of this year’s celebration, two City of Sacramento employees received 2026 APWA Sacramento Chapter Professional Manager of the Year awards.
Rhea Salvador received the 2026 APWA Sacramento Chapter Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management. Salvador has served the City of Sacramento since 2004 in a variety of roles supporting multiple divisions and departments. She currently serves as Support Services Manager in the Department of Public Works, Office of the Director, where she oversees special projects and communications while helping coordinate departmentwide initiatives.
Salvador is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and expertise in strategic planning, facilitation, media and marketing, public relations and policy development. She regularly partners with division managers to advance communication, public awareness and strategic initiatives across the city.
Jose Sanchez received the 2026 APWA Sacramento Chapter Professional Manager of the Year Award in the Public Right of Way category. Sanchez has served in the City’s Maintenance Services Division for more than 20 years, beginning his career in 2006 as a Street Construction Laborer. Through the years, he advanced through several leadership positions before being appointed Streets Manager in 2021.
Sanchez is known throughout the organization for his operational expertise, leadership in the field and commitment to mentoring staff. He brings decades of hands-on experience in street maintenance operations and plays a key role in supporting frontline crews and guiding operational best practices citywide.
National Public Works Week has been observed since 1960 to help educate the public about the importance of public works services and the professionals who provide them. The City of Sacramento joins agencies across the country this week in recognizing the public works professionals whose work supports the quality of life residents depend on every day.
