Accreditation journeys look different for every agency. Some teams have deep internal experience and staff dedicated specifically to self-assessment and accreditation, while others are balancing accreditation alongside many competing priorities. That naturally leads to an important question: what kind of support, if any, helps an agency move through the process most effectively?
While most agencies complete accreditation entirely in-house, others choose to supplement internal efforts with additional support, which may include consultants or experienced external support from former public works professionals. These individuals are sometimes tasked with clarifying practice texts, editing compliance statements, organizing documentation, and keeping the momentum moving throughout the process.
This free open forum will feature a panel of agency representatives along with professionals who have supported agencies through the accreditation process. Panelists will discuss why some agencies chose to use outside assistance, what types of support were provided, how those decisions fit their agency's needs, and what they learned from the experience.
The goal is to give attendees a clearer understanding of the available options so they can make informed decisions that fit their organization’s structure and capacity while pursuing accreditation. Following the forum, all registrants will receive a two-page handout that includes considerations and questions to help when determining if outside assistance is right for your agency. Register today!
Registration: Free for members and nonmembers
Proficiency Level: Introductory
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Instructions for joining the event will be emailed to you the day prior, and day of the event.
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A recording of this program will be available through the APWA Resource Center 3-4 weeks following the live program.
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Questions: (800) 848-2792, accreditation@apwa.org
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: October 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Central Time