Public Works Makes Normal Happen
This summer, communities across the United States have faced devastating natural disasters floods, wildfires, tornadoes and more. For many, the path to recovery will take months, if not years. In the midst of these heartbreaking events, a spotlight, however brief it may be, is often cast on the essential work of public works professionals in the work they do to help prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Public works professionals are the people who step in to begin the cleanup, restore vital infrastructure and help communities recover by restoring essential lifelines. Most of the time, however, the work that public works professionals do happens quietly, behind the scenes, without fanfare or recognition.
Yet every day, in every community, public works professionals are delivering the essential services that make daily life possible. They provide safe and reliable drinking water, the collection and treatment of wastewater, management of stormwater, solid waste disposal, maintenance of transportation systems and vehicle fleets and the care of parks and open spaces. In short, “public works makes normal happen.” That simple five-word phrase captures a profound truth: the comfort, convenience and stability of everyday life, the “normal” we often take for granted, is the result of highly skilled, often invisible work. It is essential work that happens in the background, in every community, every single day.
Most people only notice the impact that the public works profession has on a community when something goes wrong. Examples could include a water main break, a missed trash pickup or a snowstorm that slows traffic. But whether or not we see it, the work being done is constant. Public works professionals are like the stage crew for our lives. They make sure everything is in place, working as it should, so the rest of us can go about our day without disruption. Their efforts are not just routine maintenance; they’re critical to economic activity, emergency response and the overall quality of life in our communities. Without public works professionals, the flow of people, goods and services, including emergency services, would grind to a halt.
Take a moment to consider the systems that shape your daily routine. That glass of drinking water, the flushing toilet, the smooth drive to work or school, the walkable sidewalk, the local park where kids play, and the garbage that disappears each week. All of these services depend on infrastructure built, operated and maintained by public works teams. These systems don’t just appear; they’re designed, managed and maintained to protect public health and support public safety.
At its core, the public works profession is rooted in service, purpose and problem-solving. It’s about using knowledge and technical expertise to meet the everyday needs of a community. The theme of National Public Works Week 2025, “People, Purpose, Presence,” perfectly captures the spirit of the field. Careers in public works span science, engineering, technology, and skilled trades and they all share one thing in common: the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.
For those looking for meaningful work, public works offers more than a job, it offers a mission. It’s a chance to contribute to something bigger, to be part of a team that keeps a community functioning, safe and moving forward. It’s a noble and essential career path that deserves greater visibility and appreciation. Promoting a career in public works is a team effort and for it to be successful, it will take the entire community of educators, public works professionals, parents and community leaders to raise awareness.
Public works professionals must develop skills at telling the story of what public works is and why they got into it. They should get involved with mentoring and STEM opportunities in schools. Educators at all levels are critical partners in introducing students to the wide range of opportunities in the field of public works. The educators help build the foundation of knowledge and curiosity that can lead to a rewarding career in public infrastructure. Meanwhile, community leaders and local governments can support this effort by celebrating public works achievements and supporting educational programs that introduce students to the profession through summer seasonal positions and internships.
The next time you wake up, brush your teeth, drive to work, visit a park or take out the trash, pause for just a moment. Think about everything that had to happen, for your day to feel normal. Then take a moment to appreciate what made it possible.
Not luck. Not magic. People.
Public Works Makes Normal Happen.
Mark Ray is the Public Works Director for the city of Burnsville, MN. He may be reached at mark.ray@burnsvillemn.gov.
This column appears in our July/August American Infrastructure Magazine issue.
