What We Do
The Department of Public Works is charged with maintaining the City infrastructure including water and wastewater facilities for the City and ten municipalities; managing a Nationally-recognized stormwater program; providing safe and clean streets; maintaining and improving public buildings and other public facilities; enhancing recreational opportunities in the City’s parks and open spaces for residents and for use by the Lancaster Recreation Commission; managing and coordinating the single hauler trash and recycling program; and a vibrant public art program. These services combine to ensure public health and safety and enhance the quality of life in the City. The Director of Public Works relies on roughly 210 full-time employees to fulfill the Department’s mission. The Director of Public Works administers the City’s Capital Improvement Plan projects and serves as the chief technical advisor and liaison with the community on behalf of the Mayor and Council. The Director represents the City on several Boards and Commissions including the Long’s Park Commission, Lancaster Area Transportation Study Committee (County MPO), Lancaster Recreation Commission, American Public Works Association, Water Utility Council (American Water Works Assoc. – Pennsylvania seat), Central Market Trust Board of Directors, Public Arts Advisory Committee, Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium, The Green Infrastructure Advisory Committee and EDC Finance Board.
The Department of Public Works is comprised of six operating bureaus under the direction of seven managers and two Deputy Directors:
• Bureau of Operations (Street Maintenance, Motor Vehicles, Traffic, Parks)
• Bureau of Engineering and Construction Services
• Bureau of Public Property
• Bureau of Water
• Bureau of Wastewater Operations
• Solid Waste and Recycling Program
• Public Art Program
• Bureau of Stormwater Management
