Chapter Newsletter Vol 1 Iss 2

Published date: October 20, 2026

APWA NM Chapter Newsletter

Vol. 1 Iss. 2
July-September 2026 

If you have a story to be featured in the newsletter, would like to sponsor an issue, or have feedback for the chapter, reach out to chapteradmin@newmexico.apwa.org. 

A Message from Our Chapter Delegate:
Strengthening Public Works

Dear NM APWA members and friends,

Public works professionals play an essential role in keeping our communities safe, connected, and thriving. From maintaining roads and infrastructure to responding to emergencies, your dedication and service make a lasting difference throughout New Mexico. I had the opportunity to participate in the 2026 APWA Council of Chapters Summer Meeting and PWX Conference in Houston, Texas, where public works professionals and chapter leaders from across the country came together to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities to strengthen our profession. These discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration, professional development, and recognizing the contributions of public works employees as essential responders during emergencies.

Key topics included improving communication between APWA National, regional leadership, committees, and local chapters; increasing member engagement; supporting chapter leadership and volunteer recruitment; and expanding access to professional development and Knowledge Teams. Participants also discussed upcoming funding opportunities, the PACE Award, and a new organizational membership pilot program that could expand APWA benefits to entire departments.

Additional conversations focused on improvements to APWA’s website and technology, the use of artificial intelligence to make resources more accessible, better coordination of meeting schedules, and stronger partnerships between professional organi

zations. Participants also emphasized maintaining sound financial practices when jointly hosting conferences. These initiatives present opportunities for the NM APWA Chapter to enhance member services, strengthen chapter operations, and continue building connections throughout the public works community.

As we look ahead, I encourage each of you to remain involved in our chapter, share your knowledge and experience, and take advantage of opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. We must also continue advocating for recognition of public works professionals as first responders by supporting National First Responders Day on October 28, 2026, and pursuing recognition at the local and state levels. By applying the lessons learned at the Council of Chapters Summer Meeting and PWX Conference, we can strengthen our chapter, increase member participation, and highlight the important work public works professionals perform every day.

Thank you for your continued commitment to APWA and to the communities we serve. Together, we can advance the public works profession and build a stronger future for New Mexico.

Sincerely,
Fred R. Montoya

Delegate, NM APWA Chapter

National First Responders Day is October 28

Each year, APWA celebrates National First Responders Day (NFRD) in the US on October 28. NFRD provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the vital work performed by public works professionals, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. It also encourages civic leaders, residents, and future generations to better understand the importance of these careers and the services they provide. 

Some History on public works professionals’ recognition as first responders:

• In 2003, President George W. Bush issued Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) officially recognizing public works as first responders.
• In 2010, Mississippi, under House Bill (HB) 664, recognized public works professionals as first responders.
• In 2017, the APWA Board of Directors approved the adoption of a national “Public Works First Responder” symbol for use throughout North America to identify public works personnel and acknowledge their federally mandated role as first responders.
• In 2019, the US Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 (S.Con.Res.15), “Expressing support for the designation of October 28, 2019, as Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day.” Public works is specifically included.
• In 2022 New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed into law SB325, formally recognizing public works employees as first responders.
• In 2022, New Hampshire passed HB 536, “An Act relative to death benefits for public works employees killed in the line of duty, and relative to workers’ compensation offsets for certain retirement system benefits.”
• Public works is often considered “the silent arm of public safety” … usually without fanfare. Public works professionals are often the first on scene and the last to leave the scenes of disasters—no matter the peril.
• The National Incident Management System (NIMS) lists public works alongside police, fire, and public.

Show your support for public works professionals with the public works first responder symbol.

And visit the APWA Nationals website to learn more, purchase NFRD swag, and find other ways to get involved. https://www.apwa.org/resources/public-works-first-responders/

Public Works Around New Mexico

Public works crews were hard at work across the state responding to monsoon rains, floods, and damage to public infrastructure. Below are just some of the stories from around the state. 

Santa Fe: NMDOT Crews Reopen US 60 Bridge in Three Days

NMDOT crews worked to reopen the US 60 bridge in three days, following damage from the September storms. Read the Press Release

Sandoval County: Sandbags handed out during storm response

Bernalillo Public Works, Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue, and Sandoval County Fire Rescue handed out sandbags to help residents protect their property during the September storms. Read More

Albuquerque: DMD Crews Led Cleanup Effort After Monsoon Rains

Albuquerque’s Department of Municipal Development deployed crews in street sweepers and Vactor trucks to clear roadways, storm drains, and sewer lines after an inch of rain fell in late July. Their response helped reduce follow-on flood risks. Read More

Upcoming Events

Advertise Jobs on the New Mexico APWA Website

The New Mexico APWA website is now accepting job posting requests. If you have a position within your agency, you can cross-post them on our website. Just fill out the form at https://newmexico.apwa.org/job-opportunities/submit-a-job-opportunity/.

Submission Notes

If you have a story to be featured in the newsletter, would like to sponsor an issue, or have feedback for the chapter, reach out to chapteradmin@newmexico.apwa.org.