Stockton, CA – On May 12, 2026, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of May 17th – May 23rd as Public Works Week in San Joaquin County. Since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week, during which more than 30,000 members across North America educate and energize the public about the importance of public works in their daily lives.

This year's theme "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community" acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. It’s what has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility. Some work, such as building roads and bridges, is highly visible, while other public works contributions, such as maintaining water and sewer systems, are often unseen.

“Public Works Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals behind the essential services our residents rely on every day. From maintaining safe roadways to delivering clean water and resilient infrastructure, our Public Works team is deeply committed to serving this community. This year’s theme, ‘Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,’ reflects not only the work we do, but the partnership we share with the people of San Joaquin County. It’s that connection that drives innovation, strengthens our systems, and ensures we are building for the future,” said San Joaquin County Public Works Director, Najee Zarif.

Some of the local Public Works projects that are making a difference in San Joaquin County include:

• South Stockton Sidewalks, Phase 4, which consists of reconstructing and widening approximately 0.5 miles of existing roadway and installing curb, gutter, and sidewalk along Clover Lane, Twelfth Street, and Bieghle Street. Additional improvements include installation of new curb ramps and installation of new storm drain facilities.
• Liberty Road Improvements 2026, which consists of minor road widening along Liberty Road from Lower Sacramento Road to Dustin Road to establish 1.2 miles of bike routes. Additional improvement includes repairing and resurfacing approximately 2.7 miles of roadway with asphalt concrete.
• Countywide Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrade Project, which modifies all 27 County operated and maintained signals by replacing old signal controllers with new units that conform to all current standards, upgrading the previous in-ground detection system to state-of-the-art video detection, and replacing old equipment cabinets at most locations. These improvements will result in increased reliability and efficiency, along with reduced future maintenance costs. The Construction cost of $1.96 million was entirely funded through cost savings realized from other Public Works projects.
• Escalon-Bellota Road Bridge Replacement across Little Johns Creek, which replaces a narrow and deteriorating structure with a two span concrete structure that meets current standards. Additional improvement includes reconstructing the roadway approaches.
• Buckman Road Bridge Replacement across North Duck Creek, which consists of replacing the existing aged, high maintenance, and deteriorating timber structure with a new concrete bridge and reconstructing the roadway approaches.
• Benjamin Holt Drive Pavement Rehabilitation (Plymouth Road to Gettysburg Place), which reconstructed approximately 1.5 miles of pavement along one of the County’s busiest and most vital community corridors. The corridor features a two-way left-turn lane and on-street parking. Improvements also included targeted repairs to curb, gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage infrastructure, as well as the installation of thermoplastic striping. Construction was primarily funded through a combination of federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds ($3.39 million) and Measure K Local Street Repair funds ($0.88 million), for a total project funding amount of $4.27 million.
• Thornton Community Water Tank Improvements, which includes recoating the tank's interior and exterior while providing rehabilitation to features like the railings, manways, and ladder to improve safety and extend its service life.
• Colonial Heights Maintenance District Water System Improvements, which includes almost $2 million in Federal funds for water system improvements in the Colonial Heights Maintenance District for the second phase of a $15 million project to replace water lines and improve the water system in the district.
• Lincoln Village Maintenance District Water System Improvements, which includes $2 million in Federal funds for water system improvements in Lincoln Village Maintenance District for the third phase of a $30 million project to replace water lines and improve the water system in the district.
• Sunnyside Estates Maintenance District Water System Improvements, which is a federally funded water system project anticipated to begin later this year within the Sunnyside Estates Maintenance District. The project will include upgrading all water mains, water services, and installing meters for all residents within the district.

“Public Works professionals are the backbone of our communities, delivering the infrastructure and services that keep San Joaquin County moving forward. Their work may not always be visible, but its impact is felt every single day—in the safety of our roads, the reliability of our water systems, and the strength of our neighborhoods. We are proud to recognize their dedication and thank them for the vital role they play in supporting our residents and our local economy,” concluded Sonny Dhaliwal, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

Learn more about the San Joaquin Public Works Department and their essential services. Visit their Website, check out their Annual Report or watch their Video celebrating San Joaquin County’s 175th anniversary.

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