The Beaufort County Public Works Department has been awarded Re-Accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA), the nation's leading organization for public works professionals. The re-accreditation, granted by the APWA Accreditation Council on April 30, 2026, is valid for a four-year period through June 1, 2030. This marks the department's second consecutive accreditation. 

The APWA accreditation program is a voluntary, rigorous process that promotes excellence in the operation and management of public works agencies. To achieve re-accreditation, agencies must demonstrate full compliance with at least 97 percent of all applicable nationally recognized management practices. This is a standard that reflects the highest level of operational performance in the profession. The process includes a comprehensive self-assessment, an independent evaluation by a team of public works professionals, and a final review by the APWA Accreditation Council. 

“Re-accreditation validates the quality work this department provides every day,” said Bradley Harriott, Public Works Director. “It reflects the dedication and professionalism of every person on this team, and I couldn't be prouder of what they've accomplished.”  

Accreditation Manager Matt Krause led the department through the rigorous, multi-month process: “Managing the re-accreditation process gave me deep appreciation for the Public Works team and the people who worked hard to complete our first accreditation four years ago,” said Krause. 

 There are only 231 public works agencies across North America that hold APWA accreditation and only 9 in South Carolina. This makes it a distinction that places Beaufort County among the most professionally recognized public works departments in the country.  

For more information about the American Public Works Association, click here.