Redwood City – Kids — and the little kid in all of us — are invited to get a close-up look at the big trucks, heavy machinery and tools on Wednesday, May 21, during National Public Works Week.
Drivers, equipment operators and other professionals will be on hand to answer questions about everything from giant diesel trucks to electric tools used to trim trees and pave our streets.
Visitors of all ages can pose for selfies and learn about what it takes to be a San Mateo County Department of Public Works professional.
“The National Public Works Week theme, ‘People, Purpose, Presence,’ well represents our department and our work,” said Department of Public Works Director Ann Stillman. “We have talented and knowledgeable staff that work hard to accomplish our work and provide a high level of service to our residents, communities, County departments, and the public at large.”
Event Details
🚚 Public Works Week Equipment Showcase
📍Location: Behind 501 Winslow St., near the County Center parking garage, Redwood City
🕘 Date & Time: May 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What to Expect
- See heavy-duty trucks, electric tools, generators, and response vehicles up close
- Snap a selfie in front of the new excavator or tree truck
- Meet the DPW crews who maintain roads, facilities and emergency systems
- Learn about how DPW supports the community—from roads to runways
- Take the fun back home with DPW-themed coloring pages
At its May 6 meeting, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 18–24, 2025, as Public Works Week in San Mateo County, recognizing the department’s vital role across local infrastructure and emergency response, serving the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County.
DPW by the Numbers
- Maintains over 4 million square feet of County facilities
- Oversees 2 local airports in San Carlos and Half Moon Bay
- Manages 316 miles of road surfaces, sewers and streetlights in unincorporated areas
- Provides 24/7 emergency response services
- Operates a budget of approximately $300 million
- Comprises more than 300 employees in five divisions (Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services)
“DPW is responsible for a wide range of day-to-day operations, provides 24/7 staff for some of our operations, is called to duty in emergencies, and more,” said Stillman. “Many aspects of our daily lives involve public works, and I look forward to recognizing DPW and our staff's many contributions to San Mateo County.”
For more on the County’s Public Works Department, visit www.smcgov.org/publicworks.