In honor of National Public Works Week, the city of Santa Barbara will host a free Meet and Greet, 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at De La Guerra Plaza.

Community members can chat with department staff; learn about career opportunities; and experience Touch a Truck with the large Public Works vehicles on display, including a paver, roller, sweeper, and closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection truck.

Attendees can also participate in water taste tests; demonstrations including traffic signal operations, sandbag filling; and learn about ongoing Public Works projects.

Local DJ Darla Bea will be spinning the tunes throughout the event. De La Guerra Plaza will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.

“We believe open communication and community involvement are essential components of successful public service,” said Cliff Maurer, director of Public Works.

“This Meet-and-Greet event will serve as a platform for residents to share their perspectives with us, explore career opportunities within Public Works, and collaborate on ways to enhance our city’s infrastructure and services,” Maurer said.

The American Public Works Association celebrates National Public Works Week annually in recognition of Public Works professionals who keep communities strong by providing services in transportation, roadways, water, fleet vehicles, public buildings, emergency management, engineering and more.

This year’s theme is Advancing Quality of Life for All, honoring professionals in the field of public works.

Santa Barbara’s Public Works Department consists of some 400 employees who maintain and service the following, including but not limited to:

• 2,500 streetlights
• 1,200 crosswalks
• Multiple Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants
• 99 miles of storm drains
• 3,300 City managed parking spaces
• 478 City Fleet vehicles
• 79 miles of bike infrastructure

For more about the Public Works Meet and Greet, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PWWeek.