District of Columbia Department of Public Works
District of Columbia Department of Public Works logo
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1985 |
| Preceding agencies |
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| Jurisdiction | District of Columbia |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Employees | 1,408 (fiscal 2014) |
| Annual budget | $140,585,070 (fiscal 2014) |
| Agency executive |
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| Website | dpw.dc.gov |
The District of Columbia Department of Public Works (or DPW) is an agency of the Government of the District of Columbia, the government of the city of Washington, D.C., in the United States. The department oversees solid waste (e.g., garbage) and recyclables collection, street cleaning, parking enforcement, and governmental vehicle procurement, maintenance, and fueling.
On July 9, 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act, which approved the creation of a national capital for the United States on the Potomac River. The exact location was to be selected by President George Washington, who signed the bill into law on July 16. Congress subsequently passed the Organic Act of 1801, which officially organized the District of Columbia and placed the entire territory under the exclusive control of the federal government. The city's incorporation allowed for a local municipal government consisting of a mayor appointed by the President and an elected six-member council. In 1820, the Congress granted the City of Washington a new charter, which allowed for a mayor elected by voters. Public works during this period largely consisted of creating, grading, and paving roads and sidewalks, creating a stormwater drainage system, and street lighting. But the District had little taxable property with which to generate revenues, and Congress spent little money on infrastructure improvements in the District of Columbia unless they were directly related to federal buildings and property, or to Pennsylvania Avenue.
In 1871, Congress passed the District of Columbia Organic Act, which merged the various town, city, and county governments that controlled the District of Columbia into a single 11-member legislature led by a territorial governor. This legislation also authorized a Board of Public Works, whose duties were to identify critical needs regarding streets, alleys, sewers, roads, and bridges; let contracts; and oversee work. It work was funded by assessments on properties adjacent these improvements, which were approved by the city legislature. The legislature also had sole authority to allow the Board of Public Works to seek loans to begin its various projects.
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