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Oct 23, 2026
The Washington chapter of the American Public Works Association has announced its newest board members, who officially begin their duties this week. Board members will serve the membership and help address goals and challenges facing public works professionals across the state.
Newly elected board members for the 2027-2028 term are Tricia Juhnke, public works director for the city of Shoreline; Travis Rakeshaw, stormwater maintenance lead for the city of Walla Walla; Sonia Palma, operations manager for the Seattle Department of Transportation; and Dustin DeKoekkoek, Seattle office director at Toole Design.
Mary Heather Ames, deputy public works director for the city of Pasco, has been elected secretary for 2027.
The chapter encouraged members to connect with board leaders to share priorities and challenges affecting the public works profession.
Oct 14, 2026
The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) recently awarded $12,000 in scholarships to 12 Washington state individuals who are preparing for careers in the clean water industry.
In continuation of WASWD's Clean Water Careers outreach program, this year's scholarships broke previous records in the number of recipients and total amount awarded, enabling students from all around our state to pursue careers ranging from fluid mechanics and environmental sciences, to the administrative management of water and wastewater utilities.
Here are the winners: Elisabeth Clary, Bellingham; Benedicte Diakubama, Kent; Gavin Eliason, Spokane Valley; Alexandra Estrada, Ephrata; Maddie Fannin, Des Moines; Cloey Fletcher, Olympia; Kara Glassman, Arlington; Sarah Lord, University Place; Kurin Miller, Tumwater; Mya Schlepp, Seattle; Ruby Warner, East Wenatchee; and Grace Willis, Orcas Island.
Named after Walt Canter, an industry advocate and commissioner of the Cedar River Water and Sewer District for nearly 50 years, WASWD's Scholarship Fund facilitates and encourages entrance, advancement and retention of employees in the water and wastewater industry.
Oct 08, 2026
Seattle Public Utilities has been selected as a 2026 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award winner by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. The award will be presented Oct. 27 during the association's Executive Management Conference in Seattle.
The national award recognizes drinking water systems for environmental stewardship, financial responsibility and equitable service delivery. SPU operates the largest water utility in the Pacific Northwest, serving 1.6 million people in Seattle and the surrounding region.
“Seattle Public Utilities is honored to accept AMWA's Sustainable Water Utility Management Award,” SPU General Manager and CEO Andrew Lee said. “It's wonderful to be recognized for our long history and commitment to sustainable financial management, environmental stewardship, and delivering equitable essential services to 1.6 million people in the Puget Sound region.”
Seattle's drinking water comes from the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt River watersheds, which encompass 100,000 acres of protected forest. SPU's water system includes 1,900 miles of pipeline, and the utility also incorporates climate science into its water-supply planning and participates in regional salmon recovery and water conservation efforts.