About Us 

Houston Public Works is the largest accredited public works agency in the United States, serving over 2.3 million residents across 671 square miles. With a long and proud history dating back to its creation in 1933, our department is dedicated to building and maintaining the essential infrastructure that forms the backbone of daily life in Houston. Our team of nearly 4,000 professionals works tirelessly and manages an annual budget of approximately $3.4 billion to ensure the health, safety, and vitality of our city. 

We are responsible for a vast network of critical services, including:

• Water and Wastewater Systems: We produce and distribute safe drinking water and manage the collection and treatment of wastewater, operating facilities that are essential to public health and environmental protection.
• Streets and Drainage: We manage the city's streets, drainage systems, and all traffic signs and signals. This work is crucial for ensuring smooth travel and mitigating the effects of storms. We are committed to maintaining thousands of miles of roadways and continuously improving our drainage infrastructure to protect our communities.
• Permitting and Regulation: We oversee the permitting and regulation of public and private construction. Our work ensures that all projects meet the required standards for safety, quality, and compliance, contributing positively to our city's growth.
• Infrastructure Planning and Development: We are at the forefront of the city's future, leading the planning, design, and construction of new infrastructure, from bridges and major thoroughfares to underground utilities. We are committed to building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Houston for generations to come. 

About the Director 

Learn more about the leadership of Houston Public Works on our About the Director page. 

Department Facts and Stats 

Curious about what it takes to keep Houston moving and flowing? From the number of water and wastewater treatment plants we manage to the miles of streets we maintain, our work impacts every corner of Houston. Explore the numbers that bring our mission to life by scrolling through the carousel below.