About the Department of Public Works

For more than a century, the County has been responsible for managing a road system, and for over 75 years, it has supervised a flood protection system. San Bernardino County Public Works encompasses various departments, including Transportation, Flood Control, Surveyor, Solid Waste, and a new addition in 2020—Special Districts. The primary duties of Public Works involve the operation and maintenance of county roads, the management of special transportation projects, the oversight of subdivision maps and survey records through the Surveyor’s Office, the administration of the county’s solid waste system, and the upkeep of an extensive system of flood control and water conservation facilities. Additionally, the Special Districts Department delivers essential programs and municipal services to address both current and future needs in the communities it serves.

Transportation

Maintain the level of safety and maintenance for county maintained roads to help ensure the motoring public’s well being.

  • Planning
  • Traffic
  • Design
  • Environmental
  • Construction
  • Operations
  • Permits

Flood Control

Protecting lives and infrastructure through efficient flood control measures, incorporating water conservation, promoting community education, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

  • Planning
  • Water Resources
  • Design
  • Operations
  • Permits
  • Environmental

Surveyor

Provides timely map and plan check services for customer to allow the pace of development to proceed in a controlled and opportune manner.

  • Mapping
  • Field Survey
  • GIS
  • Survey Research

Solid Waste

Improve the efficiency of landfill space utilization to effectively meet the public’s future capacity needs.

  • Engineering
  • Recycling Programs
  • Operations
  • Environmental

Special Districts

Promote the safety, health and enrichment of the communities we serve by providing essential municipal services along with diverse community-based programs in an efficient and sustainable manner.

  • County Service Areas
  • Community Facility Districts
  • Street Light Districts
  • Road Improvement Zones
  • Water and Sanitation Districts
  • Parks and Recreation (including a zoo)
  • Project Management

Mission Statement

To enhance the quality of life for our communities by developing and maintaining public infrastructure, and providing a variety of municipal services that complements our natural resources and environment.

Vision

Lead the way to a thriving community through innovation in public works, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Values

The embodiment of our core values will allow us to have a positive IMPACT on the citizens of our community:

Integrity

Mutual Respect

Public Safety

Accountability

Customer Service

Teamwork

Vision for Success through Three Pillars

Together, these three pillars—customer service, employee wellness and data-driven decisions, form the foundation of our vision for the Department of Public Works. By embracing these principles and working collaboratively towards our goals, we will enhance the quality of life for all those we serve and contribute to the sustainable growth and development of our communities.

At the Department of Public Works, our foremost commitment is to the communities we serve. We envision a future where every interaction with our department exemplifies the highest standards of customer service. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of residents, businesses, and visitors. Through open communication, responsiveness, and a dedication to problem-solving, we aim to build trust and foster positive relationships with all stakeholders. By prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of our customers, we will contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of our communities.

Our department understands that our most valuable asset is our people. We envision a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to perform at their best. We are committed to nurturing a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. By investing in training, mentorship programs, and wellness initiatives, we will support the well-being and development of our staff. Furthermore, we will promote a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and respect, where every voice is heard and every contribution is recognized. Through strong leadership, communication, and employee engagement strategies, we will cultivate a dedicated workforce that takes pride in serving the public and driving positive change in our communities.

We recognize the power of data in driving informed decision-making and improving operational efficiency. Our vision entails harnessing the wealth of data available to us to optimize resource allocation, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. By leveraging data analytics, predictive modeling, and technology-driven solutions, we will identify trends, anticipate challenges, and proactively address issues before they escalate. Through a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, we will ensure that every decision we make is grounded in evidence and aimed at maximizing the impact of our efforts.

Strategic Goals

  1. Surveyor – Provides timely map and plan check services for customer to allow the pace of development to proceed in a controlled and opportune manner.
  2. Transportation Division – Maintain the level of safety and maintenance for county maintained roads to help ensure the motoring public’s well being.
  3. Solid Waste Management Division – Improve the efficiency of landfill space utilization to more effectively meet the public’s future capacity needs.
  4. Flood Control District – Increase groundwater recharge services at flood control district facilities in support of maintaining adequate water supplies for the people of San Bernardino County.