Public Works

The management of public works has undergone several department shifts throughout the City’s history. The Department of Public Works was in operation as early as the 1880s, but was reimagined as the Division of Public Works under the Commissioner of Public Property during the Commission Council form of government from 1912-1950. With the adoption of the 1954 Home Rule Charter, the Department of Public Works was reinstated separate from the management of public buildings. The main focus of the department and its various related departments through the City’s history is the City’s infrastructure, namely, its streets. This includes street paving and maintenance, surveys for street repairs and creation, and street lights. The current Department of Public Works is also responsible for maintaining streets, bridges, catch basins, and drainage for the City of New Orleans. Additional records in the City Archives regarding drainage and water are included with Utilities, Water, and Transpiration.