Six City Infrastructure Projects Recognized for Excellence

March 09, 2026

Six local infrastructure projects led by the City of Tallahassee received top honors from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Big Bend Branch Chapter at its 18th annual APWA Awards Banquet. These top awards recognize excellence in planning, management, innovation and community impact while reflecting the City’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that improves residents’ daily lives.

The City’s Strategic Plan identifies Public Infrastructure as one of the community’s key priorities, guiding efforts to strengthen roads, sidewalks, utilities and transportation systems that connect residents, businesses and neighborhoods. Projects honored for excellence span multiple areas of public infrastructure, including transportation improvements, stormwater management, utilities and community enhancements. Each project was evaluated by APWA judges based on criteria such as sustainability, environmental stewardship, collaboration and overall benefit to the public.

Taking home top honors were:

• The MLK Tharpe Street Beautification project by the City’s Community Beautification and Waste Management department, which provided extensive landscaping upgrades, including planting large Live Oak trees and area irrigation. (Beautification less than $2 million category)
• The Pump Station 182 project by the City’s Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure (UUPI) department, which built a new pump station along Orange Avenue to replace aging infrastructure and ensure the City continues providing reliable, quality service for area residents, while protecting the environment and providing capacity for future growth. (Environmental $5 million but less than $25 million category)
• The Pullen Road Sidewalk project by the City’s UUPI department, which enhanced safety and mobility options in the area by constructing a new sidewalk along the south side of Pullen Road from Old Bainbridge Road to Fred Smith Road. (Transportation less than $2 million category)
• The Railroad Avenue Improvements project by the City’s UUPI department, which included utility, roadway and sidewalk improvements along Railroad Avenue from Railroad Square to Gaines Street, incorporating roadway design elements that tie FAMU Way and Gaines Street together. (Transportation $5 million but less than $25 million category)
• The Sugar Plum Drive Sidewalk project by the City’s UUPI department, which enhanced pedestrian safety, connectivity and multimodal access by constructing a new sidewalk that filled in a missing link within the existing sidewalk network. (In-House Maintenance less than $2 million category)
• The Henderson Road Wall Repair project by the City’s UUPI department, which assessed and corrected issues on a retaining wall near North Florida Christian School, ensuring sidewalk and roadway safety. (Emergency Repair less than $2 million category)

The APWA is an international educational and professional association consisting of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing high-quality public works projects and services. The Big Bend Branch Chapter is dedicated to the promotion and understanding of Public Works services and professions in a nine-county area, across the eastern panhandle of Florida.

Stay informed about major infrastructure investments underway by the City to maintain reliable services and build a more vibrant, resilient community at Talgov.com/Projects.