The Port of San Diego is once again earning national recognition for its leadership in public works, achieving re-accreditation through the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the third time in eight years. The Port, which first received this honor in 2017 and again in 2021, remains the first in the nation to be recognized with this distinction and is one of only two accredited public agencies in San Diego County. Agencies undergo a rigorous re-accreditation process every four years to ensure that management practices continue to meet the highest standards and reflect the latest advancements in the industry.
Danielle Moore, Chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, said the achievement reinforces the Port’s reputation as a leader among public agencies. “We like to say we are a Port of firsts, and this re-accreditation exemplifies just that,” Moore said. “This recognition helps illustrate how our team is leading the way as a public agency, consistently delivering excellence in management and execution of public works projects so we can best serve the community and fulfill our mission.”
To earn the re-accreditation, the Port’s Engineering-Construction team completed a thorough five-phase review process, which included a self-assessment, the implementation of improvements, and an in-depth audit and evaluation by APWA’s Accreditation Council. The process not only highlights the Port’s commitment to excellence but also its focus on continuous improvement and accountability.
Alongside the re-accreditation, the Port’s Engineering-Construction team has also been recognized with several industry awards that underscore its commitment to high-quality infrastructure projects. Among the recent honors, the team received a Project of the Year award for its work on Sweetwater Park, part of the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment. Sweetwater Park, which is now the Port’s newest and largest park, involved extensive collaboration between agencies, careful climate resiliency planning, and meaningful community engagement. The project is being held up as a model for future parks and public access projects along San Diego Bay.
The Port’s focus on sustainable infrastructure extends beyond parks. The department was also recognized for its electrical improvements at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT), a project that upgraded the terminal’s electrical systems to support new all-electric cargo handling equipment. The improvements were carried out within an active terminal environment, yet the project was completed on time, under budget, and without disrupting operations — earning another Project of the Year award in the Utilities category.
Further reinforcing the Port’s reputation for forward-thinking construction, the TAMT electrical improvements also received an Outstanding Airports and Ports Award from the San Diego Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The project represents a major milestone in the Port’s ongoing transition to a zero-emissions future and reflects the team’s strong construction management, environmental stewardship, and strategic project coordination.
Together, these achievements showcase how the Port of San Diego continues to raise the bar for public infrastructure, environmental leadership, and responsible growth along the waterfront.
