Cities across the United States celebrated National Public Works Week, May 21–27. The theme for the week, Connecting the World Through Public Works, illustrates how public works connects us all through infrastructure and service, enhancing the quality of life in our communities.

Public Works Week is an opportune time to recognize and celebrate the crucial role that public infrastructure projects play in shaping our communities. One project that stands as a testament to the power of public works is the El Centro Library. Designed by Ferguson, Pape, and Baldwin Architects, this innovative facility transformed an aging shopping center in the City of El Centro into a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and community engagement. The City of El Centro recently received a Project of the Year Award for the new library from the American Public Works Association San Diego / Imperial County Chapter.

“With this new library, the city continues its path to deliver outstanding projects that enhance the quality of life of our community for generations to come,” said Public Works Director / City Engineer Abraham Campos.

The library project was envisioned to provide the community with a modern and dynamic space for learning and discovery. The state-of-the-art library boasts several innovative features that enable digital access to many resources, including e-books, online databases, and multimedia collections. The facility includes dedicated spaces for collaboration, group study, and community events, encouraging interaction, knowledge sharing, and networking among residents.

The building serves as a community hub, offering a range of programs and activities that cater to the diverse interests and needs of the residents. The library fosters lifelong learning and brings people together, from children’s story hours to adult literacy programs, from art exhibits to workshops on various subjects.

“The new El Centro Library has been a wonderful addition to our city, and we are already seeing the positive impact it has had on the quality of life in our community,” said El Centro Mayor Martha Cardenas-Singh. “It is one of our most valued assets for community members to learn, grow, and discover.”

The impact of the El Centro Library extends beyond education and community development. Its presence in the heart of El Centro has revitalized the surrounding area by attracting visitors and stimulating local businesses.

California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) Senior Risk Manager Alex Mellor assisted the city with selecting appropriate types and limits of insurance for the project. “El Centro’s new library is a wonderful addition to the community,” said Mellor. “The city council and staff are to be commended for the vision and hard work needed to take the project from concept to completion. By taking the time to analyze and manage the risk involved, the city ensured taxpayers were protected in the event of an unexpected loss.”

The California JPIA also provided course of construction coverage for the library project. This program offers coverage for physical damage to member facilities while under construction.

The California JPIA commends the El Centro Library project and the staff that made it possible. It stands as a shining example of the transformative power of public works and is a reminder of the vital role that public works plays in our daily lives.

Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 40 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 120 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org