1913

The County of Los Angeles Charter goes into effect bringing with it the creation of the Road Department.

1914

In response to massive flooding of the LA basin, the Los Angeles Flood Control District is established to help provide flood protection as well as water conservation.

1916

The Office of the County Engineer is opened and gradually grows to handle building and safety, land survey, and waterworks.

1940

The County Master Highway Plan is Developed to help guide the County's expanding road system.

1960

The Highway Safety Commission is established to engage the public in the investigation and implementation of traffic improvements throughout the County.

1985

The Department of Public Works is established, effectively consolidating the County Road Department, the Los Angeles Flood Control District and the County Engineer.

1985

Thomas Tidemanson is named the Department of Public Works' first Director. The Road Department's last Commissioner, Tidemanson oversaw DPW's successful consolidation.

1994

Harry W. Stone is named the Department of Public Works' second Director. Stone oversaw sweeping unincorporated area street upgrades, countywide traffic flow improvements, as well as LA River Flood Control modernization.

1999

Construction of the Iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall begins.

2001

James A. Noyes is named the Department of Public Works' third Director. Noyes oversaw numerous large-scale projects including the completion of the innovative Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2005

Donald L. Wolfe is named the Department of Public Works' fourth Director. Wolfe oversaw the successful completion of the groundbreaking LAC+USC Medical Center, DPW's largest project to date.

2008

The Department of Public Works completes the County's largest Capital Project to date; the $1 Billion LAC+USC Medical Center Replacement.

2008

Gail Farber is named the Department of Public Works' fifth Director. Farber spearheaded the development of a new strategic plan that redefined the Department's mission, vision, and values to address modern challenges and better serve the public.

2012

The County Board of Supervisors Adopts the 2012 Bicycle Master Plan.

2012

Construction begins on the County Hall of Justice Repair and Reuse project, overseen by the Department of Public Works.

2013

The Road Department celebrates its 100th year of connecting communities on June 2, 2013.

2015

The County Flood Control District Centennial Celebration on August 12, 2015.

2015

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works was formed on January 1, 1985, consolidating the former County Road Department, a portion of the County Engineer- Facilities, and the County Flood Control District. In 1995, Public Works assumed the responsibility for capital projects from the County Internal Services Department. We are located at 900 South Fremont Ave., in Alhambra, CA.

2017

Mark Pestrella, P.E. appointed as the sixth director of Los Angeles County Public Works.

Director Pestrella oversees the largest municipal public works agency in the United States, providing public infrastructure and municipal services to more than 10 million people across a 4,000-square-mile service area. In his role as director, Pestrella serves as the County's Engineer, Road Commissioner, and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, among other titles.

2018

A new Los Angeles County Public Works logo is introduced.

The logo is a visual representation of the agency's culture of public service and its commitment to ensuring inclusivity and trust in relationships with customers and stakeholders.