Our Mission

Enhancing the community and its environment by providing sustainable stewardship and innovative approaches to Public Works services. 

Our Vision

Meet the needs of the San Mateo community in its pursuit for quality of life. 

What We Do For You

The Public Works Department has primary responsibility for the maintenance, repair, cleaning, and new installation of the:

• 200 miles of City streets
• 380 miles of sidewalks
• 87 traffic signal intersections
• Over 7,000 street lights
• 11 publicly-owned parking lots and garages
• 260 miles of sewers
• 130 miles of storm drains
• 20 miles of open creeks and drainage canals
• 27 sanitary sewer pump stations
• 10 storm drainage system pump stations
• 3 dams
• 1 flood-control lagoon
• 3 miles of bay front levees (there are levees along most of our creeks and channels too!)
• 1 wastewater-treatment plant that serves San Mateo, Foster City, Hillsborough and portions of unincorporated San Mateo County

The Public Works Department also reviews plans and inspects the construction of public improvements to serve new private residential, commercial, and industrial developments and administers contracts for the collection, disposal, and recycling of solid waste. We provide the following services:

• Clearing clogged storm drains or drainage channels
• Repair of roads, potholes, public alleys, and bike paths
• Sewer backups
• Traffic signal maintenance
• Street light maintenance
• Street sweeping

Sustainability and Infrastructure Commission

Learn more about the important role of the City's newest commission, including: members, agendas, and meeting times.