The Department of Public Works is the City of Los Angeles' third largest Department. Since 1906 it has been responsible for the constuction, renovation, and operation of the City's facilities and infrastructure. The Department builds the City's streets, installs its sewers and storm drains, and constructs public buildings and service facilities.

The Department provides vital City services in five major program areas: Contract Administration, Engineering, Sanitation, Street Lighting, and Street Services. It is comprised of a staff of more the 5,800 employees who design and execute public projects from sidewalks and bridges to wastewater treatment plants and libraries. Throughout its history, the Department of Public Works has emained focused on resolving the infrastructure issues and challenges to ensure the uninterrupted everyday conveniences that result in a better quality of life and environmental protection for Los Angeles.

Directors of the Department's five Bureaus report to the Board of Public Works, whose five members oversee administration, operations, fiscal systems, and contracts and agreements of the Department.