American City & County magazine has selected Fort Wayne, Ind., Public Works Director Bob Kennedy as its 2009 "Public Works Leader of the Year." The magazine presents the award annually to recognize outstanding leadership in public works. A profile of Kennedy and his contributions to Fort Wayne is featured in the September issue of the magazine and is online at http://americancityandcounty.com/pubwks/2009-public-works-leader-year-200909/.

The 2009 Public Works Leader of the Year Award recognizes Kennedy's efforts to permanently resolve persistent flooding problems in the city. Because of the flood control measures Kennedy has implemented, property damage from severe storms has significantly diminished in Fort Wayne, also known as the City of Three Rivers.

In addition, last year Kennedy battled an ice storm that left 121,000 residents without power, and he helped lead a fundraising drive to extend the city's multi-use trail system. By the end of last year, the public works department added 4.7 miles of trails to Fort Wayne's trail network.

Kennedy's ability to engage residents and gather support across department lines for public works initiatives has been critical to his success. A lifelong resident and city employee for more than 20 years, Kennedy draws on deep experience to lead the city's public works department. "One of the secrets to Bob Kennedy's success as a public works director is his ability to size up a problem and know how to work with people who can fix it," said Bill Wolpin, editorial director of American City & County. "His lifelong investment in his community will pay dividends that will last for generations."

The subscribers of American City & County submit nominations for the Public Works Leader of the Year Award. The magazine's editorial staff selects the award's recipient each year.