Seeing Our Streets—and Our City—in a New Way

Technically not in the drivers' seat of a city street sweeper.

Yesterday, I had the chance to do something I don’t often get to do: ride along with one of our Public Works crews during street sweeping. Climbing into the truck and seeing the work from their perspective changed how I think about something many of us pass by without a second thought.

As we moved slowly down street after street, I started noticing details I’d never paid attention to before—where debris collects, how carefully the equipment is positioned, and how deliberate every pass needs to be to do the job right. Along the way, we passed neighbors and even a few of my kids’ friends biking to school. It was pretty fun to see their surprised reactions when they realized I was waving from a street sweeper—one of those small moments that made the morning memorable.

But there was also an important lesson happening in real time. We talked about why this work matters: what’s left on our streets doesn’t just disappear. It can wash into storm drains, lakes, and streams, affecting water quality and the environment we all share.

What struck me most was the pride they took in their work. With 320 miles of city streets to sweep, this is a big undertaking—and it’s done thoughtfully, block by block. That ride‑along gave me a new appreciation for the care, skill, and dedication behind the scenes. I’m grateful for our Public Works professionals who take on this essential work every day and help keep our city clean, safe, and healthy.