City of Greensboro and Elijah Williams Named DBIA Southeast Owner of the Year

The City of Greensboro and Water Reclamation Manager Elijah Williams earned the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Southeast Owner of the Year Award at the organization's annual summit last month. The City Council also recognized Williams at its May 4 meeting for his diligence to identify and incorporate minority- and women-owned businesses on Water Resources Department projects.

The City and Williams received the DBIA honor for championing design-build methodology on department projects. Design-build describes a project delivery method where an owner signs a single contract for a project's design and construction. This alternative to the traditional design-bid-build process emphasizes collaboration, efficiency, and shared accountability.

Williams and the City hosted a multi-day certification workshop in October 2024 led by DBIA instructors. The workshop assembled City operations staff, executive leaders, procurement professionals, legal counsel, and Office of Business Opportunity staff to educate departments that influence the City's project success. As a result of efforts like these, Greensboro's Water Resources Department has become an attractive utility with which to work for high-performing builders and vendors. The City is also increasingly viewed as a model with peer utilities seeking perspective on procurement approaches, governance structures, and lessons learned.

"Elijah's leadership has strengthened our commitment to collaboration and innovation, and we're honored to see that work recognized by Council and DBIA Southeast," said Water Resources Director Mike Borchers. "The Council's recognition and this award reflect the dedication of our entire Water Resources team and the partners who help us deliver for Greensboro."

A 1996 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Williams joined the City in 2005 as a utility design engineer. He assumed his present position overseeing the Wastewater Division in 2014 and has played an important role in expanding the pool of contractors and vendors for departmental projects. Williams is the vice president of the North Carolina Water Quality Association and vice chair of the Upper Cape Fear River Basin Association.

"I am honored to be recognized for the work I have done over the years," Williams said. "I have to give the past and present Water Resources leadership credit for building the culture. Culture change cannot be done by one person. It takes the whole group to make the shift."

The Water Resources Department's primary mission is to provide the highest level of water, sewer, and stormwater services, to protect public health, and sustain an enjoyable quality of life. It is committed to upholding public trust through exceptional customer service, transparency, and environmental stewardship in Greensboro and neighboring communities. Learn more about the department online at greensboro-nc.gov/water.