The American Society of Civil Engineers, Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch (ASCE MLAB), has named City Councilmember Justin Jones as the winner of its 2026 Outstanding Civil Engineer in Legislative Activities Award.
ASCE was founded in 1852 and is the nation’s oldest engineering society. The award recognizes engineers who connect technical skill with public policy. Jones works in both areas. He is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Jones chairs the Municipal Services Committee (MSC), which oversees the city’s public works, transportation, and Pasadena Water and Power (PWP). His engineering background has shaped his recent work on local water and utility issues.
MSC has been instrumental in overseeing the city’s transition toward carbon-free electricity by 2030.
During the Eaton Fire, the city issued a “Do Not Drink” notice because fire damaged its reservoirs. Jones helped lead the city’s response. He worked with PWP and health officials to set up water distribution until the Do Not Drink notice was lifted.
Jones’ work on the council has included advancing the planned Sunset Reservoir project. The project has not yet started construction, but it is important to the area’s water supply. He has also supported upgrades to the Jackie Robinson Community Center and a focus on basic neighborhood needs such as fixing sidewalks, adding street lights, repaving streets, slowing down traffic and improving safety.
His council work has covered other areas too. When federal SNAP food benefits lapsed, affecting about one in eight Pasadena residents, Jones worked with local nonprofits to keep emergency food available. He also helped expand the city’s Park Safety Specialist program and supported the seismic retrofit of Pasadena Central Library.
ASCE also includes professionals from public agencies and engineering firms across the region. The branch described the honorees as people who show strong leadership, innovation, service and technical skill.
ASCE MLAB will recognize Jones and the other winners at its annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 9, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at City Club LA. More information and registration are available at ascemlab.org/awards.
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