D.C. Opens Contest to Name Eight Snowplows
The District Department of Public Works is inviting residents to suggest names for eight snowplows, one for each city ward.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The D.C. Department of Public Works launched the Name That Plow contest, inviting residents to submit names for eight snowplows that each represent one of the city's eight wards. Suggestions are due Tuesday, and winning names will be announced December 15.
Why it matters
The contest recognizes the crews who keep District roads safe during winter weather and gives residents a direct way to take part in the city's snow preparations. It arrives as the District Snow Team completes its annual Snow Mobilization Week readiness exercise.
The District's snow operations draw on more than 1,000 employees and over 200 heavy and light plows, with one of the eight named plows assigned to each city ward. The source does not say how many name suggestions have been submitted so far or how the winners will be chosen.
The players
D.C. Department of Public Works
The District agency responsible for maintaining city streets and coordinating snow removal operations across Washington, D.C.
District Snow Team
The city's coordinated snow-response unit that conducts an annual Snow Mobilization Week to prepare personnel, equipment and technology for winter storms.
The details
Residents can submit names through a contest submission link before Tuesday's deadline. The contest coincides with Snow Mobilization Week, an exercise intended to ensure personnel, equipment and technology are ready for winter weather.
Timeline
Tuesday: deadline for residents to submit plow names.
Dec. 15: winning plow names to be announced.
Civic Engagement Context
The contest follows the District Snow Team's annual Snow Mobilization Week, which prepares personnel, equipment and technology before winter weather arrives. Inviting residents to name the eight plows that each represent one of the city's eight wards brings the public into a routine winter-readiness effort.
Washington residents can suggest a name for the plow that represents their ward before Tuesday's deadline. The winning names will appear on the city's snowplows once they are selected.
The takeaway
Residents who want a direct role in District snow preparation can submit a plow name before Tuesday's deadline. Participation is open to anyone who wants to suggest a name for their ward's plow.
What happens next
Winning plow names will be announced December 15.
Further reading
Explore more civic engagement coverage to see how residents take part in local government decisions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WJLA.
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