ICMA is pleased to congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Local Government Excellence Awards. These distinguished honorees exemplify the very best of professional local government leadership, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening communities. Their achievements highlight the value of professional management and its profound impact on the quality of life for residents across the globe.

The Local Government Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and programs that advance career excellence, cultivate new talent, champion good governance, and elevate the profession through leadership, advocacy, and service. ICMA proudly recognizes this year’s award recipients for their outstanding contributions and for embodying the principles that place leaders at the core of better communities.

Professional Award Recipients

Award for Career Excellence (established in memory of Mark E. Keane)
Charles P. Potucek, city manager, Sierra Vista, Arizona

Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award (established in memory of Buford M. Watson)
Jessica R. Hoffman, assistant city administrator, Wentzville, Missouri

Academic Award (established in memory of Stephen B. Sweeney)
Dr. Craig M. Wheeland, professor of public administration, Villanova University

Award for Career Development (established in memory of L.P. Cookingham)
Susan Marie Guthrie, former town manager, Clarkdale, Arizona

Early Career Leadership Award (established in memory of William H. Hansell Jr.)
Alexander James Mansfield, city administrator, Amery, Wisconsin

Good Governance Award
Kimbra D. McCarthy, city manager, Mountain View, California

Program Award Recipients

Community Equity and Inclusion Award
City of Monrovia, California, Satoru Tsuneishi Park, population 10,000 to 49,999, Dylan Feik

City of Plano, Texas, Work-Experience Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, population 50,000 and greater, Mark D. Israelson

Community Health and Safety Award
City of Bondurant, Iowa, Bringing Health Care Home: Expanding Access to Care in Bondurant, population less than 10,000, Marketa G. Oliver

City of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Hopkinsville Fire - Christian County EMS Paramedic Program, population 10,000 to 49,999, Troy O'Neil Body

City of Newport News, Virginia, A Chance to Shine, population greater than 50,000, Alan K. Archer

Community Partnership Award
City of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Mod-Home Initiative, population less than 10,000, Joe Chacke

City of Vista, California, Buena Creek Navigation Center, population greater than 50,000, John Conley

City of Southlake, Texas, Southlake Community Services Agreement (CSA) Partnership Network, population 10,000 to 49,999, Alison Ortowski

Community Sustainability Award
Town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, Urban Tree Canopy Protection & Rebuilding Initiative, population less than 10,000, Kyle J. Snyder

City of Vancouver, Washington, Naturespaces Vancouver, population greater than 50,000, Lon D. Pluckhahn

City of Muskegon, Michigan, City of Muskegon Infill Housing Program, population 10,000 to 49,999, Jonathan C. Seyferth

Strategic Leadership and Governance Award
City of Dublin, Ohio, Culture Playbook and Implementation, population 10,000 to 49,999, Megan O’Callaghan

City of Indian Wells, California, Indian Wells Golf Resort Annual Strategic Plan, population less than 10,000, Dr. Chris Freeland

City of Weston, Florida, WestonGov Academy, population greater than 50,000, Donald Decker