For nearly 60 years, ICMA’s Local Government Excellence Awards have celebrated individuals and programs that have transcended expectations, ignited change, and created a lasting impact on their communities.
Nominations are open!
Submissions encouraged from communities of every size in the United States and throughout the world for professional and program excellence awards.
Professional Awards recognize individual achievement:
- Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane
- Award for Career Development in Memory of L. P. Cookingham
- Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award in Memory of Buford M. Watson Jr.
- Academic Award in Memory of Stephen B. Sweeney
- Early Career Leadership Award in Memory of William H. Hansell Jr.
- Advocacy for the Profession Award in Honor of Martha Perego
- NEW: Good Governance Award
Program Excellence Awards recognize local governments and their chief administrators for inventive and successful programs in the areas of:
- Community Equity and Inclusion
- Community Health and Safety
- Community Partnership
- Community Sustainability
- Strategic Leadership and Governance
Nominations accepted through March 13, 2026.
Award winners will be notified by the end of July and honored during the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach/Los Angeles, California.
Recipients will also be featured in the special Awards issue of PM magazine and highlighted on other platforms throughout the year.
Join us in honoring the trailblazers who continue to inspire and elevate the standards of local governance!
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
