Throughout 2014, we'll be recognizing the recipients of NRC's Voice of the People award. 

The Voice of the People Awards are granted jointly each year by ICMA and NRC to the communities with the highest rated services according to a representative sample of their own residents. The awards recognize excellence in local governance and help to build a community of best practice leaders for the benefit of all.

Awards are granted to communities with the highest rated services (the Award for Excellence) and the services showing greatest improvement (the Transformation Award) according to results generated by The National Citizen Survey™ in the previous calendar year. 

Voice of the People Award for Excellence & Voice of the People Award for Transformation

Davidson, NC - Code Enforcement Services

Davidson is a town of 10,944 residents on Lake Norman in central North Carolina. It's self-described as "the best mall town in America," and that sense of community pride is certainly reflected in their results from The National Citizen Survey.

Davidson business owners and citizens take pride in their property as well as the community. Davidson hired a well-known and well-liked retired Davidson police officer to serve as their Code Enforcement Officer. Officer Scott Misenheimer regularly inspects all business properties and residential neighborhoods for violations of the Municipal Code. Most enforcement issues are resolved with a gentle reminder and to date, the city has never filed a legal judgment against one of its property owners.

When Mr. Misenheimer determines there is a violation, he makes personal contact with the business or property owner to work out a solution. If a letter of violation is necessary, he works with the owner to find the best resolution for all parties. This collaborative, personal approach engenders cooperation and respect on all levels.

With the leadership of Mr. Misenheimer, Davidson has created a true partnership between the town, its businesses and its citizens to improve and protect the quality of life in Davidson. We salute their personal approach to Code Enforcement and are proud to award them the Voice of the People Award for both Excellence and Transformation in Code Enforcement.