Local leaders, whether elected, appointed or hired to work in municipal governments, are in a position to make a difference. Public service awards recognize individuals who bring passion and excellence to their roles, as well as local government entities and projects that inspire progress. 2026 brings the following opportunities to reward leaders who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond expectations. Click on the award program name for more information on how to submit nominations
To submit or update information on an awards program, email us at [email protected].
ICMA Local Government Excellence Awards
The International City/County Management Association recognizes individual municipal administrators and employees in five categories of awards: the Award for Career Excellence, Award for Career Development, Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award, Early Career Leadership Award and Advocacy for Profession Award. Nominees must be ICMA members. Nominations are due March 13.
Smart Cities Dive Awards
The Smart Cities Dive Public Service Awards recognize exemplary individuals who drive local impact. The awards are a continuation of the American City & County Exemplary Public Service Awards, following last year’s merger between AC&C and Smart Cities Dive. The deadline for Public Service Award nominations is March 31. Nominations will open in June for the Smart Cities Dive Community Project Awards, highlighting projects that serve community needs through innovative use of resources and technology. Those awards are a continuation of American City & County’s Crown Communities Awards.
Achievement Awards
The National Association of Counties recognizes innovative county government programs in 18 categories. Only county governments and state associations of counties are eligible. Applications are due March 31.
Top Influencers in Local Government
Engaging Local Government Leaders each year honors 100 people who make a difference in their communities. Nominees must work in the public sector or adjacent and related fields. Current ELGL board members, recent Top 10 honorees and self-nominations are not eligible. Nominations are due April 1.
Teree Caldwell-Johnson All-America Leader Award
This award from the National Civic League recognizes individuals for outstanding civic contributions. Nominations, which must be made by a third party, are due April 20.
Public Leadership in the Arts Awards
With these awards, Americans for the Arts honors elected officials who advance the arts and arts education within their communities and provide leadership to heighten visibility of the arts’ value. Nominations for the County Arts Leadership Award, honoring an elected county official, are due June 6. Nominations for the City Council Leadership Award, honoring a city council member, are due Oct. 9.
Local Leaders Climate Awards
In partnership with C40, Bloomberg Philanthropies celebrates “the most daring, impactful, and people-centered climate breakthroughs led by cities, states and regions.” The 2026 application deadline has not yet been announced.
Community Development Leader Awards
These awards, sponsored by SAFEBuilt, recognize a City Manager of the Year, Civil Engineer/Public Works Director of the Year and Community Development Director of the Year. The awards also name a Sustainability Trailblazer and Public Service Innovator. Deadlines for 2026 nominations have not been announced.
All America City Award
The National Civic League honors 10 outstanding communities that exemplify excellence in local innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Deadlines for 2027 applications have not been announced.
National Public Service Awards
The American Society for Public Administration awards individuals from local, state and federal governments, as well as international and public service nonprofit organizations who have made a difference in public service, forwarded a more democratic or socially equitable society, achieved substantial savings in government or developed a cadre of other government leaders. Deadlines for 2027 nominations have not been announced.
Smart 20 Awards
Smart Cities Connect recognizes innovative global smart cities projects with these annual awards. Deadlines for 2027 applications have not been announced.
Smart Cities North America Awards
IDC recognizes innovative and impactful projects and initiatives across municipalities, states, provinces and K12 and higher education that are transforming communities through technology and innovation. Deadlines for 2027 applications have not been announced.
This article was updated to include additional awards.
