Join us in congratulating and celebrating the 2020 Local Government Excellence Award recipients! These awards recognize valuable contributions to professional local government management and demonstrate how the profession enhances the quality of life in our cities, towns, and counties.

This year we are pleased to announce that five talented individuals and 13 innovative programs will receive awards. Take a moment to congratulate and thank your peers. 

Professional Award Recipients

Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane

Wayne Parker, chief administrative officer, Provo, Utah

Award for Career Development in Memory of L.P. Cookingham

William Bell, city manager, Montrose, Colorado

Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award in Memory of Buford M. Watson Jr.

Michelle Smolen, assistant city manager, Paducah, Kentucky

Academic Award in Memory of Stephen B. Sweeney

Jerome Lewis, acting director, Master of Public Administration Program, University of Delaware Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, Newark, Delaware

Early Career Leadership Award in Memory of William H. Hansell Jr.

Amanda Mack, city manager, Spencer, Iowa

Program Award Recipients

Community Diversity & Inclusion Award

Northglenn Arts, Northglenn, Colorado (pop. 10,000-49,999)

MoVaLearns, Moreno Valley, California (pop. 50,000 and greater)

Community Health & Safety Award

Bondurant Ultra High Pressure, Bondurant, Iowa (pop. less than 10,000)

Quick Response Team-Colerain Township, Colerain Township, OH (pop. 50,000 and greater)

Community Partnership Award

Sioux County Regional Airport, Sioux Center, Iowa (pop. less than 10,000)

GoMonrovia, Monrovia, California (pop. 10,000-49,999)

Resilient City Permit Center, Santa Rosa, California (pop. 50,000 and greater)

Community Sustainability Award

MB Link, Mont Belvieu, Texas (pop. less than 10,000)

Warrior Project- Biogas Facility, Dodge City, Kansas (pop. 10,000-49,999)

Green Rehabilitation Program, North Miami, Florida (pop. 50,000 and greater)

Strategic Leadership & Governance Award

Net Zero Energy Municipal Complex, Forest Hills, Pennsylvania (pop. less than 10,000)

Monrovia Renewal, Monrovia, California (pop. 10,000-49,999)

Using AI to Improve Services and Trust, Sugar Land, Texas (pop. 50,000 and greater)