The 2017 Life, Well Run Student Photo Contest ended two weeks ago, and our judges have been pouring over submissions to decide the winner of our four very special prizes. Opened to students and next generation local government professionals, the Student Photo Contest allowed us to take a peek into the everyday lives of the students who have already begun getting involved to make their communities a better place.

We received submissions from nearly every region in the U.S. of students showing us how their local government was making an impact, and the leaders that are facilitating that impact. The passion displayed in each of this year’s submissions made it the most difficult competition the Life, Well Run team has ever had to judge.

From a look at the GIS Department in Santa Barbara, to the incredible career resources Miami-Dade offers its residents in need, we saw a wide array of services that helped communities promote efficient, effective, and ethical local government. The photos submitted for this year’s contest were top notch, and the words that accompanied them conveyed a clear understanding of the importance of a well-managed community.

While we wish we could award all of our entrants with a free trip to ICMA’s 103^rd annual conference, we feel certain that every one of our entrants will have an incredible future in local government. These photos will also be displayed in the Member Pavilion at the 103^rd Annual ICMA Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Thank you to all of this year’s contestants for continuing to showcase the benefits of a Life, Well Run.

Congratulations to First Prize Winner Brandon Kowalke, MPA Student at Northern Illinois University featuring the City of Wheaton, IL!

View all winners and a great slideshow of honorable mentions here!