Polco's Best in Governance Awards

Trust is the bedrock of the relationship between residents and their local governments. The National Community Survey (The NCS) captures this broad concept through a wide range of measures — from residents' perceptions of government honesty, fairness, and transparency, to their confidence in the direction of the community and the quality of services provided. In short, trust reflects both how people view their leaders' integrity and how satisfied they are with the value and performance of local government.

The awards for the Voice of the People categories for Trust in Government honor the cities and counties that excel in these areas. In addition to recognizing the five communities with the highest ratings nationwide, we also celebrate the five jurisdictions that achieved the biggest transformations — those that made the most significant gains in earning residents' trust and confidence.

View the 2026 Top Performers >

Great governance starts with listening. Local governments that elevate the resident voice in decision-making not only strengthen trust but also create smarter, more responsive communities. That's why we're proud to announce the Top Performers in this year's Best in Governance Awards for Resident Engagement.

These awards recognize cities, counties, and school districts that have gone above and beyond to engage their communities—whether through quick-turn resident surveys or interactive budget or prioritization simulations.

Economic vitality is one of the most visible signs of a thriving community. From bustling main streets to opportunities for residents across generations, the local economy reflects both private initiative and effective public leadership.

The Best in Governance Awards in the area of Economy draw on two complementary lenses: resident feedback from National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Polco's Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL) platform. Together, these measures provide a powerful picture of how communities are fostering strong, inclusive, and resilient economies by combining what residents experience day to day with public data on economic strength.

View the 2026 Top Performers >

Education, arts, and culture are cornerstones of a thriving community. From strong schools and lifelong learning to vibrant cultural events and festivals, these opportunities enrich daily life, inspire creativity, and strengthen civic pride. Communities that invest in education and cultural vitality not only support residents today, but also build the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience.

The Best in Governance Awards in the area of Education, Arts, and Culture draw on two complementary lenses: resident feedback from the National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Polco's Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL) platform. Together, these measures provide a powerful picture of how communities are fostering learning, creativity, and opportunity, combining what residents experience every day with public data on educational and cultural outcomes.

Health and Wellness form the foundation of every thriving community. From preventive care and mental health to access to affordable food and quality providers, residents' health both reflects and shapes a community's vitality. Strong outcomes in this area are not only about individual well-being—they are deeply tied to local governments' ability to ensure access, equity, and long-term quality of life.

The Best in Governance Awards in the area of Health and Wellness draw on two complementary lenses: resident feedback from the Best in Governance Awards and national indicators from Polco's Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL) platform. Together, these measures provide a powerful picture of how communities are advancing physical and mental health—combining what residents experience day to day with public health data on outcomes and system performance.

Housing and design are central to livability. From neighborhood layouts to affordability and the character of public spaces, these factors influence how connected and resilient a community can be. This year's honorees are leaders in building places where residents want to live, work, and thrive.

The Best in Governance Awards are based on extensive, high-quality data, including results from the National Community Survey (NCS) as well as a range of national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL). Together, these measures provide a powerful picture of how communities are performing and improving in one of the most essential aspects of livability.

View the 2026 Top Performers >

Community is at the heart of good governance. Beyond the roads, schools, and public safety services, residents want to feel connected—to their neighbors, to local leaders, and to the place they call home. That's why Community Connections is such a vital category in the Voice of the People (VOP) Awards. This year's winners stand out because their residents reported especially high ratings across the most meaningful measures of belonging and engagement.

The Best in Governance Awards are based on extensive, high-quality data from the National Community Survey (NCS). These measures provide a comprehensive picture of how communities are performing and improving in one of the most essential aspects of livability: people's sense of connection to each other and to their community. The Best in Governance Awards highlight local governments that are not only delivering services effectively but also building the social infrastructure that makes communities thrive.

View the 2026 Top Performers >

The natural environment is the backdrop of daily life - shaping health, recreation, safety, and community well-being. Clean air, safe water, preserved open spaces, and resilient landscapes are not just amenities; they are essential for thriving communities. As climate risks grow and development intensifies, the ability of local governments to protect and enhance their natural environment has become one of the most defining measures of leadership.

The Best in Governance Awards celebrate communities that are excelling in these vital areas of livability. Based on extensive, high-quality data from the National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL), the awards highlight the communities that stand out as the highest scorers in environmental quality as well as those demonstrating transformational progress in resilience and sustainability.

Parks and recreation are where cities come alive. They're the trails where residents find peace, the fields where kids play, and the community centers where people connect and grow. The Best in Governance Awards for Parks and Recreation honor communities that make these moments possible — places where public spaces foster wellness, belonging, and joy for all.

The Best in Governance Awards are based on extensive, high-quality data, including results from National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL). Together, these measures paint a vivid picture of how communities excel and evolve in one of the most visible and valued aspects of livability.

Public safety is the foundation of trust between residents and their local government. It's the feeling of security when walking through a neighborhood, the confidence that first responders will arrive when needed, and the knowledge that a city is prepared for whatever challenges may come. The Best in Governance Awards for Public Safety recognize communities that excel in keeping residents safe, preventing harm, and building resilience through data-driven leadership and community partnership.

The Best in Governance Awards are based on extensive, high-quality data, including results from National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL). Together, these measures provide a comprehensive picture of how communities perform and improve in one of the most essential areas of livability: safety and preparedness.

Behind every thriving community is a foundation of reliable, affordable, and sustainable utilities. From clean drinking water to steady electricity and dependable internet, these essential services keep cities running and residents connected. The Best in Governance Awards for Utilities honor communities that excel in maintaining the systems that power daily life - while preparing for a smarter, more resilient future.

The Best in Governance Awards are based on extensive, high-quality data, including results from National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL). Together, these measures capture both how residents experience utility services and how local governments perform in delivering them efficiently and equitably.