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The Voice of the People Awards

Each year Polco and ICMA present the Voice of the People Awards on the national stage at the ICMA annual conference. 

Recognizing Leaders in Community Engagement

Each year Polco and ICMA present the Voice of the People Awards on the national stage at the ICMA annual conference.
 
The VOP Awards honor local governments that best engage residents and include public opinion in community decisions. They are the first and only nationally recognized awards given to local governments based on resident input.

Presented by Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). 

 

ICMA Executive Director and CEO Marc A. Ott and Polco CEO Nick Mastronardi present the VOP awards at the ICMA Annual conference
“There are acute challenges disrupting local government, from polarization to a lack of trust. Collaboration, resident participation, and data-informed decision-making are the only ways to solve these complex issues. These amazing communities are national models for taking on pernicious problems in government. It’s why the VOP awards are so important—these organizations are making the blueprint to better democracy in an era of profound transition."
Nick Mastronardi 500x500
Nick Mastronardi

CEO - Polco

About The VOP Awards

Many award recipients were nominated after receiving the highest or most improved ratings from residents on The National Community Survey (The NCS).

The NCS is a nationwide community livability assessment with the largest database of its kind and nearly a thousand participating municipalities throughout the last 30 years. The database represents perspectives of more than 50 million Americans, and well over 100 jurisdictions conduct the survey in each year.  

Other winners demonstrated outstanding online engagement or the innovative use of simulation-based technology to educate and connect with residents. The simulations, provided by Balancing Act from Polco, allow residents to show what they value most by ranking budgeting and other priorities.

Economy

Economy

Safety

Safety

Natural Environment

Natural Environment

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

Mobility

Mobility

Education

Education

Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation

Utilities

Utilities

Housing

Housing

Finance

Finance

Online Engagement

Online Engagement
"ICMA is proud to present the Voice of the People Awards in partnership with Polco. All of the award winners have done great work and shown excellence in leadership. They are truly deserving of this recognition."
Mark Ott

ICMA CEO/Executive Director

Read about past Award winners

Five Award-Winning Women Trailblazers in Local Government
Polco Blog: Five Award-Winning Women Trailblazers in Local Government
Awards

Five Award-Winning Women Trailblazers in Local Government

September 18, 2024 4 min read
Meet the 2023 Leadership Trailblazer Award Winner: Valmarie Turner
Polco Blog: Meet the 2023 Leadership Trailblazer Award Winner: Valmarie Turner
Awards

Meet the 2023 Leadership Trailblazer Award Winner: Valmarie Turner

November 7, 2023 3 min read
Rising Recognition: The Voice of the People Awards Expand
Polco Blog: Rising Recognition - The Voice of the People Awards Expand
Awards

Rising Recognition: The Voice of the People Awards Expand

September 25, 2023 2 min read