Presenting the 2022 Voice of the People Award Winners and Finalists

Pictured above: ICMA Executive Director/CEO Marc Ott and Polco CEO Nick Matronardi

The Voice of the People Awards celebrate communities that excel at turning resident feedback into action.

Each year, ICMA and Polco present The Voice of The People Awards to local governments that demonstrate excellence in community engagement. The VOP awards are the only accolade given to communities based on the opinions of those who matter most—residents. 

The unveiling took place at the 2022 ICMA conference in Columbus, Ohio. Many of the winners demonstrate excellence (high scoring) or transformation (cities that improved over time) based on results from The National Community Survey® (The NCS®). The assessment measures resident opinions toward quality of life in their community. Others illustrate excellence in online engagement. Winners were then selected by a panel of judges based on how well the cities showcased their efforts in various categories. 

ICMA Executive Director/CEO Marc Ott presented the award to attendees at the conference. Polco Director of National Engagement, Damema Mann, and Executive Manager, Bert Kane, stood in for communities that couldn't attend. 

“All of the winners have made their communities better places to live as a result of resident engagement,” said Angelica Wedell, Director of Marketing and Communications for Polco. “It’s inspiring to see these organizations listening to resident voices and acting on their feedback.” 

Polco is proud to announce this year’s winners. 

Excellence Winners

Scottsdale, Arizona: Excellence in Economy

Polco Director of National Engagement Damema Mann and Executive Manager Robert Kane presenting the award for winners who were not present at the 2022 ICMA conference.

Orland Park, Illinois: Excellence in Education, Arts, and Culture

Davidson, North Carolina: Excellence in Equity
and Inclusion and Engagement

Skokie, Illinois: Excellence in Mobility

Schaumburg, Illinois: Excellence in Health and Wellness

Coronado, California: Excellence in Natural Environment
and Parks and Rec

Eagan, Minnesota: Excellence in Online Outreach

Papillion, Nebraska: Excellence in Safety 

Cedar Park, Texas: Excellence in Utilities 

Transformation Winners

Cape Coral, Florida: Transformation in Economy

Surprise, Arizona: Transformation in Education, Arts and Culture

Buffalo Grove, Illinois: Transformation in Equity and Inclusion
and Engagement 

Fate, Texas: Transformation in Health and Wellness 

Cape Coral, Florida: Transformation in Mobility 

Estes Park, Colorado: Transformation in Natural Environment
and Parks and Rec

Shakopee, Minnesota: Transformation in Safety 

Davidson, North Carolina: Transformation in Utilities 

Finalists

Gunnison County, Colorado: Transformation in Mobility

Eden Prairie, Minnesota: Excellence in Online Outreach