Best in Governance Awards: Powering Quality of Life

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.

Voice of the People Award: Reliable Services Residents Depend On

Winners of the Voice of the People Award in Utilities received some of the highest resident ratings in the nation for the overall quality of their utility infrastructure. Communities earning this recognition were praised for services such as drinking water and sewer systems, stormwater management, garbage collection, power utilities, and affordable high-speed internet access. Their residents appreciate not only the reliability of these systems but also the transparency, responsiveness, and innovation that underpin them.

Community Impact Award: Building Sustainable and Equitable Systems

The Community Impact Award recognizes local governments achieving measurable excellence in the performance, safety, and accessibility of essential utilities. Using objective data on service reliability, energy and water efficiency, affordability, and digital inclusion, these communities demonstrate that strategic investment pays off. From reducing outages and water violations to expanding broadband access for all residents, these leaders are shaping the next generation of resilient, equitable infrastructure.

🏆Celebrating Top Performers

Congratulations to this year’s Top Performers for their outstanding work in utility management and innovation. Whether recognized for exceptional resident satisfaction or transformative system improvements, these communities exemplify what it means to power progress responsibly. 

Excellence - Voice of the People

• City of Bloomington, Minnesota
• City of Clive, Iowa
• Town of Flower Mound, Texas
• Township of Schaumburg, Illinois
• City of Urbandale, Iowa

Transformation - Voice of the People

• City of Elk Grove, California
• Grand Traverse County, Michigan
• City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico
• City of Waukesha, Wisconsin
• Township of West Chester, Ohio

Excellence - Community Impact

• City and County of Broomfield, Colorado
• City of Falls Church, Virginia
• City of Homewood, Alabama
• City of Mountain Brook, Alabama
• City of Trussville, Alabama

What’s Next

Together, these communities set the bar for how local governments can design, plan, and deliver housing and neighborhood development that truly supports resident well-being.

🎉 The National Champions will be announced live at the ICMA Annual Conference in October in Tampa, Florida.

👏 Congratulations to all of this year’s Top Performers! We’re honored to showcase your leadership in building stronger, smarter, and more connected communities. Visit our awards page for more information about the Best in Governance Awards.