Best in Governance Awards: Safe, Prepared, and Protected Communities

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.

Voice of the People Award: The Resident Perspective on Safety

Winners of the Voice of the People Award for Public Safety earned outstanding ratings from residents for their overall feeling of safety - both in their neighborhoods and in commercial areas during the day. These communities also received strong marks for police and fire services, crime prevention, fire prevention and education, emergency preparedness, and even animal control. Their success reflects a holistic approach to safety that goes beyond response to include prevention, education, and community trust.

Community Impact Award: Measurable Safety and Resilience

The Community Impact Award honors local governments achieving measurable progress in reducing crime, preventing fires, and improving emergency response. These recognitions are based on objective data reflecting both outcomes and system performance - such as crime resolution rates, fire response trends, and overall community risk profiles. Winners demonstrate that strong planning, interagency coordination, and investment in prevention can save lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting community resilience.

🏆Celebrating Top Performers in Safety

Congratulations to this year’s Top Performers for their exceptional leadership in public safety. Whether recognized for high resident confidence or transformational improvements in outcomes, these communities exemplify how data, strategy, and compassion can work together to create safer places for all.

Excellence - Voice of the People

• Town of Davidson, North Carolina
• Town of Flower Mound, Texas
• City of Franklin, Tennessee
• City of Milton, Georgia
• Town of Needham, Massachusetts

Transformation - Voice of the People

• City of American Canyon, California
• City of Redlands, California
• City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico
• Borough of State College, Pennsylvania
• City of Waukesha, Wisconsin

Excellence - Community Impact

• City of Bountiful, Utah
• City of Chaska, Minnesota
• Village of Highland Falls, New York
• Village of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
• Village of Southampton, New York

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.