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.
The Voice of the People Award celebrates communities where residents report outstanding opportunities in education and cultural life. High ratings reflect satisfaction with K–12 schools, access to childcare and preschool, opportunities for adult learning, and vibrant arts, music, and cultural activities. These winners show that when residents feel supported in both education and culture, it reflects a community deeply invested in its people.
The Community Impact Award recognizes communities that demonstrate measurable strength across a wide range of education and culture indicators. These measures span:
The common thread is clear: these local governments are cultivating environments where education and culture thrive, fueling stronger communities, better opportunities, and more resilient futures.
Healthy education and cultural systems do not happen by chance. They are the result of intentional choices—investments in schools, arts, childcare, equity, and workforce readiness—that uplift residents across all ages and backgrounds. These efforts enrich communities today while preparing them for tomorrow.
By pairing resident feedback with objective measures, the Best in Governance: Education, Arts, and Culture Awards shine a light on communities leading the way. Congratulations to this year’s winners for proving that good governance is both a learning opportunity and a cultural investment.
The communities listed as top performers in each category represent the very best in fostering educational excellence and cultural vitality.
🎉 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 Best in Governance Awards.