Leading the Nation in Stewardship: Honoring Communities Excelling in the Natural Environment

The natural environment is the backdrop of daily life - shaping health, recreation, safety, and community well-being. Clean air, safe water, preserved open spaces, and resilient landscapes are not just amenities; they are essential for thriving communities. As climate risks grow and development intensifies, the ability of local governments to protect and enhance their natural environment has become one of the most defining measures of leadership.

The Best in Governance Awards celebrate communities that are excelling in these vital areas of livability. Based on extensive, high-quality data from the National Community Survey (NCS) and national indicators from Government Performance Action and Learning (GPAL), the awards highlight the communities that stand out as the highest scorers in environmental quality as well as those demonstrating transformational progress in resilience and sustainability.

Voice of the People (VOP) Awards – Resident Experience

Communities receiving VOP honors in the Natural Environment category are those where residents give high marks for the quality of their surroundings and environmental services, including:

• Overall quality of the natural environment
• Cleanliness
• Water resources
• Air quality
• Preservation of natural areas
• Access to open space (e.g., Port St. Lucie open space)
• Recycling services
• Yard waste pick-up

Community Impact Awards – Measured Outcomes

The Community Impact Awards highlight measurable performance and resilience, drawing from ACS and GPAL indicators. These awards recognize not only where communities stand today, but how they are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges:

• Air Quality and Health:  Air pollution and days unhealthy for residents
• Resilience and Climate Hazards:  Community resilience and risks from flooding, extreme weather, and wildfires
• Land and Water:  Land use patterns and flood zone exposure
• Climate Change Risk:  Areas projected to be impacted by sea level rise
• Environmental Indices:  Overall natural environment scores and climate indicators
• Commuting and Mobility:  Commute length, traffic, and use of alternative transportation

🏆Top Performers for Natural Environment

Congratulations to this year’s Top Performers, recognized for their leadership in setting the  bar for resilience and environmental stewardship in local government.

Excellence - Voice of the People

• City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
• City of Clive, Iowa
• Los Alamos County, New Mexico
• City of Snoqualmie, Washington
• Town of Telluride, Colorado

Transformation - Voice of the People

• City of Elk Grove, California
• City of Redlands, California
• City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico
• Borough of State College, Pennsylvania
• City of Wichita, Kansas

Excellence - Community Impact

• Borough of Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
• City of Bellingham, Washington
• Cheboygan County, Michigan
• City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska
• City of Kodiak, Alaska

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 Best in Governance Awards.