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