Each year, Polco is proud to celebrate local governments with the Best in Governance Awards — the nation's only awards program honoring communities for both resident experience and measurable outcomes. These awards shine a light on the jurisdictions that stand out as the most effective, innovative, and community-centered across the country, as measured through national data.
We're continuing our series recognizing the Top Performers across essential areas of community livability. Today, we're spotlighting the Utilities category.
About the Utilities Category
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 the National Community Survey (The NCS) and national indicators from Polco's Government Performance Action Lab (GPAL). Together, these measures capture both how residents experience utility services and how local governments perform in delivering them efficiently and equitably.
Because Utilities is measured through both lenses, this year's honorees are recognized across three groups: Community Impact — Excellence highlights the top performers on measurable, public-data outcomes; Voice of the People — Excellence recognizes the communities with the highest resident ratings nationwide; and Voice of the People — Transformation celebrates those that achieved the biggest improvements in resident ratings over time.
2026 Top Performers: Utilities
Community Impact — Excellence
- City of Broomfield, Colorado
- City of Falls Church, Virginia
- City of Trussville, Alabama
Voice of the People — Excellence
- City of Clive, Iowa
- Town of Davidson, North Carolina
- Town of Estes Park, Colorado
- City of Naperville, Illinois
- City of Suwanee, Georgia
Voice of the People — Transformation
- Town of Johnstown, Colorado
- City of Kearney, Missouri
- City of Redlands, California
- City of San Marcos, Texas
- City of Suwanee, Georgia
What's Next
The communities recognized as Top Performers represent the very best in delivering the essential services that power daily life. The National Champions in each category will be announced in October.
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 Polco's Best in Governance Awards.
