Salt Lake City, Utah — The National League of Cities (NLC) will proudly recognize outstanding leadership, innovation and service during its annual 2025 City Summit, celebrating individuals, cities and partners who are shaping stronger, more resilient communities across the country. This year’s honors highlight the creativity, dedication and collaborative spirit driving progress at the local level.
As part of the celebration, NLC will present the following awards:
Public Leadership in the Arts Award
Recognizes a city council member who has championed the arts as an essential component of civic life.
- Awardee: Councilmember Debra Porada, Ontario, CA
All-America City Award
Honors communities demonstrating exceptional innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Awardees:
- Akron, Ohio
- Carrboro, North Carolina
- Chelsea, Massachusetts
- Hampton, Virginia
- Jacksonville, North Carolina
- Kinston, North Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Seattle, Washington
- Tallahassee, Florida
John J. Stutz Award
Acknowledges long-standing commitment to municipal service by recognizing staff who have dedicated 25 years to supporting local governments at state municipal leagues and state league risk pools.
- Awardees:
- Jenn Brimer, Website Developer, Association of Washington Cities
- Sheila Gall, General Counsel, Association of Washington Cities
- Stuart Haynes, Deputy Director, Missouri Municipal League
50-Year Milestone Awards
Celebrates municipalities marking five decades of active NLC membership and leadership.
- Honored Cities:
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Birmingham, AL
- Greeley, CO
- Brea, CA
- Prairie Village, KS
- Minnetonka, MN
- Red Wing, MN
- Saint Charles, MO
- Burlington, NC
- Grand Island, NE
- Oberlin, OH
- Beaverton, OR
- Austin, TX
- Carthage, TX
- Irving, TX
Distinguished Service to Cities Award
Recognizes corporate partners whose expertise and collaboration have significantly advanced municipal innovation.
- Awardee: Indigov, now part of Granicus
Capstone Challenge
Recognizes corporate partner teams that develop creative, forward-thinking solutions to urgent city challenges.
- Highlighted Team: UKG and the City of Rancho Cordova, CA for their work in championing a modern and efficient municipal workforce.
Healthy Housing Innovation Cohort Awards
Acknowledges communities for improving service delivery for residents through public private partnerships using innovative technology applications that advance health through improving housing quality.
- Awardees:
- First Place: Kansas City, MO (FindHelp) – $50,000
- Second Place: San Luis Obispo, CA (Tolemi) – $20,000
- Third Place: Village of Maywood, IL (Tolemi) – $10,000
Collectively, these awards spotlight the local leaders and partners driving meaningful change in communities of all sizes. NLC looks forward to celebrating their achievements at City Summit and inspiring continued innovation in the year ahead. The National League of Cities congratulates all honorees and looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering local leaders to build stronger, more resilient communities.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
