The work performed by cities and towns to create a valuable place to live and work often does not attract notice. The Municipal Association’s Achievement Awards provide a way to showcase the hard-to-see projects that local governments undertake to make their operations run smoothly and that enhance their communities. The awards recognize excellence in local government programs and help share ideas among municipal officials and staff.
Categories and requirements
The Association accepts award submissions each year in either a population category or one of five subject categories: communications, economic development, public safety, public service and public works. Municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, as counted in the 2020 census data, can compete in either a population or subject category. Municipalities with a population greater than 20,000 can compete only in one of the five subject categories.
Projects need to be substantially complete to be eligible and can be submitted only one more time if they do not win.
Brainstorming entries
When considering ways to identify promising award submissions, municipal leaders may want to ask all departments to list out their completed projects that have had the greatest impact for residents and businesses. Also, taking a look at the videos and descriptions of past Achievement Award winners can help with brainstorming.
Information about past winners and the award application can be found online.
Applying
The 2022 submission deadline is February 9. The designated contact person for each entry will receive a receipt confirmation email by February 16. Cities submitting in the subject categories must make a virtual, oral presentation at an assigned time on February 28 or March 1. The Association will recognize award winners at the Annual Meeting on July 16.
For more information on the Achievement Awards, contact Meredith Houck at 803.933.1215 or mhouck@masc.sc.