
Community Excellence Awards
The League recognizes innovative solutions through the peer-nominated Community Excellence Award, a spirited competition we affectionately call “The Race for the Cup.”
For the latest information on the award, past winners, and how to enter, please visit our Community Excellence Awards website.
Winners
- 2022 – Cassopolis
- 2021 – Rochester Hills
- 2020 – Canceled Due to COVID
- 2019 – Bay City
- 2018 – Fraser
- 2017 – Hudsonville
- 2016 – Beaverton
- 2015 – Westland
- 2014 – Harbor Beach
- 2013 – Ironwood
- 2012 – Grandville
- 2011 – Clare
- 2010 – Grand Haven
- 2009 – Lathrup Village
- 2008 – Jackson
- 2007 – St. Joseph
Honorary Life Membership Award
Honorary Life Membership, first awarded in 1932, is the League’s highest honor, reserved for the most active and inspiring leaders dedicated to the League and its mission.
- 2022 Honorees – Nathan Triplett and John B. “Jack” O’Reilly
- 2021 Honoree – Dick Bolen
- 2020 Honoree – Jacqueline Noonan
- 2019 Honoree – David Lossing
- 2018 Honorees – Karen Majewski and William Mathewson
- 2017 Honorees – Carol Shafto and Larry Nielsen
- 2016 Honoree – Colleen Layton
- 2014 Honoree –Jeff Jenks
- 2013 Honoree – Robin Beltramini
- 2012 Honoree – Deb Doyle
- 2011 Honoree – Vicki Barnett

Michael A. Guido
Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award
Celebrating a chief elected official who personifies professionalism and leadership, is an active League member, is dedicated to the citizens in their community and advocates on their behalf in Lansing and Washington, DC.
Click here for more information on this award
- 2022 Winners – William Wild, Mayor of Westland
- 2021 Winner – Chris Barnett, Township Supervisor, Orion Township
- 2020 Winner – Bobby Hopewell, Former Mayor, Kalamazoo
- 2019 Winner – Paula Zelenko, Mayor, Burton
- 2016 Winner – George Heartwell, Former Mayor, Grand Rapids
- 2013 Winner – James R. Buck, Mayor, Grandville

Jim Sinclair
Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award
Celebrating a person dedicated to public service who has shown passion and commitment to the League, enthusiastically supporting its mission and promoting its purpose.
Click here for more information on this award
- 2022 Winner – Pat Lockwood, Mayor Pro Tem of Fenton; Deanna Koski, Sterling Heights councilmember; and Jeff Jenks, Huntington Woods, Commissioner
- 2021 Winner – Brenda F. Moore, Mayor, Saginaw
- 2020 Winner – Deb Doyle, Mayor, Durand
- 2019 Winner – Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, Sterling Heights
- 2018 Winner – Steve Baker, Councilmember, Berkley
- 2017 Winner – John Barr, City Attorney, Ypsilanti
- 2016 Winners
- 2013 Winner – Joyce Parker, Emergency Manager, Allen Park
Community Builder Award
The Community Builder Award honors individuals whose leadership creates positive community change. Through efforts such as encouraging civic engagement, supporting up-and-coming leaders, fostering good working relationships, and thinking strategically, they make their community a place where people truly love to live and work.
- 2022 Winner – Bob La Fave , L’Anse Village Manager
- 2021 Winner –Patrick McGinnis, City Manager, Grand Haven
- 2020 Winner – Dr. Sheryl L. Mitchell-Theriot, City Manager, Lathrup Village
- 2019 Winner – Maureen Donker, Mayor, Midland
- 2018 Winner – Deb Stuart, City Administrator, Mason
- 2017 Winner – Marcus Peccia, City Manager, Cadillac
- 2016 Winner – Marja Winters Farrow, Community and Economic Development Director, Benton Harbor

Legislator of the Year Awards
The Legislator of the Year Award is presented to a few legislators for their instrumental actions in the Michigan State Legislature on behalf of local communities. These individuals are recognized for their efforts in the passage of legislation that will benefit local governments, or who have fought consistently to support local government.
- 2022 Winners
- Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit)
- Senator Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville)
- 2021 Winners
- Representative Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak)
- Jeff Yaroch (R-Richmond)
- Representative Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak)
- 2020 Winners
- Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield)
- Representative Gary Howell (R. North Branch)
- 2019 Winners
- Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland)
- Representative Jim Lilly (R-Macatawa)
- 2018 Winners
- Senator Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth)
- Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing)
- 2017 Winners
- Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy)
- Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland)
- 2016 Winners
- Representative Dave Maturen (R-Vicksburg)
- Representative Andy Schor (D-Lansing)
Craig Ryan, Director, Senate Majority Policy Office – Legislative Staffer of the Year
- 2014 Winners
- 2013 Winners
- 2012 Winners
- 2011 Winner
- 2010 Winners

Awards of Merit
Each year, the Michigan Municipal League recognizes and honors a select few individuals with Special Awards of Merit for outstanding contributions to Michigan communities. The merit awards are given out during the League’s annual Capital Conference.

Tom Youatt
Outstanding Service Awards
The Outstanding Service Award is granted to individuals or communities who have gone above and beyond in helping League staff advocate on behalf of all local communities at the state and/or federal level. From being involved in our internal committee process, to testifying in front of legislative committees, to being involved on League or legislative workgroups, their feedback and time commitment has been crucial to our efforts.

Elected Officials Academy – An Education and Recognition Program
The Elected Officials Academy is a four-level program that recognizes the educational and leadership accomplishments of elected officials. Learn all about it by clicking here.
Level One: Education Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who obtain fundamental information regarding Michigan municipalities.
Level Two: Leadership Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who build on the core knowledge obtained in Level One, to enhance their leadership skills and to continue their dedication to excellence in community leadership.
Level Three: Governance Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who achieve an outstanding level of education and leadership beyond that obtained in Level Two, and their continuing dedication to excellence in community governance.
Level Four: Ambassador Award
To encourage and recognize the exemplary service of locally elected officials to their community, to the communities of the state of Michigan, and to the Michigan Municipal League.
Level 4 Graduates
- Monica Galloway, City Councilmember, Flint (2020)
- Brenda F. Moore, Mayor Pro Tem, Saginaw (2019)
- Lois Allen-Richardson, Councilmember, Ypsilanti (2018)
- Jim Holtrop, City Commissioner, Hudsonville (2018)
- Jeff Jenks, City Commissioner, Huntington Woods (2018)
- Rebecca Hopp, Mayor Pro Tem, Ferrysburg (2017)
- Suzanne Pixley, Mayor, Eastpointe (2016)
- Joshua Meringa, Councilmember, Grandville (2014)
- Nathan Triplett, Mayor, East Lansing (2014)
- Barbara Holt, Mayor, Walker (2013)
- Deb Doyle, Mayor, Durand (2012)
- David Lossing, Mayor, Linden (2012)
Affiliate and Other Awards

Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys Awards
Click here to learn more.

Michigan Municipal Executives John M. Patriarche Distinguished Service Award
This award is given each year at the Michigan Municipal League’s Annual Convention during the Colloquium session. Click here to learn more.

Loss Control Achievement Awards
The Workers’ Compensation Fund gives out annual Loss Control Achievement awards to recognize communities making outstanding efforts in maintaining safe work environments.
- Fund Year 2019/20 Press Release
- Fund Year 2018/19 Press Release
- Fund Year 2017/18 Press Release
- Fund Year 2011/12 Press Release
- Fund Year 2010/11 Press Release

National League of Cities Awards
The National League of Cities (NLC) recognizes cities and towns that have turned ideas into accomplishments. It provides various avenues to cities for sharing and rewarding their efforts. Each year, member cities are given the opportunity to nominate their programs for three different award and recognition programs: Awards for Municipal Excellence, City Cultural Diversity Awards, and City Showcase. More on NLC awards
League Awards
Community Excellence Awards
The League recognizes innovative solutions through the peer-nominated Community Excellence Award, a spirited competition we affectionately call “The Race for the Cup.”
For the latest information on the award, past winners, and how to enter, please visit our Community Excellence Awards website.
Winners
2021 – Rochester Hills
2020 – Canceled Due to COVID
2019 – Bay City
2018 – Fraser
2017 – Hudsonville
2016 – Beaverton
2015 – Westland
2014 – Harbor Beach
2013 – Ironwood
2012 – Grandville
2011 – Clare
2010 – Grand Haven
2009 – Lathrup Village
2008 – Jackson
2007 – St. Joseph
Dick Bolen
Honorary Life Membership Award
Honorary Life Membership, first awarded in 1932, is the League’s highest honor, reserved for the most active and inspiring leaders dedicated to the League and its mission.
2021 Honoree – Dick Bolen
2020 Honoree – Jacqueline Noonan
2019 Honoree – David Lossing
2018 Honorees – Karen Majewski and William Mathewson
2017 Honorees – Carol Shafto and Larry Nielsen
2016 Honoree – Colleen Layton
2014 Honoree – Jeff Jenks
2013 Honoree – Robin Beltramini
2012 Honoree – Deb Doyle
2011 Honoree – Vicki Barnett
Michael A. Guido
Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award
Celebrating a chief elected official who personifies professionalism and leadership, is an active League member, is dedicated to the citizens in their community and advocates on their behalf in Lansing and Washington, DC.
Click here for more information on this award
2021 Winner – Chris Barnett, Township Supervisor, Orion Township
2020 Winner – Bobby Hopewell, Former Mayor, Kalamazoo
2019 Winner – Paula Zelenko, Mayor, Burton
2016 Winner – George Heartwell, Former Mayor, Grand Rapids
2013 Winner – James R. Buck, Mayor, Grandville
Jim Sinclair
Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award
Celebrating a person dedicated to public service who has shown passion and commitment to the League, enthusiastically supporting its mission and promoting its purpose.
Click here for more information on this award
2022 Winners – Pat Lockwood, Mayor Pro Tem of Fenton; Deanna Koski, Sterling Heights councilmember; and Jeff Jenks, Huntington Woods, Commissioner
2021 Winner – Brenda F. Moore, Mayor, Saginaw
2020 Winner – Deb Doyle, Mayor, Durand
2019 Winner – Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, Sterling Heights
2018 Winner – Steve Baker, Councilmember, Berkley
2017 Winner – John Barr, City Attorney, Ypsilanti
2016 Winners
Lois Allen Richardson, Councilmember, Ypsilanti
Scott Erickson, City Manager, Ironwood
2013 Winner – Joyce Parker, Emergency Manager, Allen Park
Community Builder Award
The Community Builder Award honors individuals whose leadership creates positive community change. Through efforts such as encouraging civic engagement, supporting up-and-coming leaders, fostering good working relationships, and thinking strategically, they make their community a place where people truly love to live and work.
2021 Winner – Patrick McGinnis, City Manager, Grand Haven
2020 Winner – Dr. Sheryl L. Mitchell-Theriot, City Manager, Lathrup Village
2019 Winner – Maureen Donker, Mayor, Midland
2018 Winner – Deb Stuart, City Administrator, Mason
2017 Winner – Marcus Peccia, City Manager, Cadillac
2016 Winner – Marja Winters Farrow, Community and Economic Development Director, Benton Harbor
Legislator of the Year Awards
The Legislator of the Year Award is presented to a few legislators for their instrumental actions in the Michigan State Legislature on behalf of local communities. These individuals are recognized for their efforts in the passage of legislation that will benefit local governments, or who have fought consistently to support local government.
2021 Winners
Representative Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak)
Jeff Yaroch (R-Richmond)
2020 Winners
Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield)
Representative Gary Howell (R. North Branch)
2019 Winners
Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland)
Representative Jim Lilly (R-Macatawa)
2018 Winners
Senator Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth)
Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing)
2017 Winners
Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy)
Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland)
2016 Winners
Representative Dave Maturen (R-Vicksburg)
Representative Andy Schor (D-Lansing)
Craig Ryan, Director, Senate Majority Policy Office – Legislative Staffer of the Year
2014 Winners
Tom Casperson
Nancy Jenkins
John Pappageorge
2013 Winners
John Pappageorge
Jim Townsend
2012 Winners
Rudy Hobbs
Wayne Schmidt
Awards of Merit
Each year, the Michigan Municipal League recognizes and honors a select few individuals with Special Awards of Merit for outstanding contributions to Michigan communities. The merit awards are given out during the League’s annual Capital Conference.
2019
Former State Rep. Rob Verheulen (R-Walker)
2014
Susan Dana
Kurt Dykstra
Issue Media Group
Larry Nielsen
2013
Dan Burden
Adam Smith
Under the Radar Michigan
2012
Peter Allen
Beach Hall
Spencer Nebel
Tom Youatt
Outstanding Service Awards
The Outstanding Service Award is granted to individuals or communities who have gone above and beyond in helping League staff advocate on behalf of all local communities at the state and/or federal level. From being involved in our internal committee process, to testifying in front of legislative committees, to being involved on League or legislative workgroups, their feedback and time commitment has been crucial to our efforts.
2019
Clyde Robinson, Kalamazoo City Attorney
2018
Brandon Fournier, Labor Attorney, Shifman Law
2014
Tom Dempsey
Chris Miller
Tom Youatt
City of Midland
2013
Brian Donovan
Pat Sullivan
Jaymes Vettraino
Kara Wood
2012
Stephen Postema
Tim Wolff
Elected Officials Academy – An Education and Recognition Program
The Elected Officials Academy is a four-level program that recognizes the educational and leadership accomplishments of elected officials. Learn all about it by clicking here.
Level One: Education Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who obtain fundamental information regarding Michigan municipalities.
Level Two: Leadership Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who build on the core knowledge obtained in Level One, to enhance their leadership skills and to continue their dedication to excellence in community leadership.
Level Three: Governance Award
To encourage and recognize the efforts of local elected officials who achieve an outstanding level of education and leadership beyond that obtained in Level Two, and their continuing dedication to excellence in community governance.
Level Four: Ambassador Award
To encourage and recognize the exemplary service of locally elected officials to their community, to the communities of the state of Michigan, and to the Michigan Municipal League.
Level 4 Graduates
Monica Galloway, City Councilmember, Flint (2020)
Brenda F. Moore, Mayor Pro Tem, Saginaw (2019)
Lois Allen-Richardson, Councilmember, Ypsilanti (2018)
Jim Holtrop, City Commissioner, Hudsonville (2018)
Jeff Jenks, City Commissioner, Huntington Woods (2018)
Rebecca Hopp, Mayor Pro Tem, Ferrysburg (2017)
Suzanne Pixley, Mayor, Eastpointe (2016)
Joshua Meringa, Councilmember, Grandville (2014)
Nathan Triplett, Mayor, East Lansing (2014)
Barbara Holt, Mayor, Walker (2013)
Deb Doyle, Mayor, Durand (2012)
David Lossing, Mayor, Linden (2012)
Affiliate and Other Awards
Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys Awards
Click here to learn more.
Michigan Municipal Executives John M. Patriarche Distinguished Service Award
This award is given each year at the Michigan Municipal League’s Annual Convention during the Colloquium session. Click here to learn more.
Loss Control Achievement Awards
The Workers’ Compensation Fund gives out annual Loss Control Achievement awards to recognize communities making outstanding efforts in maintaining safe work environments.
Fund Year 2019/20 Press Release
Fund Year 2018/19 Press Release
Fund Year 2017/18 Press Release
National League of Cities Awards
The National League of Cities (NLC) recognizes cities and towns that have turned ideas into accomplishments. It provides various avenues to cities for sharing and rewarding their efforts. Each year, member cities are given the opportunity to nominate their programs for three different award and recognition programs: Awards for Municipal Excellence, City Cultural Diversity Awards, and City Showcase. More on NLC awards