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Region of Excellence Awards

The Centralina Region of Excellence Awards are our opportunity to recognize and celebrate how local governments and partners expand opportunity and improve quality of life across our region. Every year, local governments, community stakeholders and individuals in the nine-county Centralina region are encouraged to submit nominations for projects, programs or plans that were initiated or completed during the past calendar year. Two potential awards can be given in each category – one for larger and one for smaller jurisdictions. 

Now Accepting Nominations!

group of trophies

Celebrate the incredible work of those around you – submit a nomination today.

Award recipients will be notified in September and honored at an event this fall. Their work will also be highlighted on our website, social media and monthly newsletter.

Nomination deadline: 5 p.m., August 15

2025 Nomination Form

Award Categories

Introducing the Nance Award for Regional Collaboration!

Deputy Executive Director Michelle Nance, who retires in 2025 from 30+ years of public service, is know for her unique ability to build consensus and find common ground. This award will be given to a group or organization that has demonstrated collaboration in a way that benefits not only their community, but also others.

Nance Award for Regional Collaboration

Strong partnerships, cooperation and communication between local governments and stakeholders not only make communities stronger, but also demonstrate our mission of regional collaboration. 

Qualifications:

The awardee has embodied a commitment to collaboration in a manner that benefits not only their own community but also others.

Local Government Innovation

Local governments are being asked to do more with less at a time when the role of government is increasingly important.

Qualifications:

The recipient of this award has made the most of their available resources in a manner that is new, creative or unexpected.

Improving Quality of Life

The communities across the region aspire to a high quality of life that enable people of all generations to have the amenities, services and opportunities they need to thrive.

Qualifications:

The recipient of this award demonstrates their commitment to a higher quality of life, enabling all people to have the amenities, services and opportunities they need to thrive.

Connected Communities

Growth across our region has emphasized the need for thoughtful connections between where we need to go and where we want to be. Through the work of Centralina Regional Planning, CONNECT Beyond and the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, we support partners across the region in developing transportation, mobility and energy initiatives that serve a variety of community needs.

Qualifications:

The recipient of this award supports initiatives that maximize local transportation, mobility investments and/or energy efficiency. 

Aging in Action

Every day, 10,000 people turn 60 years old across Centralina's nine-county region. Centralina Area Agency on Aging serves as an advocate, leader and partner to ensure older and disabled adults can age with choice, dignity and independence.

Qualifications:

The recipient of this award has implemented a program that contributes to older and/or disabled adult issues, engagement, participation and/or volunteerism.

James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award

Great leaders can be found at all levels of an organization. Their leadership inspires trust, builds confidence and motivates others to invest time in achieving remarkable results for the region’s communities. This award recognizes transformative local government leadership in honor of Centralina’s former Executive Director, James D. Prosser.

Qualifications:

The recipient of this award exemplifies and promotes excellence in government, outstanding leadership and high ethical standards. 

Previous Region of Excellence Awards Winners

Formerly “Growing the Economy Award,” the recipient of this award has implemented innovative solutions to community development or investment challenges and engages in best practice strategies that utilize public/private sector partnerships to maximize investment opportunities; prepares existing sites and infrastructure to meet the needs of target industries; and/or implements economic development including job creation/retention initiatives, etc. Past winners include:

Formerly “Controlling the Cost of Government Award,” the recipient of this award has been creative in implementing a new or innovative program or initiative that is effective and delivers the most value with public funds. Such program exemplifies efficiency by utilizing economies of scale; partnering with other local governments to maximize the impact of public funds; and/or encouraging best practices to maintain or expand services. Past winners include:

The recipient of this award best leverages resources to improve the quality of life for citizens. The award recipient has implemented innovative program offerings such as those that enhance social equity; encourage community participation through public and private sector leadership; develop solutions that build on the community’s strengths and improve upon its weaknesses; or use cooperative volunteerism to maintain or expand services. Past winners include:

The recipient of this Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition award is a stakeholder organization that best demonstrates leadership and excellence in clean transportation and alternative fuel activities. The awardee has recognized the environmental, economic and national security benefits of reducing consumption of fossil fuels and has implemented programs and initiatives to lower their use of traditional transportation fuels. Past winners include:

The recipient of this award serves as a leader in impacting communities, so adults can age with choice, dignity and independence. The awardee has implemented a program that demonstrates a commitment and contribution to older and/or disabled adult issues, engagement, participation and/or volunteerism of older adults and advocacy for and behalf of older and disabled adults and their families. Past winners include:

The recipient of this award exemplifies and promotes excellence in government, outstanding leadership and high ethical standards. The award recognizes the cumulative achievements of a local government professional who has served as a role model for others and has consistently exhibited high professional and personal standards throughout his or her public career. Past winners include:

  • Mecklenburg County COVID-19 Policy Group
  • Remote Learning Center at E.E. Waddell Community Center
  • Town of Davidson COVID-19 Business Support
2024

Region of Excellence Awards d

Read the Press Release

Past Award Brochures

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012