Each and every day, city officials throughout Minnesota do outstanding work that enhances the quality of life in our communities. The League of Minnesota Cities offers cities an opportunity each year to showcase that work through the annual City of Excellence Awards.
If your city has done one or more of the following, we encourage you to send in an entry:
- Improved the quality of a city service.
- Developed an effective or innovative way to solve an old or common problem.
- Modified a program from another community or organization to fit your needs.
- Found a way to save your city money and achieve the same or better results.
- Included citizens or other city staff in making a decision.
Winners are chosen in each of three general population categories. A single award is also presented in a topical category.
The winner of each category receives a cash prize of $1,000, a commemorative plaque, and special recognition. Winning cities are also featured in League press releases and publications.
2026 City Of Excellence Award Winners
- The City of Luverne was honored in the under 5,000 category for its “Kids Rock! Child Care Center” project. View Luverne’s award video on YouTube.
- The City of Saint Peter was honored in the 5,000-29,999 category for its “Central Business District Accessibility Enhancement Grant Program.” View Saint Peter’s award video on YouTube.
- The City of Minnetonka was honored in the 30,000+ population category for its “Drones as First Responders (DFR)” program. View Minnetonka’s award video on YouTube.
- The City of Plymouth was honored in the topical category: “Creative Use of Limited Resources” for its “Urban Wood Utilization” program. View Plymouth’s award video on YouTube.
