Community Development Leader Awards
Brought to you by SAFEbuilt
Recognizing outstanding contributions in municipal leadership
The Community Development Leader Awards (CDLAs) recognize the tireless work and unwavering commitment of the local leaders — including city managers, public works directors, city engineers, and municipal leaders — who keep our communities safe, running, growing, and thriving. Their behind-the-scenes efforts often go unrecognized, but their impact is immense.
These awards represent a unique and prestigious new national accolade, unparalleled in its scope and significance.
This initiative stands alone in its dedication to honoring municipal leaders, transcending regional boundaries and peer recognitions.
Join us in this momentous initiative to recognize and elevate those who are shaping our communities for the better.
Inspired by remarkable public servants
As an industry leader providing building department services to thousands of communities across the country for more than 30 years, we at SAFEbuilt understand the dedication, innovation, passion, and leadership these professionals demonstrate daily. We see it every day in offices, on job sites, in town halls, and around our neighborhoods. And this work is often so much more than “business as usual.”
We established the CDLAs to honor this hard work and the challenges these remarkable individuals face, as well as their innovations and their achievements. The CDLAs are a long-awaited opportunity to bring some well-deserved recognition to their service.
Submit your nominationNominate a community leader today
It takes all kinds of leaders to make an impact on the communities they serve. That’s why we have an award available for many different titles and contributions, including:
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City Manager of the Year
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Community Development Director of the Year
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City Engineer / Public Works Director of the Year
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Transformational Leader Award
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Resilience Champion Award
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Public Service Innovator Award
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Community Builder Award
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Sustainability Trailblazer Award
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Future Leader Award
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Infrastructure Visionary Award – Public Works/City Engineer of the Year
And the nominees are … up to you
It’s time to put these tireless leaders and community innovators in the spotlight. And the nominations are up to the people who know them best: their colleagues, staff, partners, and community members. People like you.
Simply visit our nomination page and fill out the form to submit your nominee for consideration. Nominations are free and will be accepted between on or before January 15, 2024.
Submit your nominationWinners awarded March 2024
Once we’ve determined this year’s winners, we will reach out to you and your nominee via email. You and your nominee will receive a notification regardless of whether they are selected for the award.
Winners will be highlighted on our website and will receive a plaque and certificate via mail to celebrate their unmatched leadership and innovation.