Submit Your Nominee Community Development Leader Awards (CDLAs)

Nominate an outstanding local leader today

The Community Development Leader Awards (CDLAs) recognize the tireless work and dedication of municipal leaders, community visionaries, and government employees who make exceptional contributions to the places we live, work, play, and grow.

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.

Nominations open on November 13, 2024
Nominations close January 31, 2025
Multiple nominations permitted
Self-nominations welcome
All submissions are free
Winners will be announced Spring 2025

View eligibility criteria

Submit your 2025 nomination

If you know a municipal leader deserving of this honor, please submit a nomination below. Yes, you can nominate more than one individual — even yourself.

Tell us about your nominee.

Nominee first name(Required)

Nominee last name(Required)

Nominee email(Required)

Nominee phone number

Nominee position/job title(Required)

Nominee company or organization(Required)

Nominee city/municipality(Required)

Nominee state(Required)

Please select.

Which awards are you nominating them for?(Required)

City Manager of the Year

Community Development Director of the Year

City Engineer/Public Works Director of the Year

Public Service Innovator Award

Sustainability Trailblazer Award

Select all that apply.

Nomination statement(Required)

In 500 words or less, explain why you believe this individual deserves the award. Highlight specific examples of their civic contributions.

Supporting documents (optional)

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB.

If you wish to provide more information, please upload your document(s) here.

Now, tell us about yourself.

First name(Required)

Last name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone number

Position/Job title(Required)

Company or organization(Required)

City/Municipality(Required)

State(Required)

State

Relationship to nominee(Required)

Please provide a few references. (Optional)

Reference #1

Reference #1 | First name

Reference #1 | Last name

Reference #1 | Position/Job title

Reference #1 | Company or organization

Reference #1 | Location/Municipality

Reference #1 | Contact info

Please provide a phone number or email address.

Reference #1 | Relation to nominee

Reference #2

Reference #2 | First name

Reference #2 | Last name

Reference #2 | Position/Job title

Reference #2 | Company or organization

Reference #2 | Location/Municipality

Reference #2 | Contact

Please provide a phone number or email address.

Reference #2 | Relationship to Nominee

Terms and Conditions

Nominators (the person doing the nominating) must complete the online nomination form in its entirety. A confirmation of successful submission will be provided via email.
Only one nomination per individual per award/category. However, nominators may nominate multiple individuals.
SAFEbuilt reserves the right to check the references provided.
The nominee’s eligibility requirements must be demonstrated within the submission window of November 13, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
Nominees will be chosen Spring 2025. All nominees will receive an email notification, regardless of whether or not they receive an award.
If shortlisted, the nominee must be available for an online or in-person interview with a SAFEbuilt representative.
Nominees who are not shortlisted may be submitted for consideration the following year, but only for their demonstration of the eligibility requirements for that year.
Usage rights for materials provided in nomination