To help navigate Special District Leadership Foundation achievements, visit sdlf.org to see lists of recipients for each program (click on "Programs"). 

Board Member of the Year

Nominations may be submitted for Board Member of the Year based on experience, effectiveness, and leadership. Examples must be submitted that illustrate the rationale for the nomination. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA, both locally and statewide, and Special District Leadership Foundation achievements, if applicable. (Refer to sdlf.org to see lists of recipients for each program). 

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General Manager of the Year

Nominations will be accepted for the general manager believed to have exhibited exceptional experience, effectiveness, and leadership in his or her district. Illustrative examples must be submitted with the nomination demonstrating how the individual has excelled and brought substantial benefit to the district and/or public. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA both locally and statewide.

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Staff Member the Year

Selected from nominations by special district board members/trustees or district management staff. Nominations should include length of service to the district and specific accomplishments during employment. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA both locally and statewide, and Special District Leadership Foundation achievements, if applicable. (Refer to sdlf.org to see lists of recipients for each program). 

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Ralph Heim Exceptional Outreach & Advocacy

The criteria for this award include a demonstration of exceptional engagement with the public, State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and/or other key stakeholders to promote the individual’s district and the entire special district community, particularly on matters related to CSDA’s legislative advocacy and public outreach efforts. Additionally, the individual may have initiated or contributed to significant grassroots, media, government relations, or community engagement efforts that are appealing and include creative, persuasive, and highly relevant content.

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Chapter of the Year
Chapters are an integral part of communication, advocacy, and education efforts throughout the State. CSDA will present an award to one affiliated chapter nominated for its effectiveness in legislative and community outreach, involvement in CSDA programs, and/or creativity with engaging special district leaders and supporting them in better serving their communities. This award is chosen by CSDA staff and may not be awarded each year.

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For the district award categories, the program/project/event must have been completed within the past two years (not prior to 2023).

Small District = budget under $10 million and Large District = budget over $10 million

Innovative Program/Project of the Year (Large and Small District categories)

The criteria for this award include originality of program/project, tangible and positive results produced, and a documented decrease in district costs or a demonstrated improvement in the district’s quality of service without significantly increasing costs. Additionally, the program/project should be easily adaptable and serve a best practices example for other districts. A broad range of “innovative” programs and projects are eligible, including, but not limited to, new services, offerings, finance, public works, tools, partnerships, and more. 

Note: Innovation can be defined as the introduction of something new, whether it's a product, process, service, or idea, that creates value and has the potential to transform or enhance a specific area.

Large District | Small District Criteria

Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy (Large and Small District)

The criteria for this award include a demonstration of an increase in the district’s visibility with the public, State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and/or other key stakeholders. Additionally, the program may include improvement in district-constituent and/or district-stakeholder communication and evidence of communication pieces, programs, or tactics that are appealing and include creative, persuasive, and appropriate content relevant in communicating the district’s governance, policy positions, and/or program(s)/service(s). Additional consideration will be provided to nominees that have actively participated in CSDA’s legislative Calls-to-Action, Take Action Month, Special Districts Legislative Days, and other efforts to strengthen the voice of all special districts. Similarly, preference will be given to nominees that have participated in CSDA’s Districts Make the Difference public outreach campaign, Special Districts Week, and other efforts to raise awareness and understanding of all special districts.

Large District | Small District Criteria

Excellence in Technology

The criteria for this award include demonstrating the extent a technology related district program and/or project has improved efficiency within the district, service to constituents/community, and/or improved transparency. Additional consideration will be given for submissions that highlight the innovative or unique use and implementation of technology as well as creative partnerships with other agencies or businesses.

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