How Going for Awards Builds Stronger Districts
By Kristin Withrow, Communications Specialist, CSDA
This article originally appeared in California Special Districts magazine, November/December 2025
As we put the polishing finish on a good year and look forward to 2026, we wanted to highlight a 2025 conference session that put the spotlight on, well - seeking the spotlight. Awards and recognition programs for special districts may be a topic that district leaders overlook, but these programs can bring profound benefits to your district. In our conference session, several top award-winning leaders from two districts urged their peers to actively pursue industry awards—not for the prestige alone, but for the transformative benefits the awards process brings to daily operations and organizational culture. And for the security they may bring to your district generally.
Presented by Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVCPD) General Manager @Joshua Bonner and Board Member @Marcos Coronel, along with Desert Recreation District Public Information Officer @Scott Sear, the core message was simple: Submitting your district for recognition programs and awards is more than just recognition; it is a strategic tool for internal growth and excellence. Emphasizing how the recognition criteria act like a voluntary audit that reveals gaps, updates outdated policies, uncovers training needs, and strengthens documentation, the group encouraged special districts to set sights on achieving these important milestones.
This self-scrutiny ultimately leads to more efficient, transparent, and accountable operations.
“Whether your district is small or large, the value isn’t just the award at the end. It’s the structure and discipline the awards submission process creates to make your organization better,” said Sear. He emphasized, “Awards and recognition isn’t about ‘showing off,’ it’s about a mindset shift of continuous improvement and operational maturity.”
More Than a Plaque on the Wall
Beyond internal improvements, winning awards and completing recognition programs offers practical advantages in external relations. Award-winning districts receive formal recognition not only from industry bodies such as the CSDA, the Special District Leadership Foundation and other industry-specific bodies, but also from elected officials across the political spectrum.
Sear pointed out, “If you put the Board, the community members and your team on that podium with you, you’re going to see amazing things happen. Take the time to build those relationships and make sure everyone in your community is part of that celebration.”
This recognition creates credibility and public trust that can shield districts during challenges like political scrutiny or proposed structural changes.
One story from CVPCD illustrated this perfectly: After earning several awards and high-profile commendations, the district successfully countered an attempt to consolidate their operations when the idea was floated from a local LAFCO representative.
“When people publicly questioned us, we were able to point to these awards and proclamations as proof of the quality and transparency of our work. It made a real difference in standing our ground,” explained Bonner. “And several local elected leaders spoke up, confident about the job we do because we told the story and shared the win with them when we earned our District of Distinction and other awards.”
Leaders emphasized the importance of being intentional and strategic about the awards journey. Setting clear goals, committing board members, and patiently building the district’s capacity were cited as essential steps.
“You have to be intentional and strategic and patient. If it takes five or ten years to reach those standards, that’s okay. The key is to not lower the standard, but elevate the team to meet it,” Coronel encouraged.
Importantly, the financial investment required to pursue awards is relatively modest. Many districts, even those with limited budgets, have succeeded by aligning efforts internally and leveraging existing resources.
“You don’t need a big budget, just intentional focus and follow-through,” said Bonner. “Every small step forward is a win.”
Another valuable takeaway was the lasting utility of award submissions beyond the awards themselves. The comprehensive documentation prepared for these applications can be repurposed as educational tools for community outreach, legislative advocacy, or grant applications—multiplying the return on invested effort.
The results speak for themselves. The awards process builds better habits, stronger teams, and more transparent systems. It is a powerful mechanism for organizational growth and resilience that any district—regardless of size or starting point—can pursue with confidence.
Their advice: “Pick one award and bring the value proposition to your Board. If you don’t have your SDLF Transparency Award, it’s a great place to start,” advised Bonner. “It’s the core foundation award. It’ll address a lot of the basics of government, and it is a great audit.”
Bonner put it succinctly, “It’s not about the trophy. It’s about the journey that makes you stronger.”
Learn more about Blue Ribbon Leadership and get started toward your awards goals in 2026 with our webinar!
Blue Ribbon Leadership
March 10, 2026
10:00 - 11:00AM
FREE to CSDA Members
$125 Non-Members
Register Here
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