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2026 NACIO Awards of Excellence 
The nomination period for the 2026 NACIO Awards of Excellence is now open! Nominations are due by Sunday, June 7 at 11:59 p.m. EST. We do have a short entry period, so we encourage everyone to get their entries in sooner rather than later. Work produced by counties and state county associations within the last year (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025) is eligible. All entries must have been created by departmental staff and not by an outside contracted organization. Click here for more information and to submit your nominations today!
*REMINDERS: We have incorporated population tiers (state associations included) in this year’s awards program and payment for all entries must be submitted through the NACo payment link once you have completed your application(s). Lastly, NACIO members receive a discounted rate on the award application fee. There is still time to renew your NACIO membership if you have not already. Membership information can be found here.
Population Tiers
Small County: 49,999 and smaller
Medium County: 50,000 - 299,999
Larger County: 300,000 and larger
State Association
2025 Awards of Excellence Winners
The 2025 Awards of Excellence winners were announced during the NACo Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday July 13, 2025. The Best of Show winner (overall winner), Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation's Non-Verbal Communications Sheets, was presented by NACIO First Vice President Lisa DeLaRionda during the annual NACIO Board Meeting. View the full list of this year's winners.
The 2025 program was very competitive, boasting 213 submissions. NACIO would like to thank all who took time to submit their program(s) for consideration. Your service to and work on behalf of America’s counties is invaluable.