Visionary City Award

Award Description

Visionary City Award Logo

GMA is partnering with Georgia Trend magazine to bestow the annual Visionary City Award to nine cities—three from each population size group: under 4,999, 5,000-24,999, and over 25,000. This award honors cities that have created positive community change through effective civic engagement and collaboration. Cities are encouraged to submit nominations that foster healthy working relationships and make their communities places where people truly love to live and work. 

Award Criteria

Preference is given to initiatives/projects that are measurable and judged on how well they demonstrate the following:

  • Civic Engagement: Comprehensive community engagement in the planning and execution of the initiative/project that inspires and fosters unique ways for citizens to participate in the development and improvement of their community
  • Inclusiveness and Equity: Involvement of diverse segments and perspectives (ethnic, racial, socio-economic, age, people with disabilities and others) in initiative/project decision-making
  • Collaboration: Cross-sector collaboration (business, local government, nonprofits, military, etc.) and regional collaboration
  • Innovation: Resourceful methods of delivering services that address a community need, significantly improve an existing service or leverage community resources
  • Long-term Value to the Community: Plans that ensure the continual fulfillment of this initiative/project through the transition of elected officials, city staff and/or initiative/project leaders