News Release – September 11, 2026
Winners of 2026 VML Innovation Awards announced
Friday, September 11, 2026/Categories: News Releases
For Immediate Release: September 11, 2026
Contact: Director of Communications Robert Bullington, rbullington@vml.org
The Virginia Municipal League (VML) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual awards for excellence in local government. The statewide competition recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen participation, and improved services to citizens.
Of this year’s Innovation Awards, VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy says: “We received more entries this year than ever. The judges remarked several times that their work was particularly difficult due to the sheer number of excellent projects submitted. All of which is to say: Great job VML members! Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who made this a big year for innovation in Virginia!”
One of the category winners will also receive the President’s Award for Innovation. This additional award will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott during the 2026 VML Annual Conference.
The winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards are:
- COMMUNICATIONS: CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG – Still Making History
- COMMUNITY HEALTH: CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS – Care Where You Are: Community Health Bus
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: TOWN OF CULPEPER – Heritage Park
- ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: CITY OF PORTSMOUTH – ROC the Block: Reclaiming our Community One Block at a Time
- PUBLIC SAFETY: JAMES CITY COUNTY – RESTORe-CARE
- RISK MANAGEMENT: CITY OF NORFOLK – Risk Management Day-Community Outreach
- WORKING WITH YOUTH: CITY OF COVINGTON – Discover STEM Hands on Student Education
Read the full press release here >