News Release – September 18, 2025
Winners of 2025 VML Innovation Awards announced
Thursday, September 18, 2025/Categories: News Releases
Virginia Municipal League Announces Winners of the 2025 Innovation Awards in Local Government
For Immediate Release: September 18, 2025
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: “It’s inspiring to see that despite the budget uncertainty this past year – or in some cases, because of it – our localities found ways to innovate and succeed. Virginia’s local governments have a lot to be proud of. In fact, there were almost double the number of entries compared to last year. Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to the winners!”
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. 12 at the Hotel Roanoke during the 2025 VML Annual Conference.
The winners of the 2025 Innovation Awards are:
- COMMUNICATIONS: City of Alexandria – Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Communications
- COMMUNITY HEALTH: City of Danville – Danville Outdoors
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Town of Hillsville – Community Business Launch
- ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: Town of Strasburg – Town Run Riparian Native Plant Buffer
- PUBLIC SAFETY: City of Norfolk – Community 1ST
- RISK MANAGEMENT: City of Roanoke – Safety Awareness Event
- WORKING WITH YOUTH: City of Chesapeake – 10th Annual CE3 Engine Camp
Read the full press release here >