2025 Top Influencers in Local Government

Welcome

Every year ELGL asks our members to nominate outstanding public servants for the Top Influencers in Local Government list.

About the Award

Top Influencers in Local Government recognizes outstanding professionals who work in the public sector and adjacent or related fields.

The recognition honors people who make a difference in their communities and the larger local gov network, and who demonstrate ELGL values of joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity through their work and public activities. Recognition is not based on title, longevity, or social media clout.

The honor, previously called the Traeger Award, was named after "Parks and Recreation" character Chris Traeger, city manager for the fictional City of Pawnee, IN.

Over the years ELGL has updated the award to better reflect our community and include a deeper cross-section of public servants. What remains unchanged is our commitment to recognizing the incredible people who serve towns, cities, counties, and districts.

Meet the previous honorees.

Eligibility

Nominees must work in the public sector and adjacent or related fields. The honor is a peer recognition, so self-nominations are not accepted. Current ELGL board members and recent Top 10 honorees are not eligible for the award.

Deadline

The nomination deadline is Feb. 28, 2025. Honorees will be announced during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4-10, 2025.

Your first name*

Your last name*

Your organization*

Your email address*

Your phone number*

Are you currently a member of ELGL?*

Yes No I'm not sure

Nominee's first name*

Nominee's last name*

Nominee's job title*

Nominee's organization*

Nominee's email address*

Nominee's LinkedIn profile*

Nominee's other social media profiles

What is your relationship to the nominee? (colleague, supervisor, fan)*

In 200 to 350 words, please share why the nominee should be considered a Top Influencer in Local Government. Nominees should demonstrate alignment with ELGL's value of joy, creativity, connection, dependability, and equity, as well as leadership in the public sector or related fields.*

Please feel free to include links to supporting materials that contain additional information about the nominee’s experience. Examples include articles, plans, reports, social media posts, or videos about the nominee or created by the nominee.

In what local gov organizations is the nominee involved? (ELGL, GFOA, ICMA, etc.)

I affirm the information shared above is accurate to the best of my knowledge.*

Yes

Submit