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Infrastructure/Water: Recognize cities/towns who have found innovative ways to preserve existing infrastructure and minimize repair costs or time including underground utilities, streets,etc; protecting public waterways; wastewater treatment innovation; etc
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Education/Workforce: Development Recognize unique programs that are improving graduation rates; raising the education standards in K-12; programs that are developing a more qualified workforce for employers. Programs can be a public/private partnership and do not have to be a municipally led program. The quality of a city is determined by its citizens
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Public Works (COMBINED category): Environmental and Green Management; Planning & Land Use; Parks & Recreation; Energy Resource Management and public safety programs
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Technology & Security (NEW): Advances in local broadband to improve education and or local access. Advances in using technology to improve city communications or services or steps taken to improve cybersecurity practices.
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Diversity and Inclusion (NEW): Steps taken to promote diversity and inclusion; empower citizens with information and how to respond; and creating opportunities for minority populations. Including actions that the City has taken to make its services or meetings available to more of its citizens. Overcoming barriers that could include: race, gender, language, economic status, new to the community, geographic, etc.
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Tourism Development/Creative Culture: Recognize cities/towns who are building unique venues, attractions, museums, etc to not only attract tourism but also improve the quality of life of citizens.