BEST PRACTICES
There is much to be learned from the successes of your local government peers. Listed below are current Local Government Achievement Award-winning programs.
A categorized database highlighted on the right sidebar of this page includes summaries of archived Local Government Achievement Award winners and entries, as well as Main Street and Pride in Public Works awards winners.
If your community is interested in submitting an application for NYCOM's annual Local Government Achievement Award that showcases a significant and innovative project or program in your city or village that has improved quality of life, resulted in cost savings and/or provided other benefits to your community. Applications for the 2026 LGAA is now closed. Please check back February 1st for 2027 submissions. Questions regarding the program and/or transmitting the application should be directed to
2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
City of Cohoes: Floating Solar Array Project
The City of Cohoes has developed a municipally owned floating solar array on its reservoir to reduce energy costs and advance sustainability goals without using valuable developable land. As the first floating solar array in the nation, the project represents a highly innovative approach to renewable energy that leverages existing water infrastructure. The system is expected to generate more than $500,000 in annual savings, significantly reducing municipal operating costs and easing the burden on taxpayers. These long-term savings will allow the city to redirect resources toward essential services such as infrastructure, public safety and economic development. Highly replicable for municipalities with similar water resources, the project offers a practical and forward-thinking model for cost-effective, sustainable local government operations.
Village of Bellerose Comprehensive Village Improvement Plan
The Village of Bellerose implemented a comprehensive improvement plan encompassing 17 coordinated initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, enhancing public safety and improving overall quality of life. Developed in response to aging systems and evolving community needs, the plan included full street repaving, upgraded drainage systems, LED streetlight conversion and significant investments in public facilities and recreation spaces. The initiative also introduced innovative solutions such as an SMS-based resident service platform, allowing for more efficient and accessible communication between residents and government officials. By taking an integrated, multi-faceted approach, the village achieved substantial cost efficiencies while delivering measurable service improvements across nearly every area of municipal operations. Highly replicable for communities of similar size, the program serves as a model for how strategic planning and coordination can drive impactful, long-term municipal progress.
Honorable Mention - City of Watertown: Refuse Collection Restructure Project
The City of Watertown modernized its refuse collection system by restructuring outdated routes into five clearly defined, GPS-optimized service zones and introducing an interactive address lookup map for residents. Developed to improve efficiency and service reliability, the initiative streamlined operations, reduced missed collections and made it easier for residents to understand and access their service schedules. By leveraging in-house resources and low-cost technology, the City achieved significant operational improvements while minimizing expenses. The new system has reduced fuel use, vehicle wear, and staff time by eliminating inefficiencies and shifting routine inquiries to a user-friendly, self-service platform. This practical, technology-driven solution demonstrates how municipalities can strengthen core services through smarter planning and better use of existing tools.
The City of Binghamton’s Railroad Bridge Improvement Project addressed decades of neglect by taking a bold, proactive approach to privately owned infrastructure. After years of resident complaints and no action from railroad companies, the City hired an engineering firm to inspect all 25 railroad bridges, producing a report that identified widespread deterioration and safety issues. By sharing the findings with federal regulators and lawmakers, Binghamton successfully prompted Norfolk Southern to commit to millions of dollars in repairs — all at no cost to taxpayers. Visible improvements are already complete with additional upgrades underway. The project has become a model for how municipalities can hold private entities accountable and improve the quality of life for their residents.
Glens Falls redeveloped its underutilized South Street lot into the Market on South Street, a public event and vendor space that anchors downtown revitalization efforts. Designed to support local entrepreneurs and draw residents and visitors alike, the market space enhances walkability, supports small businesses, and adds vibrancy to the city core. The project isexpected to spur additional private investment in the surrounding area. By integrating placemaking, economic development, and historic preservation, Glens Falls has created a new civic hub that celebrates its downtown identity.
After a devastating fire in 2019, the Village of Barker successfully rebuilt its joint Village Hall and Public Library. The $1.5 million project was funded through local contributions, insurance proceeds and state grants, demonstrating strong public partnerships. The new building has restored vital municipal and library services, provides modern community gathering spaces and improves accessibility for residents. By co-locating services, the project reduces long-term costs and supports broader revitalization efforts in this community. It has become a vibrant civic hub at the heart of Main Street and marks a great example of resilience and revitalization.
Ellicottville’s “Dig Once” Project exemplifies the impact of strategic planning and collaboration. Under the leadership of Mayor John Burrell, the Village partnered with the Town of Ellicottville, private contractors, and state agencies to align critical upgrades to water and sewer systems, broadband, and streetscape improvements through a single, efficiently coordinated effort. This approach resulted in reduced disruptions to traffic and residents, cost savings by eliminating redundancy and simultaneous upgrades to roads, utilities and public spaces. Specifically, the project delivered a new 125-space public parking plaza with EV charging stations, enhancing both convenience and sustainability in this popular tourism destination.
Croton-on-Hudson partnered with a private developer to install solar canopies over 80% of its train station parking lot, creating a 4.2 MW solar array with battery storage capable of powering 750 homes annually. The $485,000 in annual lease revenue supports a 0% tax increase and offsets the Village’s $920,280 investment in a custom stormwater system. Residents benefit from clean energy, covered parking, and improved lighting, while the project advances local and statewide climate goals. As a model of innovation and fiscal impact, it’s drawing attention from other municipalities eager to replicate its success.
Port Chester’s Code Enforcement and Fire Department Strategic Plan strengthens community safety and accountability through a unified legal and enforcement approach. The Village established a full-time Deputy Village Attorney position to streamline code prosecutions and ensure consistent, lawful case handling. Targeted inspections, bilingual outreach, and structured compliance options help residents and property owners address violations proactively. This innovative model promotes safer housing, stronger communication, and higher standards for property maintenance.
Village of Caledonia: Church Street Rebuild
This project was undertaken entirely by the “in-house” DPW staff of this village of 4,100 residents. The rebuild consisted of the complete rehabilitation of approximately 1,300 linear feet of a main road in the village along which 30 households are located. It also included the replacement of approximately 900 linear feet of deteriorated and undersized 4” water main with 8” diameter PVC main pipe. Through the use of their small but talented DPW staff, Caledonia was able to undertake this coordinated and impactful project for a total cost of $300,000, 75% of which was paid for with federal funds.
City of Kingston: Kingston Forward Initiative
Developed over the course of two years with extensive community input, Kingston Forward is a citywide form-based zoning initiative that eliminated minimum parking requirements across the city and supports incremental infill development, including “missing middle” housing types such as duplexes, townhouses, and live-work units. This initiative will ensure that future development will continue to contribute to Kingston’s walkability and historic appeal.
Village of Manlius: Revitalize a Village - Engage a Community
Through a concerted effort of the village and the community’s residents, Manlius has undertaken a multi-faceted approach to preserve its history and revitalize its Main Street corridor. Through aggressive pursuit of grants, they have been able to preserve and improve historic buildings, along with upgrading sidewalks and walkways to make a more walkable and safe business district. The most recent component of this initiative is a “Manlius Water Stories” project in conjunction with the High School’s National Arts Honor Students, whereby artwork, sculptures and murals were designed to highlight the water-centric history of the community.
Village of Sherburne: Municipally Owned Open Access Fiber Network
Responding to the fact that nearly one-quarter of Syracuse households lacked reliable access to broadband internet, Syracuse used a portion of its ARPA funds to invest in a municipal broadband network that would introduce a very affordable option for high-speed connectivity. Within the first 6 months of deployment — which happened within 3 months of contract execution — more than 600 households have enrolled in Surge Link, and the City anticipates reaching its target of 2,500 households by the end of 2024.
City of Binghamton: Affordable Homes Program
This program has transformed vacant single-family properties into safe, quality housing for income-eligible residents. Working with the Broome County Land Bank, the City jumpstarted the program with a $2 million investment of federal ARPA funding to support 10 full home rehabilitations with sale proceeds going toward future property rehabs. Work includes upgrades to critical items like roofs and HVAC units, as well as exterior improvements, such as lighting and landscaping, to support neighborhood curb appeal.
City of Kingston: Mobile Mental Health Ambulance Pilot Project
The Mobile Mental Health Ambulance addresses the growing mental health crisis in Kingston and provide more specialized services for the City’s residents. The Mobile Mental Health response team pairs a mental healthcare specialist with a Kingston Fire Department EMT and has a dedicated ambulance that provides person-centric crisis responses to mental health emergency calls. The project is funded by the Office of Community Renewal along with the City’s ARPA funds.
Village of Lima: Water System Upgrade
The Village was awarded a $2.4 million Water Infrastructure
Improvement grant in 2020 that funded the replacement of over a mile of water mains and the installation of new fire hydrants and valves to significantly increase the amount of water that the system can provide to firefighters. The most innovative aspect of this project is the automatic valve between the Village of Lima and the Town of Avon water systems that continuously monitors and adjusts when water pressure on either side is low.
Village of Sherburne: Municipally Owned Open Access Fiber Network
The Village of Sherburne has built and operates the first municipally owned open access fiber network east of Utah and Idaho that serves 1,700 residences and over 90 commercial customers, half of which are located outside the Village. The fiber network has the ability for the operation of an open-access broadband system with high-speed, symmetrical broadband. Under this open-access model, the customer is able to choose from multiple internet service providers.
Honorable Mention: Village of Clayton: New Historic District Infrastructure Project and Village of Pelham: Pelham House Transit-Oriented Development Project
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