About the NACo Achievement Awards

The Achievement Awards program is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs in 18 categories covering a wide spectrum of county responsibilities. One outstanding program from each category will be selected as the “Best of Category.”

By participating, your county can earn local and national recognition. Achievement Award winners have been featured in local media and in County News.

2026 Achievement Awards

The application period for the 2026 Achievement Awards is now open. Please take note of the important deadlines and opportunities below.

Key Deadlines
  • March 3, 2026 – Early Bird Submission Deadline
  • April 15, 2026NEW Extended Submission Deadline
  • Early June 2026 – Notifications of Achievement Awards
Awards Ceremony 

2026 NACo Annual Conference Jul. 17 -20, 2026 in Orleans Parish/New Orleans. La.

Special Opportunity

Counties with fewer than 50,000 residents are eligible to apply at no cost this year.

More About this Year's Awards

Questions?

NACo is here to help

Please complete the form below, or email awards@naco.org with any questions.

Explore NACo's Civic Engagement Resources

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We Are Counties

From urban to rural, large to small, America’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs keep our communities healthy, vibrant and safe. We Are Counties highlights the essential role counties play across every part of community life.

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Counties 101

Your introduction to county government. Learn how counties are on the front lines, delivering vital services for our residents.

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Achievement Awards

The Achievement Awards is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs. Award-winning programs are featured in NACo content and celebrated at NACo's Annual Conference.

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National County Government Month

Held each April, NCGM is an annual celebration of county government. NACo equips counties with template materials, social media graphics, and more resources to kick off the month of recognition.

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County Explorer Data

An interactive mapping tool featuring the latest available data for all 3,069 U.S. counties across 14 categories, more than 100 datasets, over 1,000 indicators and more than 10 types of county and state profiles.

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The County Landscape Project

Whether examining the organizational structures, financial frameworks, essential services or intergovernmental roles of counties, the project serves as a critical reference for understanding county government at its core.

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Counties Work Game & Curriculum

NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game and curriculum to educate students grade levels 6-12 about the important role and functions of county government. 

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Governing on the Ground

Governing on the Ground is an inside look at the complex challenges faced by officials as they strive to strengthen their communities. The book features 30 short chapters contributed by county leaders.

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The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland

The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland is an experimental publication created with generative artificial intelligence (AI). Its objectives are to showcase the capabilities of AI, to stimulate discussions regarding AI's applications in the public sector, and to inspire young people around the role of county government.

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County News

Explore articles from our award-winning County News, the official news publication of NACo.

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Program

Operation Green Light for Veterans

During the week leading up to Veterans Day, counties shine a green light to show support for veterans, raise awareness of benefits available to them and call for action on federal policies that support veterans and their families.