Awards & Recognitions
The City of West Palm Beach is dedicated to excellence.
We strive to keep our residents in the forefront of innovation and we take pride in honoring our "Hometown Heroes." We have forged relationships with unique cities from around the world for friendship, to share ideas and to solve complex issues.
The City of West Palm Beach is proud of our accomplishments. Here are a few of our accolades.
- International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards
- (2023) - 12 Gold Awards, six Silver Awards, five Bronze Awards;
- (2022) - 14 Gold Awards. 13 Silver Awards, nine Bronze Awards;
- (IFEA presented no awards in 2020 or 2021);
- (2019) - nine Gold Awards, 12 Silver Awards, six Bronze Awards;
- (2018) - six Gold Awards, eight Silver Awards, nine Bronze Awards.
- USA TODAY 10 Best #1 Farmers Market in United States (2023, 2022, 2021)
- USA TODAY 10 Best: Best Public Holiday Lights Display in United States (2023, 2022, 2021); the only display voted in the top five for the last three consecutive years.
- National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA), Fleet Management Association, 100 Best Public Fleet Award (2023, 2022, 2016)
- Essence Magazine, Top Five Solo Trips to Book for Mother's Day, #1 in United States (2023)
- Safety Council of Palm Beach County (2023):
- Heroism Award for six public utility employees who aided in the prevention of a suicide;
- Excellence Award for Worker Safety;
- Merit Award for Vehicle Safety; and
- Special Recognition for proactive safety innovation "Rolled Out Near-Miss Program."
- Fodor's: Among 12 Best U.S. Seaside Cities for a Summer Escape (2022)
- Fodor’s: Mandel Public Library Ranked Among 11 Most Beautiful Libraries in United States (2022)
- LEED for Cities and Communities Gold Certification (2022)
- CDP: Climate Action Leader A-List (2022)
- Keep America Beautiful City (2022)
- PETA: Among top 10 Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns in the U.S. (2022)
- Forbes: Neighborhood to Watch: West Palm Beach (2022)
- Arbor Day Society Tree City USA Designation (1992-2023)
- West Palm Beach Police Traffic Motor Unit, 2nd place team, Capital City Challenge, Tallahassee, FL. (2022)
- VISIT FLORIDA’S Silver Flagler Award for the GreenMarket (2021)
- Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index Score: 100+ (2021) The City has received a perfect score or better for at least five years.
- Web Marketing Association: Outstanding Achievement in Web Development (2021)
- Livability.com: #97 Best Place to Live (2021); #80 (2019)
- Hulafrog's Most Loved Library (2019-2021)
- Government Finance Association (GFOA) Excellence in Financial Reporting (1980-2021)
- GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)
- Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Sunsational Awards (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022); 2022 Awards - Clematis by Light (1st place banners); GreenMarket (1st place Instagram, Promotional poster, Television advertising); Holiday in Paradise (1st place Installations, Photo opp area, tickets and invitations)
- FFEA co-winner Community Impact Award (2022)
- National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) - Green Fleet Award (2021)
- Traffic Unit Enforcement Agency of the Year, West Palm Beach Police, named by Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow / Florida Department of Transportation (2021)
- Traffic Safety Committee of the Palm Beaches, Distinguished Service Award for Traffic Enforcement and Educational Efforts (2021, 2020, 2016)
- Best of West Palm Beach Award - Nature Preserve Category (2020, 2016)
- Florida Redevelopment Association President’s Award (2020)
- Florida Library Association's Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award (2020)
- Florida Recreation & Park Association Innovative Programming Award – Community Building (2019)
- SeniorAdvice.com: Second Best LGBTQ-Friendly Retirement Destination in United States (2019)
- Florida Stormwater Association Excellence Award (2019)
- Trulia: Second Healthiest City in United States (2018)
- NextDoor Neighborhood Favorite: Mandel Public Library (2018)
- SolSmart Gold (2018)
- Safe Streets Summit Complete Streets Community Award (2017)
- National League of Cities Honor for 50 Years of Membership (2017)
- American Water Works Association Best Tasting Water in Florida (2016)
- United States Conference of Mayors City Livability Award (2016, 2013, 2012, 2011)
- 4-STAR Community Rating from Sustainability Tools Assessment & Rating Communities (2016)
- International Downtown Association's Certificate of Merit (2016)
- Forbes: 19th Fastest Growing City (2015)
- The Advocate: Third-Queerest City in America (2015)
- Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge Goal Achiever (2015)
- United States Green Business Council Green Government Award (2015)
- School Board of Palm Beach County Gold Medal (2013-2014)
- Forbes: 54th Best City in which to do Business (2014)
- Preserve America’s Preserve America Community Recognition (2013)
- Wyland Mayors’ Challenge for Water Conservation Winner (2013)
- Pine Jog Environmental Education Environmental Agency of the Year (2013)
- American Heart Association Community Fitness Innovation Award (2011)
- American Heart Association Platinum Achievement (2011)
- American Planning Association Florida’s Award of Excellence (2011)
- Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Athena Business of the Year (2010)
- Boat U.S. Recreational Boating Access Award (2010)
- International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Gold –
- Best New Event (2009);
- Best Community Outreach Program (2009)
- Best Educational Program (2009)
- Best Radio Promotions (2009)
- Best Event Website (2009)
- Best Street Banners (2009)
- National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials City Cultural Diversity Award Runner Up (2006)
The City of West Palm Beach recognizes the selfless efforts of community leaders and organizations for their boundless energy and devotion to the residents of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County and the nation. The City has been honored to present the Hometown Hero Award to:
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2022 - Kate Arrizza
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2021 - All nurses throughout of Palm Beach County for their devotion during the Pandemic.
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2020 - No award presented because of the COVID Pandemic.
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2019 - Lauren Berkson
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2018 - The Honorable Luis Delgado
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2017 - Sophia Eccleston
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2016 - Mary Bryant McCourt
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2015 - Brian Edwards
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2014 - John Smith
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2013 - Frank Eaton