Winter Garden Receives National Voice of the People Award for Excellence
This prestigious award was presented to the City of Winter Garden during the week of September 23rd – 26th at the Annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) by both the ICMA and the National Research Center (NRC) at Polco.
The City of Winter Garden is among 10 winners nationally being recognized and honored for our commitment and excellence in achieving high ratings on The National Community Survey™ (The NCS) and for its intentional, data-informed decisions around the Natural Environment - one of eight community facets evaluated for award consideration. Other community facets include Community Engagement, Safety, Mobility, Built Environment, Economy, Recreation & Wellness and Education & Enrichment.
The Voice of the People Awards are the only national awards that honor local governments based on the survey opinions and feedback from residents – That’s right!! Winter Garden resident ratings from our Citizen/Community survey made this award possible. The awards for Excellence recognizes communities that received the highest marks from their residents in the previous year and are among the elite few of the cohort of NCS participants nationally. Each year about 100 local governments are eligible to participate in the awards from over 500 jurisdictions nationally. Ten winning jurisdictions are then determined for awards.
The City’s effort to preserve the Natural Environment was judged outstanding by residents, especially, when we match up against other local governments across the United States. Here are a few focus areas that have impacted the community positively:
The acquisition and ongoing expansion of the Tucker Ranch property and its vision to synergize the relationship between nature and holistic wellness. Residents view this as a significant value-add to our suite of desirable quality of life amenities
Our commitment to a clean community powered by our Solid Waste machine that brings the WOW to our residents every single day. Residents are thrilled by the excellent garbage, recycling and yard waste services and feel the effects of Solid Wastes’ proactive customer service commitment
Our amended comprehensive plan commitment (10 years ago) to be a more balanced development environment that safeguards a 25% green space footprint on all projects. Residents see and feel this stewardship in their neighborhoods and throughout our community
Way to Go Winter Garden!!