Excellence in
Community Engagement Awards
Celebrating state and local government organizations that are setting the standard for inclusive, innovative, and impactful public engagement—turning public input into actionable insights that drive meaningful change.
Explore the remarkable contributions that have made a difference in their communities.
Champion of Community Trust Award
Melanie Morales, Melissa Escamilla, and
Khaila Barrett | City of San Antonio, Texas
The City of San Antonio team has set a new standard for inclusive public engagement, reaching over 145,000 residents through a multimodal approach. Their efforts—spanning over 2,600 public meetings and initiatives designed for all ages—have strengthened community trust by making participation more accessible, transparent, and impactful. By leveraging data-driven strategies, they continue to ensure residents’ voices shape the city’s future.
Champion of Inclusive Engagement Award
Jackie Nolasco | North Central Texas Council of Governments
Jackie Castillo and her team at NCTCOG are setting a new standard for accessibility in public engagement by ensuring all community members can participate, including those without computer access. Through innovative use of PublicInput’s phone line feature and a commitment to robust accessibility practices, Jackie ensures equitable and inclusive participation for all.
Excellence in Data-Driven Engagement Award
Sergio Torres-Peralta | City of Austin, Texas
Sergio Torres-Peralta’s innovative use of data to drive strategic decision-making has transformed public engagement in Austin. By developing an internal dashboard and aggregating survey data across departments, he’s enhanced collaboration and ensured that engagement efforts align with community needs. His work has already engaged nearly 400,000 residents, setting a new standard for data-driven transparency and accountability in city operations.
Leader of Innovation Award
Jamille A. Robbins and Diane Wilson |
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Jamille Robbins and Diane Wilson are pioneering a new era of public engagement at NCDOT by collaborating with PublicInput to consolidate resident input across all Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) into one accessible platform. Their efforts streamline engagement, improve transparency, and set a new benchmark for DOTs nationwide, ensuring that public input drives efficient, inclusive transportation planning.
Breakthrough Performance Award
Brenda Thomas | Fresno Council of Governments
Brenda Thomas’s ingenuity and efficiency have led to nationwide recognition of her public outreach efforts for Fresno COG’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. With only two weeks to execute, Brenda’s innovative use of PublicInput’s features helped her manage the project solo, earning a prestigious national commendation from the EPA. Her mastery of templates and workflows enabled her to quickly create and publish projects, overcoming resource constraints and maximizing impact with limited resources.
Resourceful Innovator Award
Bonnie Parker | Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Bonnie Parker’s innovative youth engagement strategies, including focus groups and low-cost outreach methods, have reshaped CAMPO’s approach. By utilizing PublicInput, she streamlined feedback collection and engagement, enhancing efficiency and resource use while ensuring valuable insights from youth are incorporated into long-term planning.