Nominations open for 2026 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards
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The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University is accepting nominations for the 2026 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards, which honor people and organizations shaping public life in the commonwealth through leadership, innovation and service.
Nominations are open through Sept. 15. Submissions can be made at by clicking here.
The program features seven categories: Lifetime Achievement; Community Enhancement; Unsung Hero (recognizing longtime state or local employees); Hill-Robinson Expansion of Freedom (advancing civil rights, justice and civic empowerment); Innovation in Government; Grace E. Harris Leadership; and Public-Private Partnership.
The annual awards are designed to spotlight the best of government and community partnership — from creative improvements in service delivery to collaborations between public agencies and private enterprises that measurably improve quality of life in Virginia – according to VCU officials.
Questions about categories or the nomination process should be directed to Pamela Cox at coxp3@vcu.edu
