Awards & Citations

Roanoke County has been honored time after time for its government operations, quality of life, excellent school system and for commitment to meeting the needs of its citizens. The following are just a few of the awards and honors that Roanoke County has received.

All America City

Roanoke County was designated an All America City in 1989 for its extraordinary civic accomplishments involving the development of Explore Park Project, cooperative efforts with neighboring jurisdictions on the Hollins Community Development Project, and creation of the Blue Ridge Library. Each year, only ten cities are selected as All-America City winners. These communities are actively committed to ensuring their communities remain safe, nurturing places to live. For more information about the All-America City awards, visit the National Civic League.

National Association of Counties (NACo) 

The National Association of Counties is an association of more than 3,000 counties across that nation that strives to achieve healthy, vibrant and safe counties across America. For more information about the National Association of Counties, please see the NACo website.

• 2017 NACo Achievement Awards (4)
• 2017 NACo 100 Brilliant Ideas Award
• 2016 NACo Achievement Awards (3)

Virginia Association of Counties (VACo)

The Virginia Association of Counties exists to support county officials and to effectively represent, promote, and protect the interests of counties to better serve the people of Virginia. VACo recognizes local government programs that include innovation, cooperation, and model practices. VACo strives to be an effective force representing local governments at the state and national levels in legislative and regulatory processes, and also serves as a valuable resource network for planning and implementing new ideas and technologies. For more information, see the VACo website.

Recent VACo award recognitions include:

• 2016 VACo Achievement Award (PDF)
• 2014 VACo Achievement Award - Communications and Information Technology (PDF)
• 2013 VACo Achievement Award - Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PDF)
• 2012 VACo Achievement Award - Fire and Rescue (PDF)
• 2011 VACo Communication Achievement Award - Public Information (PDF)
• 2010 VACo Achievement Award - Economic Development (PDF)
• 2009 VACo Achievement Award - Communications and Information Technology (PDF)

Virginia Municipal League (VML) Awards

The Virginia Municipal League is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan association of city, town and county governments established in 1905 to improve and assist local governments through legislative advocacy, research, education and other services. The membership includes all 39 cities in the state, 156 towns and 10 counties. For more information, visit the Virginia Municipal League website.

• 2007 VML President's Award for TEK Camp (PDF)
• 2017 VML Innovation Award for Economic Development/Explore Park Adventure Plan (PDF)

American Planning Association - Virginia Chapter

The American Planning Association's mission is to make great communities happen in Virginia by offering continuing professional development and other valuable services to our members that will enable them to excel in their practice. For more information, see the American Planning Association Virginia Chapter.

• 2017 Virginian Award for Implementation and Accountability (PDF) for the Roanoke County Community Strategic Plan.

Southeast Tourism Society

2013 Governmental Tourism Leadership Shining Example Award

On November 5th, 2013, the Southeast Tourism Society presented this honor jointly to Roanoke County and the cities of Roanoke and Salem for their combined support of tourism initiatives and the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

• 2013 Governmental Tourism Leadership Shining Example Award (PDF)

State & National Honors by County Departments

• Communications and Information Technology
• Economic Development
• Finance
• Fire and Rescue
• Management and Budget
• Parks, Recreation and Tourism
• Police
• Public Information
• Purchasing