Awards & Honors
The City of Hampton continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs in a variety of civic arenas. We are proud that we have drawn local, national and international attention for our efforts to implement innovative thinking in local government and to find creative solutions for bettering our community. We invite you to take a look at some of our highest honors!
Select one of our Award-Winning Years
2011
- Excellence in Economic Development Planning Award: The City of Hampton, Virginia, is the 2011 recipient of the Donald E. Hunter Excellence in Economic Development Planning Award from the Economic Development Division of the American Planning Association (APA). <more info>
2010
- Digital Cities Designation: For the ninth year in a row, Hampton has been acknowledged as one of the most technology-advanced cities in the nation as named by the Center for Digital Government. This designation is based on its 2010 Digital Cities Survey. <more info>
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Pinnacle Award: The City of Hampton was honored by the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America at its annual Pinnacle Awards Gala. The City’s Media & Community Relations office received an award in the Public Relations Tactics category for its employee newsletter, Hampton Notes. <more info>
- Governor’s Technology Award for Innovation in Local Government: The most ground-breaking projects in government information technology were honored by Governor Bob McDonnell. The City received its award for the use of audience polling technology during its citizen budget engagement process.
- 3CMA Savvy Award: The City of Hampton took top honors at the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association's (3CMA) Annual Conference. The City received a 3CMA Savvy award in the "Citizen Participation and Community Visioning" category for its "I Value Campaign," a citizen-focused engagement campaign implemented during the budget cycle. <more info>
- 3CMA Silver Circle Award: The City of Hampton received this award for "The Hampton 400 Oral History Project." This four DVD set was produced to commemorate the city's 400th Anniversary. <more info>
- PTI Citizen-Engaged Community: The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has designated the City of Hampton as a Citizen-Engaged Community for its efforts to provide the public with multi-channel access to government services and information. Hampton, the only city in Virginia to receive the designation, was specifically highlighted for its website, 311 Customer Call Center, citizen participation efforts, and use of social media sites such as Facebook. <more info>
- Silver Communicator Award: The City of Hampton's Media & Community Relations (MCR) department was a recipient of the Silver Communicator Award for Hampton City Print ads. The Communicator Awards is an international awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals. There were over 9,000 entries in this year’s competition. <more info>
2009
- Silver Communicator Award: The City of Hampton's Media & Community Relations (MCR) department was a recipient of the Silver Communicator Award for both the Spotlight on Citizens Program and Hampton City Print ads. The Communicator Awards is an international awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals.
- Videographer Award of Distinction: The City of Hampton's Media & Community Relations (MCR) department was a recipient of the Silver Communicator Award for the Spotlight on Citizens program. Recognizes production and communication professionals whose work exceeds industry standards. There were approximately 1,800 entries from the U.S. and several other countries.
- APEX Award of Excellence: The City of Hampton's Media & Community Relations (MCR) department was a recipient of the Silver Communicator Award for the Communications Marketing Plan. An international competition that recognizes outstanding publications and is sponsored by Communications Concepts, Inc. Awards were based on excellence in graphic design, quality of editorial content, and the success of the entry in conveying the message and achieving overall communications effectiveness.
- Hermes Gold Award: HCC-TV print ads, an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media. The awards recognize companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. There were approximately 3,700 entries from throughout the United States and several countries in this year’s competition. <more info>
- Congress of The U.S.: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department was recognized for collaboration & effort to educate the public about scientific research & green energy conservation.
2008
- Innovator Award for the State of Virginia: The City of Hampton's won this award for the joint youth civic engagement initiative Alternatives, Inc. and the City of Hampton. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe presented Brad Knight, chair of the Hampton Youth Commission, and Mike Bock, Hampton Youth Planner, with the award at the opening session of the Southern Growth Policies Board. <more info>
2007
- Center for Digital Government Award: The City of Hampton's Youth Civic Engagement Program won this prestigious award, often referred to as the "Oscars" of government, the Innovations Award is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, and is administered in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government. One of six award winners, Youth Civic Engagement will receive a $100,000 grant to disseminate information on the innovation to other communities. Hampton City Council will recognize the program's accomplishments at the August 10th Council meeting. <more info>
- Best Neighborhood Program of the Year: The Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) Board of Directors selected the City of Hampton - Sold On Hampton Program as the Best Neighborhood Program of the Year by a Government Entity. The award recognized outstanding programs implemented to improve neighborhoods by a government entity or business/corporation. <more info>
- Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation Award: The Citizens' Unity Commission was honored with this award for its accomplishments in ensuring that Hampton becomes and remains a healthy diverse community. Its successful programs and events include Hampton Diversity College, Youth Diversity Facilitation Team, Hampton Unity Celebration, Diversity Resource Center, Hampton Pledge, and more. <more info>
- Excellence In Education Award: The Hampton School division was honored by the Virginia Tech School of Education for its Community Visioning - HCS Community Priorities Workshop program. This annual award recognizes successful programs in PreK-12 schools and in community colleges as well. <more info>
2006
- Innovations in American Government Award: The City of Hampton's Youth Civic Engagement Program won this prestigious award, often referred to as the "Oscars" of government, the Innovations Award is a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, and is administered in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government. One of six award winners, Youth Civic Engagement will receive a $100,000 grant to disseminate information on the innovation to other communities. Hampton City Council will recognize the program's accomplishments at the August 10th Council meeting. <more info>
2005
- NBC-LEO City Cultural Diversity Awards: The National League of Cities recognized the Hampton Citizens' Unity Commission for its Hampton Diversity College program which offers diversity education. This awards program recognizes the growing diversity in America's cities. The National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) believes that diversity should be reflected in the activities of America's cities and towns. <more info>
- Mayor’s Civic Improvements: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department received this honor for the aesthetic improvements made to the City of Hampton, Virginia.
2004
- Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Award: The Hampton Police Division was the recipient of the 1st Place Award in the Municipal 6 Category. The Division highlighted its participation and success in numerous traffic safety programs to include the Click It or Ticket Campaign, You Drink & Drive, You Lose Campaign and the Smart, Safe & Sober Program in addition to the numerous traffic safety checkpoints, BUI/Boater safety checks and specialized enforcement projects.The Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge is a recognition program that gives agencies an opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and reward agencies that take the extra steps to save lives and reduce injuries proactively through its highway safety efforts. <more info>
- American Government Award: The city's Youth Civic Engagement initiative was a finalist of the Innovations in American Government award by the Ash Institute and Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. <more info>
2003
- Virginia Volkssport Association: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department was recognized for their significant contributions towards advancement of VA Volkssport Association. <more info>
- Mayor’s Civic Improvements: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department received this honor for the aesthetic improvements made to the City of Hampton, Virginia.
- 3CMA Savvy Award - Best Service Delivery: The 311 Customer Call Center received Best Service Delivery from 3CMA. The City-County Communications and Marketing Association is the leading organization for local governments that are innovating new and better ways of communicating with their citizens by viewing them as customers with important input into the kinds of services offered and how they are provided.
- Government Customer Support Awards: The Hampton 311 Customer Call Center won 1st place in the Customer Focus category from DCI, Inc., at their Government Customer Support Conference.
- Governor's Technology Award: The 311 Customer Call Center received 1st place in the Customer Focus category from DCI, Inc. This award recognizes unique customer relationship management (CRM) products, services and industry leaders.
2002
- Our Town Award: The City of Hampton received this award on the basis of our Youth Civic Engagement System. <more info>
- All-America City Award: The City of Hampton won the All-America City Award, the Nation´s most prestigious civic award, from the National Civic League. Previously named an All-America City in 1972, Hampton is the only community in the region to receive this honor for a second time. <more info>
- Peninsula Pathfinders Honors: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department received honors for their significant contributions towards advancement of Peninsula Pathfinders Programs.
- ICMA Program Excellence Award: The 311 Customer Call Center received an award for Innovations in Local Government Management. In many communities, residents have to search the phone book to try to find the number for the right department, only to be transferred several times before reaching someone who can assist them. When residents of Hampton, Virginia, expressed their dissatisfaction with such issues, the city found an innovative way to respond: a 311 Customer Call Center.
2001
- American Cancer Society Honor: The Hampton Parks & Recreation Department received an award from the American Cancer Society for its outstanding participation in the Relay for Life.
- City Livability Award: The 311 Customer Call Center won Honorable Mention. Using software, scripting services, accurate information collection and determination, Mayor Mamie Locke and the city of Hampton created a customer call center that proves that customer service to constituents is a philosophy and culture, and not a buzzword.
- Harvard Innovation Awards - Honorable Mention: The 311 Customer Call Center was the 2001 and 2002 semi-finalists in this prestigious competition. This is award is sponsored by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
- Innovations in America Government Award: The City of Hampton's 311 Customer Call Center won this prestigious competition, sponsored by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
2000
- Virginia Municipal League Achievement Award: The 311 Customer Call Center won 1st place in population Category of more than 90,000.
- Solutions Technology Achievement Award: The 311 Customer Call Center won Honorable Mention from the Public Technology Institute. This annual program recognizes PTI members that have demonstrated how, through the use of technology, government has improved community services, improved internal operations or reduced costs.
- 3CMA Savvy Award - Best Technology Services: The 311 Customer Call Center won 1st place in Technology Services and 1st place in Best Service Delivery.