Purpose

To recognize APWA chapters annually for contributions made that positively impact their chapter membership, the profession, APWA, and their communities.

Eligibility

APWA chapters are eligible to submit a nomination for consideration when:

  • All required fiscal year-end financial reporting was submitted by July 31 of the given calendar year.
  • Chapters use QuickBooks.

Chapters will be notified by APWA staff as to their eligibility to submit a nomination for the recognition.

Selection

PACE submittals are reviewed by a panel comprised of APWA’s current president, president elect, and the three most recent past presidents.

Criteria

There are nine sections in which the chapter is evaluated. Each section has specific criteria used to evaluate the chapter’s programs and services to the membership and community. All chapters, regardless of size, are strongly encouraged to submit for this recognition.

  • Finance management
  • Membership development
  • Leadership development and succession planning
  • Administration
  • Committees and taskforce development
  • Education and special events
  • Community service and outreach
  • Marketing and communication
  • Advocacy

The chapter must use the provided form. Electronically submit the completed form to APWA by the designated deadline for review. Please be concise with your response. As a guideline, one page or less per section is acceptable.

Each section will require a chapter, by membership size as indicated, to meet the required goals.

Qualification

To qualify, chapters are required to highlight accomplishments in each section based on chapter membership size. Chapters with less than 500 members are not required to meet all criteria as indicated by the section.

Nomination Process

Every APWA chapter may submit a nomination for the PACE award if the eligibility requirements for financial reporting have been met (pass/fail). The submittal must include supporting documentation/information to illustrate that the chapter has met each of the section goals. Also, each chapter is encouraged to highlight new or innovative initiatives from any of the nine sections so that they can be shared with other chapters.

A new or innovative initiative is a task or event that has previously not been done by the chapter. The nomination will cover the calendar year of January 1 through December 31.

Presentation

Those chapters receiving the PACE recognition will receive a certificate and chapter banner patch, be recognized at the PWX awards recognition ceremony, and be featured in APWA publications.

Award Winners

2024
Alabama, Arizona, Central Pennsylvania, Chicago Metro, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas City Metro, Mid-Atlantic, Minnesota, Missouri, Monterey Bay, Nebraska, Nevada, New England, New York, Northern California, Ohio, Oregon, Sacramento, San Diego/Imperial Counties, Silicon Valley, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee, Texas, Ventura County, Washington, Wisconsin

2023
Arizona, Chicago Metro, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas City Metro, Mid-Atlantic, Minnesota, Missouri, Monterey Bay, Nebraska, Nevada, New England, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northern California, Ohio, Oregon, Sacramento, San Diego/Imperial Counties, Silicon Valley, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee, Texas, Ventura County, Washington, Wisconsin