3 minute read
Revolutionizing Local Government
The Texas Municipal League (TML) Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenges of municipal governance. The Municipal Excellence Award program honors the best innovative problemsolving programs that demonstrate excellence in management, increasing resident participation and reaching higher service levels. The City of Tyler earned two Municipal Excellence Awards in 2022, recognizing the City’s management innovation and public safety programs for cities with populations of more than 25,000. The awards honored the City for its “Infants at Work” pilot program and the addition of a Homeless Coordinator position for the Tyler Police Department.
The “Infants at Work” program started in 2021 as an initiative to improve the work-life integration for employees by acknowledging a parent’s and caregiver’s responsibility to their job and family. The program provides essential support to City staff during their transition to parenthood by allowing them to bring their babies to work until they are six months old. Smith County Champions for Children granted the 2022 Champions for Children Corporate Champion Award to the “Infants at Work” program later that year. After the program’s great success, four Texas cities have contacted the City of Tyler’s Organizational Development Department for help to recreate it in their towns.
Baby Varon during first day of Infants at Work program
In the fall of 2021, the Tyler Police Department (TPD) added a vital position: a Homeless Coordinator role assigned to Officer Johnny Green. The position addresses the issues of homelessness in the community and improves access to social services. Officer Green works with the homeless population to identify individual needs and access local resources.
Since the TPD created the position, more individuals are seeking social services. This year, Officer Green connected five people with family and friends to receive housing and help. He also found living accommodations or jobs for another three people.
“The awards recognize that these projects, our City Council’s direction and our employees are among the best in the state,” said City Manager Ed Broussard. “It is a great honor to our organization and our community.”
The awards demonstrate the City of Tyler’s dedication to innovative and compassionate governance. They certify Tyler’s commitment to meeting the challenges of municipal government and serving the community with excellence.
Tyler Police Officer Johnny Green talks to a homeless man
And even more awards
GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
- 36th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence
- 16th Consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
BEST IN TOWN
- The historic Liberty Hall theater won an award for being one of the best performing arts centers in Tyler.
- Gallery Main Street was voted as one of the best art galleries in Tyler.
MAIN STREET
- Downtown Tyler Historic District placed in National Register of Historic Places
PARKS
- Tyler Municipal Rose Garden received the 2023 Texas Recreation and Park Society Lone Star Legacy Park Award
PLANNING
- 8th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Planning Excellence
COMMUNICATIONS
- TAMIO Award of Excellence, Print Report: 2020-2021 Annual Report
- 3CMA Award of Excellence, Most Innovative Communication: “Roses and Weeds” Podcast
Texas Municipal League and Texas Association of Information Officers Awards
