City Awards and Recognition

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City of Olathe employees and volunteers have received numerous awards to support our vision of “Setting the Standard for Excellence in Public Service.”

2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012

2021

NAACP Diversity Advocate in Government Award
The City of Olathe earned the NAACP Diversity Advocate in Government Award in recognition of the City's handling of demonstrations regarding racial justice over the past year. From Henry Lyons, president of the local NAACP: “[Olathe] worked with us and each other in keeping its citizens safe while allowing lawful protest. In addition, your city government strives for equality and fairness.”

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both the guidelines and established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting.

2020

ETC Institute "Leading the Way" Award
The City of Olathe received a Leading the Way Award from ETC Institute, recognizing Olathe as one of the nation’s top 10 percent local government performers in three core areas:

Citizen satisfaction with the overall quality of services
Citizen satisfaction with customer service provided by employees
Satisfaction with the value residents think they receive for local taxes and fees.

Platinum Level Healthy KC Certified
The City of Olathe has been named Platinum Level Healthy KC Certified by Healthy KC, a partnership of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), and a number of regional health and wellness leaders. The Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification program is a regional program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace.

This is the sixth year Olathe has been recognized as a leader in workplace wellness.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence for Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Analytics recognizes the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts. According to ICMA, “The certificate program recognizes communities that have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement using performance analysis,” Olathe is among jurisdictions receiving the Certificate of Excellence – the highest level awarded.

Olathe Water Treatment Plant awarded Best Project in 2020
The Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of America Chapter has awarded the Water Treatment Plant as the Best Public Works/Environmental Project over $10 million in 2020. In December 2018, the City of Olathe Public Works Department started upgrades at Water Treatment Plant. Originally built in 1964 and last expanded in 2006, the Water Treatment Plant provides drinking water to approximately 135,000 residents in Olathe and surrounding areas.

Olathe wastewater facilities win Gold Peak Performance awards
The City of Olathe Cedar Creek and Harold Street wastewater treatment facilities have won 2019 Gold Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Gold Awards recognize facilities with 100 percent discharge permit compliance.

2020 Kansas City Business Journal Healthiest Employer
The City of Olathe is proud to be named a 2020 Healthiest Employer by the Kansas City Business Journal. Each year, the Kansas City Business Journal works with Healthiest Employers LLC, a data and research company, to measure employer commitment to making health and wellness a priority for their companies based on wellness programming and benefits.

American Society of Landscape Architects Prairie Gateway Chapter Merit Award for Lake Olathe Park
Lake Olathe Park earned a Merit Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The Prairie Gateway Chapter of the ASLA has been honoring the outstanding contributions to the practice of landscape architecture since the year 2000. Awards are given in the following categories: Design (built), Design (unbuilt), Planning and Analysis, Research and Communications.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting.

GFOA Triple Crown Winner
The Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Triple Crown recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded Olathe with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 43rd consecutive year. The award encourages and assists governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure.

GFOA Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award recognizes popular annual financial reports specifically designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable by the general public and other interested parties without a background in public finance. This is the third consecutive year the City of Olathe has received this award.

SmartAsset Most Livable Mid-Sized City
SmartAsset has named Olathe the No. 2 most livable mid-sized city in the U.S. To find the most livable mid-sized cities, SmartAsset analyzed data on cities with populations above 100,000, excluding the 100 largest cities in the country. Data included housing costs, median income, unemployment rate, percentage of residents below the poverty line, percent of residents without health insurance, and more.

SmartAsset Best Place to Celebrate Halloween
SmartAsset has named Olathe one of the best places in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween. To find the best cities to celebrate Halloween in 2020, we analyzed 210 cities in 10 metrics across four categories: family friendliness, safety, Halloween weather, and candy & costumes.

2019

Gold Level Healthy KC Certified
The City of Olathe has been named Gold Level Healthy KC Certified by Healthy KC, a partnership of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), and a number of regional health and wellness leaders. The Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification program is a regional program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace.

This is the fifth year Olathe has been recognized as a leader in workplace wellness.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting.

Safest Cities in Kansas
BackgroundChecks.org has named Olathe as one of the safest cities in Kansas. Only 14 cities in the state earned a positive score in their "safety index," indicating favorably low rates of violent and property crime. The website used the most recent FBI crime statistics to create state rankings.

Most Educated City in Kansas
Olathe was named the 2019 Most Educated City Award in Kansas from Insurify.

Using the educational data reported by drivers who submitted over 1.6 million car insurance applications, each city was analyzed for the overall academic achievement of its citizens. An education score was determined using a proprietary scoring algorithm that incorporated the educational history and performance of each driver or the GPA of current students. The city with the highest average score per state was then selected.

SmartAsset Most Livable Mid-Sized City
SmartAsset has named Olathe as one of the most livable mid-sized cities in the U.S. To find the most livable mid-sized cities, SmartAsset analyzed data on cities with populations above 100,000 in 2018, excluding the 100 largest cities in the country. Data included housing costs, median income, unemployment rate, percentage of residents below the poverty line, percent of residents without health insurance, and more.

20 Best Places to Live in the Midwest
Olathe was recognized as one of the 20 best places to live in the Midwest by Money, Inc. Above average high school graduation rates, excellent amenities, low unemployment rates, and safe, clean streets round out the pretty picture - and no doubt helps explain why the suburb ranks #1 in SmartAsset's round up of the most popular places in the U.S. for millennials to buy a home.

Olathe earns four awards at Kansas Water Environment Association annual conference
The City of Olathe is proud that City facilities and staff earned four awards at the recent Kansas Water Environment Association annual conference. The Harold Street Wastewater Treatment Facility was named a top Class 5 plant in the state (facilities treating more than three million gallons per day). The Compost Facility on Hedge Lane was honored with the top biosolids management program in Kansas for 2019. Heather Phillips, wastewater treatment operations manager, received the William D. Hatfield Award at the Kansas Waster Environment Association annual conference in Topeka. Steven McNolty, environmental services maintenance manager, was inducted into the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) by the Kansas Water Environment Association.

Bronze recognition for Communities for All Ages Plan
The City of Olathe Public Works City Planning Division was awarded a bronze recognition from the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) for their extensive work on the Communities for All Ages plan. MARC has developed the Community for All Ages recognition program to promote communities of vibrance, health, and prosperity in all cities throughout the metro.

By earning a bronze recognition, the City adopted a resolution to become a Community for All Ages. In addition, staff presented information to the Planning Commission and City Council on becoming a Community for All Ages and written materials on age-friendly communities were provided to several City facilities.

Greenest City Award for the state of Kansas
The City of Olathe has been awarded the Greenest City Award for the state of Kansas by Insurify. This honor goes out to the city with the most environmentally-conscious living and driving practices in each state.

Cities were awarded higher scores for having eco-conscious driving practices, green vehicle features, low urban sprawl, healthy air quality, dedicated park space, and renewable electricity programs. The community with the highest score from each state was identified to form the winner’s roster.

2019 Kansas City Business Journal Healthiest Employer
The City of Olathe is proud to be named a 2019 Healthiest Employer by the Kansas City Business Journal. Each year, the Kansas City Business Journal works with Healthiest Employers LLC, a data and research company, to measure employer commitment to making health and wellness a priority for their companies based on wellness programming and benefits.

2018

SmartAsset Most Livable Mid-Sized City
SmartAsset has named Olathe as the No. 1 livable mid-sized city in the U.S. Olathe takes the top spot thanks to a low poverty rate. According to SmartAsset's data, about one in 25 residents in Olathe falls under the poverty rate. That is the third-lowest rate. Another good sign for the livability of this city is the low inequality. The economic rewards bestowed upon residents of this city are evenly spread. Olathe ranks fourth for Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality.

Granicus Digital Strategy Award
The City of Olathe, Kansas identified the need for an interactive performance dashboard for citizens. The city had conducted satisfaction surveys since 2000 and reported results annually through its Annual Performance Report, but the city deployed a new interactive dashboard that provides the community a clear and immediate way to see city progress. Through frequent updates in key focus areas, Olathe Performs strengthens accountability and transparency, citizen engagement and employee awareness.

Gold Level Healthy KC Certified
The City of Olathe has been named Gold Level Healthy KC Certified by Healthy KC, a partnership of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), and a number of regional health and wellness leaders. The Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification program is a regional program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace.

This is the fourth year Olathe has been recognized as a leader in workplace wellness.

Olathe Tabbed as Best Places for Veterans to Live
Military Times recently named Olathe one of the United States' Best Places for Veterans to Live. Olathe checked in at No. 3 among the site's medium sized classification. Military Times credited Olathe's veteran growth from 2015 to 2016 (the most recent census data timeframe), which outpaced its overall growth by almost 12 percent. The site also mentions the 16 nearby VA health centers in the area. Olathe was the only city in Kansas recognized as Alexandria and Arlington, Va., were No. 1 and No. 2, respectively on the medium sized city list.

Olathe Public Works Recognized for Wastewater Collection
The City of Olathe's Utility Maintenance Wastewater Collection Program was the recipient of a 2018 honor from the Kansas Water Environment Association (KWEA) and Kansas Section of The American Water Works Association (KsAWWA) for outstanding and significant contributions to the area of wastewater collection. The honor was the first for Olathe since 2013. Public Works employees (Zach Coburn and Matt Dalsing) also earned a third-place finish in the "Hydrant Hysteria" competition during the joint KWEA and KsAWWA conference.

Olathe Public Works Receives National Equipment "Roadeo" Honors
Two Public Works employees garnered first-place honors at the American Public Works Conference National Equipment "Roadeo" competition. Backhoe, excavator, and skid-steer participants showcased their ability to safely operate the equipment through timed skills courses. Mechanic participants were given a written exam covering a full spectrum of topics as well as moved through six timed stations to test their mechanic skills and knowledge.

Jeff Brotherton - First Place Mechanic's Competition
Rick Roberts - First Place Skid-Steer

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes budget documents of the highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA's best practices on budgeting.

SmartAsset Top City Where Millennials Are Buying Homes
SmartAsset has ranked Olathe as the #1 city in America where millennials are buying homes. For this study, SmartAsset looked at two factors: the 2016 millennial homeownership rate and the change between the millennial homeownership rate from 2007 to 2016. Data shows that more than 50% of millennial households in Olathe own their homes, an increase of 4.8% from 2007.

Alarms.org Safest Cities in Kansas
Alarms.org has ranked Olathe as the #6 safest city in Kansas, making it one of the safest cities in the state. The website reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics along with their own population data and internal research and ranked cities based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people. These variables were then weighted, with violent crimes accounting for 1.5 of the total (due to their severity) than property crimes.

GOBankingRates Best City in Kansas to Buy a Home
GOBankingRates.com ranked the City of Olathe as the best city in Kansas to buy a home. GOBankingRates determined the best cities by taking into account various factors, including school districts, property tax bills, home prices and incomes. The site says, "Olathe's unemployment rate beats the U.S. average, according to Sperling's, and future job growth looks promising for people who want to buy a home and settle down."

2017

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
For the 39th consecutive year, the City of Olathe's Division has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Vision Internet "What's Next" Best Visual Impact Award
The City of Olathe sought to improve the city’s website experience with enhanced design, structure, content and functionality. Community-submitted photography added a local feel while a laser focus on the navigation and mobile experience enhanced the overall usability. Each page of content was reviewed for relevance and revised to comply with plain language standards. Through this process, the total page count was reduced to 400 from 1,600 pages. The mobile-experience was painstakingly designed in order to optimize usability. As a result, overall site bounce rates decreased by five seconds, and feedback from internal stakeholders and site visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.

Silver Level Healthy KC Certified
The City of Olathe has been named Silver Level Healthy KC Certified by Healthy KC, a partnership of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), and a number of regional health and wellness leaders. The Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification program is a regional program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace.

This is the third year Olathe has been recognized as a leader in workplace wellness.

City-County Communications & Marketing Association Savvy Awards
The Savvy Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing, and citizen-government relationships. They salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.

The City of Olathe won the Silver Circle Awards in the following categories:

Overall Website – Re-Vision OlatheKS.org
Graphic Design – Did You Know? Trash Truck Wraps
Educational/Training Video – Safety Matters

The City won an Award of Excellence for a joint bid with WaterOne in the following category:

Special Events – Tower 2 Tower 5K

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards Olathe the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 38th consecutive year. The award illustrates the City's commitment to transparency and full disclosure, recognizing governments that accomplish those goals.

National Procurement Institute Award for Achievement of Excellence in Procurement
The Procurement Division receives the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute (NPI). NPI is the official public sector purchasing affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management. Organizations win the award by demonstrating excellence in professionalism, innovation, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council Agency Certification Award
The Procurement Division earned the Agency Certification Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The award recognizes the pursuit of professional excellence through the achievement of agency certification. The Procurement Division is proud to have 100 percent certified staff.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council Agency Sterling Agency Award
The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) recognized the City of Olathe Procurement Division with the Sterling Agency Award. The Sterling Agency Award recognizes exceptional agencies that in addition to achieving a fully certified procurement staff, have maintained UPPCC Agency Certification status for three consecutive years running.

Tree City USA Designation
The City of Olathe receives the Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City USA" community designation recognizing the community's commitment to urban forestry. The Foundation also presented Olathe a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.

National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award
The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The Growth Award highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry.

American Public Works Association Reaccreditation
The Public Works Department receives a second prestigious APWA Reaccreditation for going beyond management practice requirements established nationally in the public works industry. The Public Works Department previously received original Accreditation in July 2004 and Reaccreditation in 2009 and 2013.

Tnemec National Water Tank of the Year Finalist
Since 2006, Tnemec has celebrated the innovative and creative uses of its coatings on water tanks with the annual Tank of the Year contest. Each year, tanks of all varieties from across the U.S. and Canada are narrowed down to determine the most impressive coatings projects in the water tank industry.

National Association of Clean Water Agencies Silver Peak Performance Awards
The Harold Street Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility received Silver Peak Performance awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) in recognition of complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance during the 2016 calendar year. Silver award designations are presented to member agency facilities that demonstrate among the highest standards in wastewater treatment. KCAPWA Environmental Project of the Year

Commission on Fire Accreditation International Accredited Agency
The Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Fire Accreditation International granted the Olathe Fire Department “Accredited Agency Status.”

Blue Pencil & Gold Screen First Place Award
The City of Olathe receives two Blue Pencil & Gold Screen First Place Awards from the National Association of Government Communicators at its annual Communications School June 14-15 in St. Louis.

2016

Olathe billed as one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live
24/7 Wall St. recently named Olathe one of America’s Best Cities to Live. Olathe was tapped as the 11th best city on the list of 50. 24/7 Wall St. credited Olathe for a low poverty rate, a low crime rate, and a strong income to home value ratio. Olathe was the only city in Kansas and one of only two in the Kansas City metropolitan area, along with Lee’s Summit, Mo., to make the list. Broomfield, Colo. topped the list.

City of Olathe named Gold Level “Certified Healthy KC Organization”
The City of Olathe has been named a Gold Level “Certified Healthy KC Organization” from Healthy KC, a program of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. The Healthy KC Workplace wellness certification is based on four pillars of health: nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and work/life integration. Four levels of certification are based on a company’s level of achievement across the four pillars. The gold level designation is the highest level of certification within the program.

Olathe earns two top 10 ratings
Olathe ranked number one on Zippia's list of the 10 Happiest Cities in America. The score considered factors like education, unemployment rate, cost of living and poverty level.

Olathe also ranked number nine on Allstate Insurance's list of America's Best Drivers Report 2016. The list considered statistics like property damage claims, accident reports and population density.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence for Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Analytics recognizes the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts. According to ICMA, “The certificate program recognizes communities that have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement using performance analysis,” Olathe is among 34 jurisdictions receiving the Certificate of Excellence – the highest level awarded.

Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards of Excellence
The City of Olathe receives two Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards from the National Association of Government Communicators at its annual Communications School June 7-9 in Washington D.C. The 2015 Budget Infographic received an Award of Excellence in the Infographic category. The Diverging Diamond Interchange video also received an Award of Excellence in the Educational Programs category.

Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award
The City of Olathe receives the CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award for its Mobile Integrated Health Program. The program, which deploys firefighter paramedics to medically assess individuals who request service, but do not need to visit an emergency room, determines needs and resources, and helps connect patients with the appropriate care in the community. The award is presented annually for best practices and innovative solutions in the delivery of emergency medical services.

Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government
The Alliance for Innovation awards the Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government to the City of Olathe for its Mobile Integrated Health Program. Innovation Award recipients are chosen from among hundreds of nominations received by a committee consisting of national city and county managers and Alliance for Innovation staff. The selection committee looks for dedication to stretching and improving the boundaries of day-to-day government operations and practices, implementing creative business processes and improving community civic health.

Buford Watson, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Management
City Manager Michael Wilkes receives the Buford Watson, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Management from the Kansas Association of City/County Managers. The award is given annually to one government manager in Kansas who has displayed the leadership attributes of the late Buford M. Watson, Jr. (former City Manager of Lawrence) which includes serving as a role model in working with constituents, valuing customer satisfaction, and encouraging new members of the profession.

Elite ISO Class 1 Rating for Fire Protection Services
The City of Olathe attains the highest rating possible for fire protection service according to the Insurance Services Office (ISO), who designated Olathe a Class 1 community based on its independent rating system for assessing the quality and effectiveness of municipal fire protection. ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) program recognizes the efforts of communities to provide fire protection services for citizens and property owners. A community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predicator of future fire losses. Insurance companies use PPC data to help establish fair premiums for residential and commercial fire insurance. Olathe is one of only 38 fire departments to hold the distinction of a Class 1 ISO rating and accreditation by the Commission of Fire Accreditation International.

National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation
Following a month-long challenge for water conservation, Olathe places fourth in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation among cities with a population of 100,000 to 299,999 residents. The challenge asked residents to pledge to conserve water by making simple changes to reduce water use.

Bluechip Award
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Recreation and Park Association presents the City of Olathe with a Bluechip Award to recognize the Healthy Communities Initiative. The initiative focuses on the total health of Olathe residents through education, support, and physical activity. Bluechip awards were presented to six cities that had programs, policies, and other initiatives to curb obesity and promote clean air, healthy food choices, and physical activity.

2016 Healthiest Employer
The City of Olathe is recognized as a winner of the 2016 Healthiest Employers, an awards program presented by the Kansas City Business Journal. This is the second year the City has received this award. Winning organizations are honored for their commitment to employee health, with exceptional corporate wellness programming.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
For the twelfth consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awards the City of Olathe the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2016/2017 budget document. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

2016 Awards of Distinction
The Olathe Community Center receives Awards of Distinction from Commercial Amenity Pools and Westport Pools.

2015

Certified Healthy KC Organizations
The City of Olathe is named a silver level “Certified Healthy KC Company” by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. The City is one of 46 area companies, nonprofits, and government entities to receive this designation, recognizing efforts in creating a workplace focused on health and wellness. Four levels of certification are based on achievements across four “pillars” of health, including nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and work/life integration.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence for Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Analytics recognizes the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts. According to ICMA, "Jurisdictions meeting the qualifications have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement, and they serve as examples for other governments to follow." Olathe is among 33 jurisdictions to be recognized with a Certificate of Excellence – the highest level awarded.

2015 Best Places to Live
The City of Olathe is named a Top 10 Best Places to Live for Vets from the Military Times. The list considers factors like economics, livability, traffic, crime and military- and veteran-specific culture and services.

Development of Distinction
The Olathe Community Center is recognized by the Urban Land Institute as a Development of Distinction award winner. This award recognizes regional projects for exceptional achievement of best practices in development.

2015 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation
The Alliance for Innovation recognizes the City of Olathe with an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award in recognition of the Healthy Communities initiative. The City of Olathe Healthy Communities initiative includes the Communities that Care Coalition, Olathe Community Gardens and Get Active Challenge. These programs encourage community members to get involved, stay informed, and get active when it comes to the health of Olathe and its residents.

2015 Healthiest Employer
The City of Olathe is recognized as a winner of the 2015 Healthiest Employers, an awards program presented by the Kansas City Business Journal. Winning organizations are honored for their commitment to employee health, with exceptional corporate wellness programming. Award applicants are evaluated across six key categories: Culture and Leadership, Foundational Components, Strategic Planning, Communication and Marketing, Programming and Interventions, and Reporting and Analysis.

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards Olathe the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 36th consecutive year. The award illustrates the City's commitment to transparency and full disclosure, recognizing governments that accomplish those goals.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), Sterling Agency Award
The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) recognized the City of Olathe Procurement Division with the Sterling Agency Award. The Sterling Agency Award recognizes exceptional agencies that in addition to achieving a fully certified procurement staff, have maintained UPPCC Agency Certification status for three consecutive years running.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPC) Agency Certification Award
The Procurement Division earned the Agency Certification Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The award recognizes the pursuit of professional excellence through the achievement of agency certification. The Procurement Division is proud to have 100 percent certified staff.

2014

ICMA Award for Career Development
Assistant City Manager Susan Sherman receives the International City/County Management Association's Award for Career Development for significant contributions to the career development of new talent in professional local government management.

City and County Communications and Marketing Associations (3CMA) Silver Circle Award
The City of Olathe receives a 3CMA Silver Circle Award in the Digital-Mobile category for the Olathe Trash Day mobile app.

City and County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Silver Circle Award
The City of Olathe receives a 3CMA Silver Circle Award in the Promotional Video category for the Olathe Trash Day promotional video.

Ad Astra Award from Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association
Transportation Manager Thomas Dow receives the Ad Astra Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association. This award is given to an individual for significant, long-term contributions to the field of planning in Kansas. Thomas is the fourth recipient to ever be recognized with this award, which is granted to individual persons, groups, institutions, or organizations for making an impact that extends beyond the geographic boundaries of place of business and for taking the profession of Planning to higher levels.

South Cedar Creek Connectivity Plan Receives Honor Award
The South Cedar Creek Connectivity Plan was one of two projects to receive this honor from the Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

National Association of Clean Water Agencies Peak Performance Awards
The City of Olathe earns Peak Performance Awards for the Cedar Creek and the Harold Street Wastewater Treatment facilities from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The Harold Street Wastewater Treatment Plant received gold recognition for achieving 100 percent compliance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit during the 2013 calendar year. The Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant received silver recognition.

MyLife 7th Best Midsize City to Raise Children
Olathe is ranked 7th Best Midsize City to Raise Children by the social media site MyLife.

MyLife 13th Most Intelligent Midsize City
Olathe is ranked 13th Most Intelligent Midsize City by the social media site MyLife.

MyLife 3rd Best City for Newlyweds
Olathe is ranked 3rd Best City for Newlyweds by the social media site MyLife.

MyLife 6th Safest City in America
Olathe is ranked the 6th Safest City in America by the social media site MyLife.

APWA Young Leader of the Year Award
Therese Mersmann, Capital Projects and Development Manager, is named the Young Leader of the Year by the KC Metro American Public Works Association (APWA). Mersmann then receives the National Young Leader of the Year award from the American Public Works Association. The award recognizes and encourages young APWA members who demonstrate an initial commitment to the profession and the association and show potential growth within the association.

National Association of Government Communications Award - People's Choice Award
The City of Olathe receives the National Association of Government Communications People's Choice Award for O on the Go. First place award recipients in 45 categories were eligible for this first-time award voted on by the people.

National Association of Government Communicators Award - First Place
The City of Olathe receives the National Association of Government Communicators First Place Award for O on the Go in the Internal Communications category.

National Association of Government Communicators Award – Second Place
The City of Olathe receives the National Association of Government communicators Second Place Award for its Olathe Trash Day mobile app in the Mobile category.

National Association of Government Communicators Award of Excellence
The City of Olathe receives the National Association of Government Communicators Award of Excellence for The Link (video) in the Public Affairs Program category.

National Association of Government Communicators Award of Excellence
The City of Olathe receives the National Association of Government Communicators Award of Excellence for its Trash Day mobile app and widget promotion in the Promotional Campaigns (less than $100,000) category.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence for Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Measurement recognizes the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts. According to ICMA, "Jurisdictions meeting the qualifications have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement, and they serve as examples for other governments to follow." Olathe is among 29 jurisdictions to be recognized with a Certificate of Excellence – the highest level awarded.

Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Award for Valor
Eleven Olathe Police Department officers receive the Award for Valor.

Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police Service Awards
Eleven Olathe Police Department officers receive police service awards (bronze, silver or gold) from the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police.

Kansas School Resource Officer of the Year
Olathe Police Officer Brent Kiger receives the Kansas Juvenile Officers Association (KSJOA) School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year award. Officer Kiger was nominated for his outstanding service to the students in the Olathe Public Schools.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
For the tenth consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awards the City of Olathe the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2014 budget document. The awards reflect the commitment of the Olathe City Council and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPC) Agency Certification Award
The Procurement Division earned the 2014 Agency Certification Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The award recognizes the pursuit of professional excellence through the achievement of agency certification. The Procurement Division is proud to have 100 percent certified staff.

Top 10 Most Desirable Mid-Size Cities to Move to
MSN names Olathe to the top 10 Most Desirable Mid-Size Cities to Move to.

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awards Olathe the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 35th consecutive year. The award illustrates the City's commitment to transparency and full disclosure, recognizing governments that accomplish those goals.

National Procurement Institute Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
The Procurement Division receives the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute (NPI) for the fifth consecutive year. NPI is the official public sector purchasing affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management. Organizations win the award by demonstrating excellence in professionalism, innovation, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization. Olathe is one of three entities in Kansas and 68 cities in the U.S. to receive this award.

National Institute of Governmental Procurement Distinguished Service Award
Olathe Procurement Manager Stephanie Creed receives the Distinguished Service Award from the National Institute of Governmental Procurement, recognizing extraordinary service to the individual's government entity, community, and purchasing profession.

National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation
The City of Olathe places fourth in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation, a friendly competition between cities across the United States to see who can be the most "water wise" (Population 100,000-299,999). Residents were challenged to conserve water above and beyond typical daily practices. For additional information, visit MyWaterPledge.com.

Tree City USA Designation
For the 31st year, the City of Olathe receives the Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City USA" community designation recognizing the community's commitment to urban forestry. The Foundation also presented Olathe a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.

2013

Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB) Accessibility Award for an Organization
The Olathe Police Department receives the Accessibility Award for the implementation of the Olathe Mental Health Co-Responder Program. The program places mental health professionals in the field with police officers to divert individuals with mental health issues out of the justice system and into the health care system where they can receive needed services.

Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (PDAB) Accessibility Award for an Organization
The Olathe Fire Department receives the Accessibility Award for adoption of the 2012 uniform construction and redesign code which allows inspectors to enforce Federal Fair Housing design, build, construction and redesign standards. The City also adopted the Universal Design Standards of the Uniform Construction Code which assists in making buildings and homes more accessible.

Olathe Human Relations Commission Humanitarian Award
Communication and Public Engagement Manager Erin Vader receives the Olathe Human Relations Commission Humanitarian Award.

Kansas Water Environment Association Collections Award
The City of Olathe Wastewater Collection Program receives the Collections Award for outstanding and significant contributions in the area of wastewater collection. Criteria for the award includes operation/maintenance, safety/training, improvements/innovative ideas, planning/design and customer service.

Best Tasting Water in Kansas
The City of Olathe is recognized by the Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association for having the best tasting water in Kansas.

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded Olathe the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 34th consecutive year. It is the highest form of recognition represents a significant accomplishment for the City of Olathe’s finance efforts. The award illustrates the City's commitment to transparency and full disclosure, recognizing governments that accomplish those goals.

National Procurement Institute (NPI) Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award
The Procurement Division has won the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute (NPI). NPI is the official public sector purchasing affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management. The mission of NPI is to facilitate the educational and professional development of its members. Organizations win the award by demonstrating excellence in professionalism, innovation, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPC) Agency Certification Award
The Procurement Division earned the 2013 Agency Certification Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The award recognizes the pursuit of professional excellence through the achievement of agency certification. The Procurement Division is proud to have 100 percent certified staff.

National Association of Clean Water Agencies Peak Performance Award
The Cedar Creek and Harold Street Wastewater Treatment facilities earn Silver Peak Performance Awards from the NACWA. The award recognizes Olathe for complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System compliance during the 2012 calendar year. Silver award designations are presented to member agency facilities that demonstrate the highest standards in wastewater treatment.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence in Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Measurement recognized the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts. According to ICMA, "Jurisdictions meeting the qualifications have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement, and they serve as examples for other governments to follow." Olathe is among 28 jurisdictions to be recognized with a Certificate of Excellence this year.

2013 Award for Excellence in Local Government
The Olathe Police Department's Mental Health Co-Responder program received a 2013 Award for Excellence in Local Government from the Alliance for Innovation. The award highlights local governments who have shown their dedication to stretching and improving the boundaries of day-to-day government operations and practices, implementing creative business processes, and those who have improved the civic health of their community.

Norma C. Beaubien Public Safety Member of the Year Award
City of Olathe False Alarm Coordinator Tammy Foxworthy receives the Norma C. Beaubien Public Safety Member of the Year Award from the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA). The award recognizes FARA members for their contributions to FARA, their agencies and the communities they serve.

American Public Works Association (APWA) Reaccreditation
The Public Works Department receives a second prestigious APWA Reaccreditation for going beyond management practice requirements established nationally in the public works industry. The Public Works Department previously received original Accreditation in July 2004 and Reaccreditation in January 2009.

Tree City USA Designation
For the 30th year, the City of Olathe receives the Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City USA" community designation recognizing the community's commitment to urban forestry. The Foundation also presented Olathe a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care.

Diversity Advocate in Community Involvement Award
Olathe City Councilmember Jim Terrones receives the Diversity Advocate in Community Involvement award presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy and Scholarship Awards Committee and the Olathe Unit of the NAACP.

2012

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Work-Life Seal of Distinction
The Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP) grants the City of Olathe the Work-Life Seal of Distinction, designed to recognize employers who demonstrate leadership in workplace strategies and practices to help employees achieve success in work-life effectiveness.

Top Digital Cities Designation
The City of Olathe is among America's top-ranked digital city governments (125,000-249,000 population) according to the 12th annual "Digital Cities Survey." Part of e.Republic's Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities Program, the annual survey focuses on results achieved by cities, via the use of technology, in operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives despite current fiscal constraints.

Outstanding Partnership for Child Safety Award
The Olathe Fire Department is awarded the Outstanding Partnership for Child Safety award from Safe Kids Kansas. The award recognizes an organization, community or individual in Kansas that demonstrates sustained support for the Safe Kids mission and goals. The department was recognized for going above and beyond to offer fire department resources to support initiatives like the child passenger safety program.

Service Recognition Award
Olathe Fire Captain Mike Hall receives the Safe Kids Kansas Service Recognition Award for his significant contribution to the mission and goals of Safe Kids Kansas. Hall was specifically recognized for his efforts to prevent injuries to children through bike helmet distribution, bicycle rodeos, and other activities that contribute to the mission of the Olathe Fire Department and Safe Kids Kansas.

Safe and Sustainable Snow-fighting Award
The City's Street Maintenance Division is awarded the 2012 Safe and Sustainable Snow-fighting Award from the Salt Institute, a North American based non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the benefits of salt, particularly in winter roadway safety efforts. The award is given to organizations performing best practices in the fields of winter maintenance and salt storage.

GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
For the eight consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awards the City of Olathe the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY 2012 budget document. The awards reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

Tree City USA Designation
For the 29th year, the City of Olathe receives the Arbor Day Foundation "Tree City USA" community designation recognizing the community's commitment to urban forestry. The Foundation also presented Olathe a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in community forestry.

ICMA Certificate of Excellence in Performance Measurement
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Center for Performance Measurement recognized the City of Olathe with a Certificate of Excellence for its performance measurement efforts for the fourth time in 2012.According to ICMA, “Performance management aids in cost reduction, program prioritization, and quality improvement. It also encourages accountability and transparency. Olathe is among 27 jurisdictions to be recognized with a Certificate of Excellence this year.

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded Olathe the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 33rd consecutive year. It is the highest form of recognition represents a significant accomplishment for the City of Olathe’s finance efforts. The award illustrates the City's commitment to transparency and full disclosure, recognizing governments that accomplish those goals.

National Association of Government Communicators Best External Newsletter
The Olathe LINK was named best external newsletter in the National Association of Government Communicators 2012 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards. The annual international awards program recognizes government communications products and their producers. This year, 41 local, state and federal governments and government agencies were recognized in a variety of categories. The Olathe LINK beat out the National Institutes of Health’s NIH News in Health, which was awarded second place.

National Institute of Government Purchasing Distinguished Service Award
City of Olathe Procurement Division Manager Judy Meisel received the Distinguished Service award from the National Institute of Government Purchasing in 2012. The award has recognized individuals who have provided extraordinary service to their government entity, the community, the institute or the purchasing profession since 1950.

Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPC) Agency Certification Award
The Procurement Division earned the 2012 Agency Certification Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The award recognizes the pursuit of professional excellence through the achievement of agency certification. The Procurement Division is proud to have 100 percent certified staff. This is the fifth year that Procurement has won the award.

National Procurement Institute (NPI) Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award
The Procurement Division has won the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute (NPI) for the third consecutive year. NPI is the official public sector purchasing affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management. The mission of NPI is to facilitate the educational and professional development of its members. Organizations win the award by demonstrating excellence in professionalism, innovation, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes of the procurement organization.

Category II Collection System Award
The Olathe Wastewater Collection Program received the Category II Collection System award for outstanding operations in the area of wastewater collection at the 2012 Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association joint annual conference. The award is a testament to the high level of service provided by the city’s wastewater treatment plant staff and demonstrates their commitment to the health and safety of the community.

National Association of Clean Water Agencies Silver Peak Performance Awards
The Harold Street Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility received Silver Peak Performance awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) in recognition of complete and consistent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit compliance during the 2011 calendar year. Silver award designations are presented to member agency facilities that demonstrate among the highest standards in wastewater treatment.

National Weather Service StormReady® Designation
The National Weather Service’s StormReady® program recognizes communities and organizations nationally that demonstrate the ability to better protect the public from all types of hazardous weather events. The voluntarily program encourages communities to take a proactive approach to improving local action plans for severe weather operations.

Commission on Professional Credentialing Fire Marshal Designation
Olathe Fire Department Division Chief Brad Henson was the first person in Kansas to earn the Fire Marshal designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. The designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential that evaluates a candidate's education; experience with local, state and national emergency services and involvement in the community. Henson is one of 40 professionals worldwide who has earned the Fire Marshal designation.

Kansas City Business Journal ImpacT Award
The Kansas City Business Journal announced in October that the City of Olathe won a 2012 ImpacT Award for efficiency. The award recognized 15 companies and organizations for using technology to produce “real” results in five categories: client interface, cutting expenses, efficiency, environmental impact and top-line growth.

Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Bright Ideas Award
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government named Olathe Supervisory Leadership Training program as one of 111 Bright Ideas this year. The Bright Ideas program was developed under the Innovations in American Government Awards program to recognize and promote creative government initiatives and partnerships.

2012 Water Environmental Federation Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award
The Kansas Water Environment Association recognized Municipal Services Laboratory Manager Dewayne McAllister with the 2012 Water Environmental Federation Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding performance, professionalism and contribution to the water quality analysis profession.

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