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The CSDA Annual Awards showcase our members’ most valuable contributions to the communities they serve. The winners will be celebrated at the 2026 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase in Palm Desert August 24-27, 2026. The award categories are:
Submit Nominations Starting February 3, 2026
Nominations may be submitted for Board Member of the Year based on experience, effectiveness, and leadership. Examples must be submitted that illustrate the rationale for the nomination. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA, both locally and statewide, and Special District Leadership Foundation achievements, if applicable. (Refer to sdlf.org to see lists of recipients for each program).
Criteria
Nominations will be accepted for the general manager believed to have exhibited exceptional experience, effectiveness, and leadership in his or her district. Illustrative examples must be submitted with the nomination demonstrating how the individual has excelled and brought substantial benefit to the district and/or public. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA both locally and statewide.
Selected from nominations by special district board members/trustees or district management staff. Nominations should include length of service to the district and specific accomplishments during employment. Nominations should include participation in and contributions to CSDA both locally and statewide, and Special District Leadership Foundation achievements, if applicable. (Refer to sdlf.org to see lists of recipients for each program).
The criteria for this award include a demonstration of exceptional engagement with the public, State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and/or other key stakeholders to promote the individual’s district and the entire special district community, particularly on matters related to CSDA’s legislative advocacy and public outreach efforts. Additionally, the individual may have initiated or contributed to significant grassroots, media, government relations, or community engagement efforts that are appealing and include creative, persuasive, and highly relevant content.
Nominations may be submitted by CSDA Board Members, Chapter leaders, and CSDA staff. The CSDA Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). Inspired by the leadership and vision of William Hollingsworth, one of CSDA’s founding members and foremost advocates for special districts in the Capitol during the 1970s, this award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to CSDA and the special district community. William Hollingsworth’s tireless advocacy laid the foundation for what special districts — and CSDA — are today. In his honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates individuals who exemplify CSDA’s mission and values through their leadership, collaboration, commitment, and integrity.
This award is reserved for those whose contributions have had a transformational and lasting impact on special districts across California.
Recipients of the CSDA Lifetime Achievement Award are selected by the CSDA Board of Directors following review and recommendations from the CSDA Professional Development Committee.
Nominees will be evaluated based on the following qualities:
Chapters are an integral part of communication, advocacy, and education efforts throughout the State. CSDA will present an award to one affiliated chapter nominated for its effectiveness in legislative and community outreach, involvement in CSDA programs, and/or creativity with engaging special district leaders and supporting them in better serving their communities. This award is chosen by CSDA staff and may not be awarded each year.
For the district award categories, the program/project/event must have been completed within the past two years (not prior to 2025).
Small District = budget under $10 million and Large District = budget over $10 million
Innovative Program/Project of the Year (Large and Small District categories)
The criteria for this award include originality of program/project, tangible and positive results produced, and a documented decrease in district costs or a demonstrated improvement in the district’s quality of service without significantly increasing costs. Additionally, the program/project should be easily adaptable and serve a best practices example for other districts. A broad range of “innovative” programs and projects are eligible, including, but not limited to, new services, offerings, finance, public works, tools, partnerships, and more.
Note: Innovation can be defined as the introduction of something new, whether it's a product, process, service, or idea, that creates value and has the potential to transform or enhance a specific area.
Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy (Large and Small District)
The criteria for this award include a demonstration of an increase in the district’s visibility with the public, State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and/or other key stakeholders. Additionally, the program may include improvement in district-constituent and/or district-stakeholder communication and evidence of communication pieces, programs, or tactics that are appealing and include creative, persuasive, and appropriate content relevant to communicating the district’s governance, policy positions, and/or program(s)/service(s). Additional consideration will be provided to nominees who have actively participated in CSDA’s legislative Calls-to-Action, Take Action Month, Special Districts Legislative Days, and other efforts to strengthen the voice of all special districts. Similarly, preference will be given to nominees who have participated in CSDA’s Districts Make the Difference public outreach campaign, Special Districts Week, and other efforts to raise awareness and understanding of all special districts.
Excellence in Technology
The criteria for this award include demonstrating the extent to which a technology-related district program and/or project has improved efficiency within the district, service to constituents/community, and/or improved transparency. Additional consideration will be given for submissions that highlight the innovative or unique use and implementation of technology, as well as creative partnerships with other agencies or businesses.
REQUIREMENTS: The district must be an independent special district, CSDA Member in good standing, and must submit the online nomination form including an executive summary not to exceed 2,000 words by the deadline of Friday, May 1, 2026.
CSDA uses a platform called Oxford Abstracts where submitters must create a login (username and password) in order to submit their nomination. This also allows submitters the option of completing their submission at a later time and/or editing their submission at any time until the deadline.
NOTE: Members are welcome to resubmit previous CSDA award nominations that were not selected; however, for the district award categories, the program/project/event must have been completed within the past two years (not prior to 2024).
OPTIONAL: Districts may also submit up to two attachments of supporting materials (documents not to exceed two pages each). HINT: This helps make your nomination stronger! Examples of supporting documents: letters of recommendation, special project reports or budgets, awards received, event/marketing collateral, photos, and video/media links.
If you have any questions regarding the awards process, email awards@csda.net or call the CSDA office at (916) 442-7887.