Mayor of the Year Awards
Call for Nominations

The Mayor of the Year Award was first established in 1992 to recognize outstanding mayors who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the municipal profession through leadership, service, and personal growth.

The award is presented in two categories:

  • Municipalities with populations of 5,000 and over

  • Municipalities with populations fewer than 5,000

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must:

  • Be currently serving as mayor at the time of the submission of the nomination packet.

  • Have served in an elected municipal office for at least three (3) years.

  • Hold active membership in the Mayors Council of Oklahoma (MCO).

  • Represent a municipality that is a member of the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML).

  • Not be a previous Mayor of the Year recipient.

Nomination Process

  • Nomination Letter: Include nominee’s personal information, background, contributions, accomplishments, and dedication.

  • Photo Submission: One high-resolution photo for publicity.

  • Submission Window: Nominations accepted year-round.

  • Deadline: Submit by August 4 for current year consideration.

  • Carryover Clause: Nominations after August 4 roll into the next year if eligibility is maintained.

  • Submission: Send all materials to OML via email or designated portal.

Selection and Recognition

  • A Selection Committee will review nominations and select winners. The committee includes:
    • Two (2) MCO Board Members
    • The Previous Year’s Mayor of the Year winner (per category)
    • Two (2) General Members of MCO

  • Committee members evaluate leadership, community impact, dedication to municipal service, and accomplishments.

  • Recognition: Nominees will be recognized at the MCO Mayors’ Breakfast and the award will be presented at the OML Annual Awards Banquet  

Timeline

Nominations Accepted: Year-round

Annual Deadline: August 4

Committee Review: August 10–20

Notification of Finalists: Late August

Award Presentation:
Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the OML Conference Awards Banquet, Tulsa, OK

📩 Questions? Contact Cynthia Madrid at cmadrid@oml.org.

Submit Nomination

Mayor of the Year Award Judging Instructions

Thank you for serving as a member of the Selection Committee for the Mayor of the Year Award. Your role is essential in ensuring the recognition of outstanding municipal leadership in Oklahoma.

Below are the detailed judging instructions and scoring rubric.

Judging Process

Step 1: Individual Review
Each committee member reviews all submitted nomination packets independently.

Step 2: Scoring
Assign a score in each category using the rubric. Provide notes to support your score.

Step 3: Submission of Scores
Complete one scoring form per nominee and submit by the specified deadline.

Step 4: Committee Deliberation
Scores will be compiled and shared with the full committee. Finalists will be discussed, and winners determined by majority vote.

Scoring Rubric (100 points total)

Leadership & Vision – 25 points – Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and set a clear direction for the community.

Community Impact – 25 points – Measurable contributions that have improved the quality of life in the municipality.

Dedication to Municipal Service – 25 points – Commitment to public service, responsiveness to constituents, and long-term dedication.

Innovation & Accomplishments – 15 points – Creative solutions, major achievements, and forward-thinking initiatives.

Other Recognitions & Service – 10 points – Awards, honors, or service beyond municipal duties that contribute to leadership excellence.

Reminder: Committee members must recuse themselves if they have a direct conflict of interest with a nominee.

Submit score cards to Cynthia Madrid: cmadrid@oml.org