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.