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Home News & Events Nominations Open for the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards

Celebrating the Public Servants Who Make Arizona Work: Nominations Open for the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards

Posted on March 26, 2026 • Category: News Release

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards, recognizing the nonelected public servants who keep Arizona’s communities running, responsive, and thriving. Honorees will be recognized in July at the Arizona City and County Management Association (ACMA) Summer Conference in Tucson.

Nominate a Public Servant by April 30

The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards honor professionals across Arizona who work behind the scenes to implement policy, manage programs, and deliver essential services that shape everyday life. These individuals play a critical role in strengthening communities and ensuring government works effectively for the people it serves.

Named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, Community Outreach Director for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the awards were established in 2011 through a partnership between CFA, the Zimmerman family, and ACMA. They recognize the often unseen individuals whose work strengthens communities and supports effective governance across Arizona.

Effective public service is essential to a strong and connected Arizona. The Gabe Zimmerman Awards elevate the individuals who translate policy into action — strengthening communities, improving systems, and helping deliver the outcomes Arizonans value most. By recognizing their contributions, the awards help build broader understanding of how public service shapes everyday life across the state.

Eligible nominees include nonelected public servants working in cities and towns, counties, special districts, state government, tribal governments, and congressional offices.

Award recipients are honored in three categories:

  • Community Builder Award (Large & Small City/Town): Recognizes leaders advancing community connection and pride
  • Emerging Leader Award: Recognizes early-career professionals demonstrating leadership and impact
  • Civic Leader Award: Recognizes long-standing leaders advancing solutions to Arizona’s most pressing challenges

Nominations are due April 30. Submissions will be reviewed by a statewide selection committee, with honorees notified in June. Awards will be presented July 23 at the ACMA Summer Conference in Tucson. Awardees and their nominators will be encouraged to attend.

To learn more about the criteria and submit a nomination, visit arizonafuture.org/publicserviceawards.