Awards

Westminster is an award-winning community with an international reputation for livability, a tradition of excellence in parks and recreation, a leadership role in technology and a reputation for sound financial management.

Westminster takes national honor in technology survey
For a record tenth time, the City of Westminster is once again one of the most digitally savvy cities in the nation, according to the 2012 Digital Cities Survey, an annual study conducted by the Center for Digital Government.

Westminster ranked sixth in the population category of 75,000 to 125,000.

This is the tenth year Westminster has received a top 10 ranking.

The comprehensive survey examines technology strategic planning and evaluates how city governments are using information technology to operate efficiently while delivering quality service to their citizens.

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.

Learn more about Digital Cities

Westminster takes top honor at international competition for sustainable communities
The City of Westminster in 2005 took the top award for environmentally sensitive practices and a silver award in its population category during the finals of LivCom, an international competition sponsored by the United Nations to promote livable, sustainable communities.

Competing against 53 finalists from 20 countries across the globe, Westminster won the prestigious award for Environmentally Sensitive Practices, one of five main judging categories. Judges recognized the city for excellence in water and waste management and land use and protection. In addition, the city took an overall silver award in its population category, 75,001 to 200,000.

Westminster was the only city from the United States to make it to this year's finals. Past winners from the United States include Honolulu, Chicago and Seattle.

"Being a part of an international competition such as the LivCom awards was an experience that none of us will soon forget," said Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally. "It was so rewarding to be recognized for the something that we already know - that Westminster, Colorado, is one of the most livable, best communities in the world!"

Westminster takes top national honors for parks, recreation
Westminster Parks, Recreation and Libraries in October 2007 was again named a Grand Award winner in the 2007 Gold Medal competition. The award is presented each year by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association for excellence in parks and recreation management.

Westminster won the top honor for Class II, communities with populations of 100,001-250,000. This is the third time Westminster has earned the distinction, winning in 1999 and 1991. Upon winning the Grand Award, agencies are not eligible to reapply for a five-year period.

"Winning this competition is like winning the World Series for parks and recreation programs, and we're honored our peers consider Westminster one of the best in the country," said Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally. "We couldn't be prouder of the entire team in parks and recreation."

City financial report takes national award
The Government Finance Officers Association in 2008 awarded the City of Westminster with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the city's comprehensive annual financial report. This is the 25th time the city has received the Certificate of Achievement, which is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 15,000 government financial professionals throughout the United States.

Money Magazine ranks Westminster one of "America's Hottest Towns"
Westminster in 2004 ranked 11th among cities in the West with a population of more than 100,000, according to Money magazine. The magazine noted that the rankings are based on a decade of data for communities with above-average population growth, above-average income and above-average home prices that are within 60 miles of a major city. The top five cities in Westminster’s category were Plano, Texas; Anaheim, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; Santa Rosa, California; and Orange, California.