Awards and Recognitions

Eugene is frequently recognized as one of the most livable communities in the United States. The excellence of City employees and programs contributes significantly to our cherished quality of life. See the following list of awards and recognitions earned this year.

Also see Accountability, Audits and Accreditations for information on accountability measures including reports and evaluations from community review panels and independent third-party organizations, as well as professional accreditations.

City Programs and Departments

Central Services

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (Government Finance Officers Association)
Top 10 Healthiest Employers in Oregon
The City of Eugene in 2020 again placed in Oregon's Top 10 Healthiest Employers . The Portland Business Journal recognized the City as the sixth healthiest employer in the State of Oregon with between 1,500 to 4,999 employees.
100 Best Fleets (NAFA Fleet Management Association and Governing Magazine)
Since 2009, the City’s Fleet and Radio Communications section has received recognition as one of the "100 Best Fleets in North America." The City was ranked #9 in 2019.
2019 Best Companies to Work For (Talent Desk)
Outstanding Achievement in Risk Management (Oregon Public Risk Management Association)

Eugene Springfield Fire

Above and Beyond Award, Department of Defense

Library, Recreation and Cultural Services

Eugene Public Library Named 2022 Star Library, Library Journal
In its 2022 rankings, Library Journal has named Eugene Public Library a “Star Library." That rating places the library in the top 3% of public libraries nationwide for excellence in cost-effective delivery of key services during fiscal year 2020. Eugene Public Library has earned a spot in the annual Star Library rankings six previous times.

Planning and Development

2022 State ACE Award for Achievement in Community Engagement for the Middle Housing Code Amendment public engagement process.
Recognizes the organization for actively promoting and implementing the values of Oregon's Statewide Planning Goal 1 through an outstanding community engagement strategy.
2020 Award for Excellence for the Love Food Not Waste program, League of Oregon Cities
Recognizes progressive and innovative city operations and services

Public Works

2020 Airport of the Year Award (TSA)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognized the Eugene Airport as the top airport of its size for its outstanding local leadership, commitment to empowering employees, and efforts to provide a superior traveling experience for the traveling public
2019 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Award
Recognizes and rewards peak-performing fleet operations in the Americas
Award of Excellence in Planning, American Society of Landscape Architects (Oregon Chapter)
Picture. Plan. Play., Eugene’s Parks and Recreation System Plan
Bee City USA, An Initiative of the Xerces Society
The City of Eugene has earned Bee City USA status since 2018
Community Partner Award, Friends of Trees
Parks and Open Space, Urban Forestry
Planning Award, Oregon Recreation and Park Association
Picture. Plan. Play., Eugene’s Parks and Recreation System Plan
Sustainable Practices Award, American Public Works Association (AWPA)
Parks and Open Space, Wetland Mitigation Program
Tree City USA, The Arbor Day Foundation
The City of Eugene has earned Tree City USA status since 1979

City People

Eric Cariaga, Parks and Open Space Technical Specialist, received the Everyday Hero Award from the American Public Works Association
Travis Hargitt, Parking Operations Supervisor, was named 2018 International Parking & Mobility Institutes Supervisor of the Year
Sergeant Matt Lowen, Eugene Police Department, was honored with the Oregon Police Officers Association’s Medal of Honor
Detective Chris Mackey, Eugene Police Department, was named a Next-Gen Leader, 20 Under 40 Rising Business Star by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
Lieutenant Carolyn Mason, Eugene Police Department, was named Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year at the Northwest Regional CIT Conference
Officer Travis Palki, Eugene Police Department, was honored with the Oregon Police Officers Association’s Medal of Honor
Sergeant Chuck Salsbury, Eugene Police Department, was honored as Delta Rotary Officer of the Year
Officer Jesse Smith, Eugene Police Department, was honored with the Oregon Police Officers Association’s Life Saving Award

Intergovernmental Award

2019 Outstanding Intergovernmental Team Award, Lane Council of Governments
Awarded to a team of 20 staff members from the City of Eugene and Lane County that worked together to address the emergency needs of unsheltered individuals who were located temporarily at Camp 99. The team successfully established an emergency camp with basic infrastructure in less than 24 hours. At all times, the team showed compassion and respect for each individual. Within the first 48 hours of Camp 99’s establishment, more than 100 people were successfully relocated with assistance from Lane County Public Works employees and equipment – and without any need for citations or arrests. Camp 99 was then again successfully transitioned into the new St. Vincent de Paul Dawn to Dawn program.Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Distinguished Budget Presentation Award