2011 Florida Municipal Achievement Award

Connecting with our Schools - Civics Education in Delray Beach
Outstanding Educational Programs to Raise Civic Awareness for Students of All Ages

The City of Delray Beach has been selected by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) as a recipient of their 2011 Florida Municipal Achievement Award - Florida Citizenship Award.  This award recognizes the City’s innovation and excellence in developing civics educational programs for the Delray Beach community. 

The FLC’s Florida Municipal Achievement Awards are presented to Florida municipalities in recognition of their superior and innovative efforts in three award categories - City Spirit, Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship.  This honor was awarded to Delray Beach for its Connecting with Our Schools - Civics Education in Delray Beach Program, which consists of various civics educational programs that are offered by the City to residents of all ages - from students to retirees.

The City developed four (4) civics outreach initiatives that offer interactive programs/activities to promote a stronger knowledge of local government. Included in this effort is the Residents Academy - Bi-annual course that has educated more than 450 attendees; High School Student Residents Academy - Educates high schoolers about local government functions; Carver Middle School Mock Election/Commission Meeting - Practical learning experience about campaigning, voting and the decision-making processes; and Palm Beach County Teacher Training Day - A program to educate teachers who then teach students the importance of local government.

In addition to being recognized in front of numerous local government officials from around the state at the League’s 2011 Annual Conference, the City will be spotlighted in the FLC’s special “Best-Practices” publication as well as the League’s award-winning publication, Quality Cities, and on the League’s website, Facebook page and Twitter stream.

“This award provides recognition for our long-term and comprehensive efforts in developing educational programs for our community.  We are pleased to receive this significant honor for our organization and our community,” stated City Manager David T. Harden. 

In addition, this selection will contribute to the City Commission’s continued efforts to meet its Strategic Goal of “Quality Educational Opportunities” as well as providing an economic development tool to strengthen the City’s competitive future by creating an educational environment that assists in preserving the high quality of life that is experienced by residents and businesses within Delray Beach.

“While all cities in our state strive for success daily, the city winners in these categories have stood out among their peers by providing exemplary service and creative programs for their citizens,” said Joy Cooper, Florida League of Cities President and Mayor of Hallandale Beach. “It is an honor to salute these outstanding cities and public servants with the coveted Florida Municipal Achievement Award.”

The extensive civics and local government training resources and tools that are available from the City and the FLC are provided on the City’s website (http://tinyurl.com/CityofDelrayBeach-Education).  These tools are not only useful for citizens and teachers within Palm Beach County, but they can also be utilized by educators around the state.

For more information, contact the City of Delray Beach Public Information Office at (561) 243-7190 or by E-mail at pio@mydelraybeach.com.

About the Florida Municipal Achievement Awards Program
The Florida Municipal Achievement Awards Program is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) to focus public attention on excellent, innovative projects that address a local need, promote active municipal participation by residents and improve environmental conditions. Cities, towns and/or village governments that are members of the Florida League of Cities were eligible to submit one (1) nomination in each of three categories (City Spirit, Florida Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship). Requirements also included a complete narrative essay and supportive information for the specific category such as newspaper clippings, photos, letters from constituents and a letter of recommendation from the Mayor and City Council. In each category, the narrative and supportive materials had to meet certain criteria such as how the project was innovative, effective, successful and adaptable.