Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards

Why it matters

Every day throughout Arizona, nonelected public servants are contributing to their communities and civic life, working collectively to build a stronger and brighter future for our state. To recognize their immeasurable efforts in advancing The Arizona We Want, the Center for the Future of Arizona presents the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award.

How it works

Awarded in three categories – Community Builder, Emerging Leader, and Civic Leader – honorees exemplify the impact that dedicated and talented people have connecting communities and engaging Arizonans, just as Gabe Zimmerman did in his role as Director of Community Outreach for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

With the support of his family, the award is named in honor of Gabe, who lost his life on January 8, 2011, while serving the citizens of Arizona at a “Congress on your Corner” constituent outreach event. Honorees are recognized by CFA at the annual Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) luncheon and presented in partnership with ACMA, League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and the County Supervisors Association of Arizona.

Eligibility

Any Arizona-based nonelected public servant who is employed by any of the following may be nominated for the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards:

• Cities and Towns
• Counties
• Special Districts
• Agencies of the Executive and Legislative Branches of State Government
• Tribal Governments
• Personal Staff employed by Members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation

As there are other recognition programs for education and public safety employees, this program is directed toward all other categories of public service in Arizona at the levels of government listed above.

Award Criteria

The selection committee judges each category according to the following criteria:

Community Builder (Large City/Town)

Recognizing efforts to advance community pride and connectedness through such areas as job creation and training, healthy communities, environmental and historical preservation, volunteer and philanthropic efforts, and educational advancement. This award is open to non-elected public service employees in any city or town or tribal government representing more than 100,000 people, or in Maricopa and Pima counties.

Community Builder (Small City/Town)

Recognizing efforts to advance community pride and connectedness through such areas as job creation and training, healthy communities, environmental and historical preservation, volunteer and philanthropic efforts, and educational advancement. This award is open to non-elected public service employees in any city or town with less than 100,000 people, any county except Maricopa and Pima counties, and any tribal government.

Emerging Leader

Recognizing early-stage public service employees committed to the overall civic health and community connection of the constituents they serve while bringing innovation, energy, and compassion to their position and serving as a role model for others. Open to non-elected public service employees under the age of 40 of any city, town, county, state, or tribal government and staff members of Arizona’s congressional delegation.

Civic Leader

Recognizing extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and commitment to addressing Arizona’s long-term issues and the personal leadership capacity to make Arizona a better place for future generations. Open to non-elected public service employees of any city, town, county, state, or tribal government and staff members of Arizona’s congressional delegation.

Award Partners

With support from the Zimmerman family, the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards are supported by Center for the Future of Arizona and the following organizations:

Arizona City/County Management Association

The Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) was established in 1954. It is a non-profit, professional organization dedicated to increasing the knowledge and ability of city, town, and county managers, as well as other local government administrators and to strengthen the quality of local government in the State of Arizona through professional management, education, training, and the mutual exchange of information.

The ACMA cooperates with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the International City and County Management Association, various public institutions of higher learning in Arizona, and other organizations dedicated to supporting and promoting local government management. The organization was incorporated in 1998. It currently has approximately 280 members and is staffed by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

League of Arizona Cities and Towns

The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is a voluntary association of all the 91 incorporated cities and towns in the state of Arizona. It provides policy and legislative advocacy, information and inquiry services, along with publications and educational programs to strengthen the quality and efficiency of municipal government. It was founded in 1937 to serve the interests of cities and towns and to preserve the principles of home rule and local determination.

County Supervisors Association of Arizona

The County Supervisors Association (CSA) is a non-partisan forum for the 61 elected supervisors from Arizona's 15 counties to address key issues, share vital information, and collaborate with state and federal policymakers. CSA provides research, policy analysis, and legislative engagement, helping to equip counties with the resources they need to serve their communities effectively. By fostering collaboration among county leaders and prioritizing data-driven solutions, CSA supports good governance, informed decision-making, and innovative approaches to local and statewide challenges.