2025 OCMA Annual Awards Celebrate Excellence in Local Government

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 OCMA Annual Awards, recognizing local government professionals for their outstanding contributions to the community and their commitment to excellence in public service. Nominations were submitted by fellow professionals in local government, highlighting individuals and projects that have gone above and beyond to enhance their respective communities.

Placemaking Award: City of New Albany – Taylor Farm Park

Taylor Farm Park, a transformative 100-acre park, has become a key community asset in New Albany. The $10.7 million project, funded through a partnership between the New Albany Company, the City, and Clean Ohio Grants, offers a blend of recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. The park includes forested wetlands, upland buffer restoration, and preserved forested areas, providing residents with a space that fosters a deeper connection to nature.

Redevelopment Projects Award: Village of Gibsonburg – The Logyard

The Village of Gibsonburg has successfully transformed an abandoned gas station site into a vibrant downtown park, “The Logyard.” This space, completed in October 2024, features a covered structure, tables, benches, a mural, a Hall of Fame Wall, and the hand-carved Golden Bear statue, symbolizing the town’s school spirit. The park serves as a hub for local events and community gatherings.

Career Achievement Award: Jeff Aluotto, Hamilton County

Jeff Aluotto has exemplified leadership and professionalism throughout his career in local government. With a focus on integrity and strategic foresight, he has earned respect from the public, elected officials, and community partners. Aluotto has been an active contributor to the growth of local government management through organizations like ICMA and OCMA.

Career Development/Mentoring Award: Judith Zimomra, OSU Glenn College

Judith Zimomra, a professor at The Ohio State University’s Glenn College, is recognized for her exceptional mentorship of public administration students. Her dedication to student success, from offering career guidance to helping with job interviews, has made her a profound influence on future leaders in public service.

Distinguished Early Career Award: Jeff Chapman, City of Cincinnati

Jeff Chapman, Supervising Management Analyst with the Cincinnati Police Department, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in managing body-worn camera records requests. His leadership has resulted in more than 34,000 records responses, showcasing his commitment to transparency and accountability in local government.

Innovation in Local Government Award: City of Hilliard – CityLab

The City of Hilliard’s CityLab program fosters innovation by providing high-tech startups with access to city infrastructure for product testing and development. This initiative allows companies to prototype and develop new technologies, making Hilliard a “living lab” for smart city innovations. CityLab’s AI Sandbox has become a leading example of how cities can support technological advancements.

Citizen Participation Award: City of Cincinnati – Water Works

Greater Cincinnati Water Works improved outreach efforts for its lead line replacement program, leading to a 30% increase in customer participation. By streamlining communication materials and relying on infographics and targeted outreach, the program has seen a significant boost in public engagement, ensuring more residents take advantage of the service.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Award: City of Gahanna and City of New Albany – Mayor’s Court Collaboration

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Cities of Gahanna and New Albany have created a joint Mayor’s Court arrangement. This partnership optimizes resources, reduces costs, and enhances service delivery, providing a model for other Ohio municipalities looking to collaborate on shared services.

The OCMA Annual Awards honor the dedication and hard work of local government professionals who continuously strive to make their communities better.