Every year, Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) recognizes a handful of exceptional municipal leaders and professionals for their dedication, leadership, and service to communities across Alberta. This year's Municipal Awards were presented at the association's 2026 Convention and Trade Show in Edmonton.

The annual awards program celebrates individuals and teams whose contributions strengthen local government and help Alberta's communities thrive. This year's recipients are:

• Dedicated Senior Team Award - Senior Leadership Team, City of Spruce Grove.
• Dedicated CAO Award - Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake.
• Distinguished Service Award - Doug Jones, Town of Oyen.
• Distinguished Service Award - Ryan Parker, City of Lethbridge.
• Award of Excellence - Murtaza Jamaly, Town of Westlock.
• Award of Excellence - Tyrone Muller, Town of Penhold.
• Life Membership Award - Cathy Heron.

"Communities can only succeed when they are supported by dedicated professionals who are committed to the residents they serve," said Dylan Bressey, President of ABmunis. "By recognizing these individuals and teams, we express our gratitude and appreciation for what they do every day to help Alberta communities thrive."

Alberta Municipalities congratulates this year's recipients and thanks them for their outstanding service.

About the awards

Dedicated Senior Team Award

Nominated by the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), the Dedicated Senior Team Award recognizes an outstanding municipal senior leadership team that demonstrates service excellence, effective leadership, and dedication to municipal government. This year's recipient is the Senior Leadership Team of the City of Spruce Grove.

Dedicated CAO Award

Also nominated by the SLGM, the Dedicated CAO Award recognizes a chief administrative officer who has demonstrated long-term excellence and dedication to both municipal government and chief administrative management. This year's recipient is Kevin Nagoya, CAO for the City of Cold Lake.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes elected officials who have served 20 years or more on municipal council and made significant contributions to their municipalities and local government in Alberta. This year's recipients are Doug Jones of the Town of Oyen and Ryan Parker of the City of Lethbridge.

Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding civic leadership by current or former municipal elected officials who have served at least four years in elected office. This year's recipients are Murtaza Jamaly of the Town of Westlock and Tyrone Muller of the Town of Penhold.

Life Membership Award

The Life Membership Award recognizes individuals for extraordinary contributions to Alberta Municipalities and municipal government over an extended period. This year's recipient is Cathy Heron.