Achievement Awards

 

Celebrating Achievement Across California

HONORING LEADERSHIP, SERVICE & INNOVATION

Each year, CALAFCO recognizes individuals, LAFCOs, and partner organizations whose leadership, service, and innovation strengthen California's LAFCO community.

CALAFCO Achievement Awards

Recognizing Exceptional Contributions

Presented during CALAFCO's Annual Conference, the Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions to effective local government, professional excellence, public service, collaboration, and the advancement of LAFCO work throughout California.

2026 Achievement Awards

Nominations Closed August 28, 2026

Recognizing This Year's Honorees in Sacramento

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. The 2026 award recipients will be recognized during the Achievement Awards Ceremony at the CALAFCO Annual Conference in Sacramento.

View the 2026 Nomination Packet (PDF)

2025 Award Recipients

Watch CALAFCO recognize the individuals and organizations honored with 2025 Achievement Awards.

2025 Honorees

AWARD RECIPIENT
Outstanding LAFCO Professional Kai Luoma, Ventura LAFCO
Associate Member of the Year Best Best & Krieger LLP
Outstanding LAFCO Commissioner Anthony Tyrrell, Calaveras LAFCO
Outstanding CALAFCO Volunteer José C. Henríquez, Sacramento LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Innovation, Collaboration, Outreach, and Effective Support of Local Agency Evolution Placer LAFCO
Lifetime Achievement Award SR Jones, Nevada LAFCO

Past Winners

Select a year to view prior CALAFCO Achievement Award recipients.

2024 Award Recipients
Legislator of the Year Award Senator Dave Cortese
Lifetime Achievement Award Stephen Lucas, Butte LAFCO
Outstanding Commissioner Bill Connelly, Butte LAFCO
Outstanding LAFCO Professional J.D. Hightower, San Joaquin LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Agriculture Monterey LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Innovation (Two-Way Tie) Santa Cruz LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Innovation (Two-Way Tie) Riverside LAFCO & Imperial LAFCO
2023 Award Recipients
Lifetime Achievement Award Dawn Mittleman Longoria, Napa LAFCO
Outstanding Commissioner Richard Bettencourt, San Benito LAFCO
Outstanding LAFCO Professional (Two-Way Tie) José C. Henriquez, Sacramento LAFCO
Outstanding LAFCO Professional (Two-Way Tie) Andrea Ozdy, Ventura LAFCO
Outstanding Associate Member Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley
Outstanding Volunteer Anita Paque, Calaveras LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Agriculture Napa LAFCO
Mike Gotch Award - Innovation Tom Cooley, Plumas LAFCO
2022 Award Recipients
Outstanding Commissioner Don Saylor, Yolo LAFCO
Outstanding LAFCO Professional Carolyn Emery, Orange LAFCO
Mike Gotch - Innovation (Two-Way Tie) Cristine Crawford, Yolo LAFCO
Mike Gotch - Innovation (Two-Way Tie) Erica Sanchez, El Dorado LAFCO & Amanda Ross, South Fork Consulting, LLC

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