News Summary
Williamsburg has received the Award of Excellence from NATOA for its State of the City video. The competitive awards recognized the city’s efforts in local government communication, showcasing the community’s input in shaping its goals and initiatives. The video highlighted contributions from notable local leaders and emphasized transparency in governance. This recognition serves as a benchmark for effective communication within local government.
Williamsburg has been awarded the Award of Excellence from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) in recognition of its 2024 State of the City video. The announcement was made during NATOA’s 40th annual Government Programming Awards on August 21 in New Orleans, highlighting outstanding contributions in local government communication.
Over 900 entries were submitted by local government entities across the United States this year, demonstrating the competitive nature of the awards. The State of the City video premiered on December 12, 2024, during the One Williamsburg Holiday Reception. It was showcased on several platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Cox Cable’s WMSBGTV-48, allowing for widespread public viewing.
The biennial State of the City video serves to outline the city’s Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes (GIOs)—a strategic plan guiding city developments over a two-year period. To create this video, Williamsburg engaged its community through two surveys and six Future Festival events. These initiatives were designed to ensure active participation and solicit feedback from residents, which significantly influenced the GIOs.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The involvement of city residents was crucial to the development of the video and the city’s strategic framework. Feedback collected from these various channels, including insights from city staff and council priorities, played an integral role in shaping the content of the video. City Council members featured prominently, articulating a roadmap of strategic directives that aim to guide the city in the coming years.
Notable Contributions
The video included contributions from high-profile speakers such as Cliff Fleet, President of Colonial Williamsburg, and Katherine Rowe, President of William & Mary. Their insights were aimed at fostering a dialogue about the city’s future goals and potential endeavors.
Video Format and Future Events
This edition of the State of the City marked the tenth occurrence of the event and the third time it has been presented in video format. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the address was held exclusively in-person, featuring the mayor and council members. The city has embraced this video format as a means of enhancing public engagement and providing a thorough overview of the strategic planning process.
Williamsburg officials believe that transitioning to a video format allows for more dynamic interaction with the community, fostering a better understanding of the city’s planning initiatives. The next State of the City address is set to take place in December 2026.
Awards Program Background
NATOA’s awards program aims to celebrate excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia, and electronic programming among local government agencies. By recognizing outstanding work, NATOA aims to encourage the enhancement of communication efforts at the local level.
The recognition received by Williamsburg not only highlights the city’s commitment to effective communication with its residents but also showcases the value placed on community input and transparency in governance. As cities increasingly turn to digital mediums to convey their messages, Williamsburg’s award serves as a benchmark for excellence in public engagement.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: City of Williamsburg Wins National Award for 2024 State of the City Video
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Mayor Celebrates Achievements in State of the City
- Travel + Leisure: Williamsburg Named Most Underrated US Destination
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Williamsburg
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
