The City of Newport News has received a national award for its efforts to promote transparency and build trust with residents. The recognition was given for the city’s first-time use of the Balancing Act budget simulation tool, which allowed residents to take part in the municipal budgeting process.
Through this online tool, community members were able to explore different spending and revenue options, share their priorities, and gain an understanding of the challenges involved in balancing a city budget. Newport News was honored alongside Los Angeles County Metro and Sedgwick County, Kansas, as providing one of the best budget simulation experiences in the country.
City Manager Alan Archer said, “This recognition belongs to the people of Newport News. By engaging directly in the budgeting process, our residents helped shape community priorities and build shared understanding. We are proud to be honored nationally for creating meaningful opportunities for transparency and trust.”
The Best in Governance Awards are determined by surveys and engagement tools conducted by Polco. These include instruments such as the National Community Survey, Engagement Surveys, and Simulations. Winners are selected based on resident feedback and data-driven performance measures.
