Strong leadership and community engagement have put the Town of Canandaigua in the statewide spotlight.
The Town of Canandaigua has earned Gold designation as a New York State Town of Excellence from the New York Association of Towns. The honor places Canandaigua among just 13 towns recognized statewide in the program’s first year.
The Towns of Excellence program highlights municipalities that show innovation, transparency, and a strong commitment to residents. Towns earn recognition based on criteria that include economic development, sustainability, community engagement, governance, and workforce development.
Canandaigua’s application emphasized collaboration among town staff, boards, volunteers, and residents. It also highlighted long-term planning and consistent public involvement in town initiatives.
The town submitted its application in November under then-Supervisor Jared Simpson.
“This recognition belongs to the people who show up every day for the Town of Canandaigua — our dedicated staff, engaged residents, volunteers, and community partners,” Simpson said. “The Towns of Excellence designation reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful governance, strong public service, and a community that cares deeply about where it’s headed.”
Current Town Supervisor Don Cotter said the award reflects a collective effort.
“The Towns of Excellence designation reflects the strength of our Town staff, the dedication of our volunteers, and the continued engagement of our residents,” Cotter said. “This recognition is a testament to a community that values collaboration, service, and thoughtful stewardship of local government.”
New York Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher Koetzle praised the communities selected.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize these thirteen towns that are setting the standard for excellence in local government across New York State,” Koetzle said. “Each of these communities has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation, transparency, and serving their residents.”
The Town of Canandaigua will receive formal recognition at the New York Association of Towns Annual Meeting and will appear on the organization’s Towns of Excellence webpage.
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