City of Fate wins Voice of the People Award for transformation in economy

Commitment to resident-centered decision-making earns Fate national recognition, presented by ICMA and Polco

FATE, TX (October 26, 2023) – The City of Fate has won a 2023 Voice of The People (VOP) Award for Transformation in Economy. The VOP Awards honor local governments that best engage residents and include public opinion in community decisions. These are the first and only nationally recognized awards given to local governments based on resident input. This is the 15th year of the awards, presented by Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

In a time of fading public trust and polarization, community-centered governance is more important than ever.

“There are acute challenges disrupting local government today. Collaboration, resident participation, and data-informed decision-making are the only ways to solve these complex issues. These amazing communities are national models for taking on pernicious problems in government. It’s why the VOP awards are so important—these organizations are making the blueprint to better democracy in an era of profound transition,” said Nick Mastronardi, CEO of Polco. “We are so excited to honor the hard work of these deserving communities.”

Fate’s Mayor, David Billings, had the following to say about the award, “As a city, we are extremely honored to receive this award. Our Council and Leadership Team are proud of our staff, community partners, business owners, and residents for their continued efforts to strengthen Fate’s economy. In the spirit of growing a sustainable and entrepreneurial environment, Fate is successfully creating a vibrant and unique place that is driving long-term economic success and fulfilling the dreams of its business owners.”

Many award recipients were nominated after receiving the highest or most improved ratings from residents on The National Community Survey (The NCS). The NCS is a nationwide community livability assessment with the largest database of its kind and nearly a thousand participating municipalities throughout the last 30 years. The database represents perspectives of more than 50 million Americans, and well over 100 jurisdictions conduct the survey each year.

Other winners demonstrated outstanding online engagement or the innovative use of simulation-based technology to educate and connect with residents. The simulations, provided by Balancing Act from Polco, allow residents to show what they value most by ranking budgeting and other priorities.

VOP Award categories include excellence or transformation in economy, safety, natural environment, health and wellness, mobility, education, parks and recreation, utilities, housing, finance, and online engagement.

Polco, a community engagement and civic analytics technology company, presents the Voice of the People Awards in partnership with ICMA. The full list of winners was released at the 2023 ICMA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.

About Fate

The City of Fate is a rapidly growing community located at the eastern fringe of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the heart of Rockwall County. With a population of only 600 in the year 2000, the city has experienced stunning development to construct approximately 8,000 rooftops and welcome nearly 200 local businesses. As Fate’s population will quickly surpass 30,000, it becomes increasingly vital for city leaders and citizens to work together in harmony to make the best economic decisions possible for the community.

About Polco

Polco brings people and data together to help build stronger, healthier communities – all on one award-winning online platform. Backed by an expert service team and in-house data science lab, Polco is the first and only platform to offer access to clear insights from industry-leading surveys, polls, government performance data, and interactive engagement simulations. Polco allows leaders to engage residents around their most important topics, align goals, and strengthen public trust.

Submitted by Spencer Foster, MPA | Assistant to the City Manager | City of Fate, for publication in Blue Ribbon News. 

  economy, Fate, feature, featured, voice of the people, vop