City Manager Tanisha Briley has been named a 250 Champion honoree by the National Academy of Public Administration and Local Gov 250. The initiative recognizes a diverse range of public servants who show excellence in public service and inspire those around them.
“I’m honored to be selected as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration,” says City Manager Tanisha Briley. “This national initiative celebrates the vital role of public service as our country approaches its 250th anniversary. I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many inspiring public servants who make a difference in communities across the nation every day.”
The Local Gov 250 Coalition and the National Academy of Public Administration reviewed hundreds of submissions from all 50 states as well as Washington D.C. and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This honor highlights government workers across the country, from mayor’s offices to public works departments, parks and recreation, public health, libraries, and so much more. The 250 Champions were selected and notified of their awards in early March.
“There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them. These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives,” said James-Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “We look forward to celebrating all of them, and hope this inspires future public servants and the American people.”
“250 Champions is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the important role of local government in implementing democracy every day,” said Wally Bobkiewicz, city administrator of Issaquah, WA and selection committee member of Local Gov 250. “A key element of the initiative has been to recognize all the professions that make local government work, from librarians to police officers, engineers to recreation leaders. Local Gov 250 has brought together all these professions to celebrate the impacts of our collective work.”
The 250 Champions will be honored at an event preceding the ICMA National Conference in Philadelphia May 12, 2026.
About the National Academy of Public Administration
Established in 1967 and chartered by Congress, the National Academy of Public Administration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that helps government leaders solve the nation’s most critical management challenges. With more than 1,000 Fellows—including former cabinet officials, governors, mayors, and scholars—the Academy advances excellence in public administration through research, advisory services, and thought leadership. Learn more at www.napawash.org