Awards and Honors

The City of Rowlett strives to achieve the highest standards in all areas of business to demonstrate our commitment to excellence. In the past several years, the City has been bestowed many awards, which are listed below.

City of Rowlett

2023

Texas Economic Development Council 2022 Economic Excellence Recognition Award 

2022

#8  Places with the Best Public Schools in Dallas County (Niche.com)
#66 Most Diverse Suburbs in Texas (Top 16%) (Niche.com)
#110 Best Places for Young Professionals in Texas (Top 27%) (Niche.com)
#113 Best Suburb to Raise a Family in Texas (Niche.com)
Top 10% Best Places to Buy a House in America (Niche.com) 

2021

#3 Most Popular Mid-size Cities for Home Buying Opportunity - moveBuddha.com
#44 Best Small City to Start a Business (in the country) - Go.Verizon.com

2020

AARP Age-Friendly Community

2019

#8 Fastest-growing City in the Country - US Census Bureau
Certified Scenic City - Gold Level - Scenic Texas ScenicTexas.org
Top 10 City to Retire - US News and World Report

2018

#9 Safest City in Texas - SafeHome.org.
#41 Safest Cities in Texas - National Council For Home And Security

2017

#9 Safest Place in Texas - SafeHome

2016

#3 Safest Place in Texas (pop. over 50,000) - ValuePenguin

2015

#33 in the Top 50 Best Small Cities for Families - NerdWallet

2013

Best Small City To Move To - Movoto

2010

#24 in the Top 25 Places To Live - Money Magazine

Communications

2020 

Second Place - Neighborhood Newsletter of the Year (Friday @ 5) awarded by Neighborhoods USA.

2017 

Newsletter of the Year, awarded by Neighborhoods USA (Government Electronic Category).

2010

Recognized with a Silver Star Award TAMI by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) for the City’s new website in the category of Tech Services Website Category for populations less than 75,000.

2009

Recognized with a TAMI Award by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) in the category of Special or One-Time Video Programs. Recognized for the Award of Excellence from the Videographer Awards in the category of a one-time government/city video.

2007

Recognized with a Silver Star Award TAMI Award by TAMIO in the Special Program category.

Recognized for the Award of Excellence from the Videographer Awards in the category of TV Spot, Wet Zone, "Ready for Summer?"

Economic Development

2015

Bayside was a finalist for the Dallas Business Journal’s "Beat Real Estate Deals." 

2012

Rowlett was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal in March 2012 in their list of the “Largest North Texas Economic Development Agencies” based on the volume or real estate transactions occurring in 2011. This designation provides additional support for the past efforts of preparing Rowlett for growth with investment in transportation infrastructure, such as PGBT and DART.

2010

Excellence in Community Economic Development For the fifth consecutive year, Rowlett has been recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Community Economic Development by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC).Rowlett was recognized for its innovative approach to utilizing existing resources to make contact with the local business community by engaging the Police and Fire department annual visits as another point of contact for business retention and engagement. This process ensures that annually the City has up-to-date information on our existing business community.

2009

Rowlett was recognized for its collaborative effort by citizens, local businesses, the Mayor and City Council, and City staff in creating a local stimulus program. In order to receive this honor, cities must demonstrate how a community did something that another community of similar or smaller size could emulate at little to no cost to their budget. 

2008

Economic Development won 2nd place for a marketing piece for communities 50k to 200k. This marketing piece was mailed to all Rowlett citizens and was distributed to businesses in other cities inviting them to move their businesses to Rowlett.

2007

Economic Development was recognized for the assistance offered to the development process of the Andrews Office Building located on Dalrock near AH-30. This authentic log-cabin type multi-story office building was very difficult to complete since the City of Dallas owns the take area adjacent to the lake. The City was able to work with all entities involved to make this project a reality. 

2006

Economic Development was recognized for overseeing the development process for the Super Target location on SH 66 at Liberty Grove. This development is the first of many to come because of the Eastern Extension of the President George Bush Turnpike.

Finance

2017 - Present

Texas Comptroller Traditional Finances Transparency Star Award
Texas Comptroller Debt Obligations Transparency Star Award
Texas Comptroller Contracts and Procurement Transparency Star Award
Texas Comptroller Economic Development Transparency Star Award
Texas Comptroller Public Pensions Transparency Star Award
Recognizes local government entities that provide easy online access to important financial data (this designation replaces the Leadership Circle recognition program, which was discontinued in 2016).

2004 - Present
1992 - 1999
1988 - 1990

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 
The City’s Finance Department receives this designation by The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

2004 - Present

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), based on the City’s Annual Budget Report, the Distinguished Budget is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental budget reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

2012-2015

Texas Comptroller Platinum Leadership Circle (program discontinued in 2016)
Awarded by the Texas Comptroller, the Platinum Award Level is the highest level achievable for governmental financial transparency consisting of opening financial books to the public in a clear, consistent and user-friendly method.

Fire Rescue

2015 and 2016

Hosted the National Honor Guard Academy. The National Honor Guard Academy (NHGA) is dedicated to developing and elevating the ceremonial knowledge and skill level of public safety honor guard units while reinforcing a sense of pride and compassion by upholding honor guard traditions with precise attention to detail. The 2016 class had the highest attendance of any academy in history.

2015 - Present

Recognized Best Practices Fire Department from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. The program evaluates a Fire Department’s compliance with over 117 Best Business Practices for Fire Departments in the State of Texas. These Best Practices were developed by Fire Service professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service to communities. Rowlett becomes the fourth department in the state of Texas to achieve this recognition!

2015 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Level Recognition Award from the American Heart Association. This program recognizes EMS teams across the nation for their vital role in providing timely treatment for STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) patients.

2015 Careflite and The Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council Great First Responder.
Fire Fighter Scott Martinez received Liberty Mutual’s Fire Mark Award for Community Service and Education.

Emergency Management

2003-Present

Storm Ready City
The City of Rowlett was one of the very first cities in Texas to receive the StormReady designation in 2002 as a community better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through meticulous planning, education and awareness. StormReady communities have experienced fewer fatalities and property damage.

CERT Excellence
The City of Rowlett has set the pace for communities around Texas as one of the first cities to implement the federal government’s initiative for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). The program has trained more than 100 CERT volunteers and has been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its excellence.

Library

1984 - Present

The Rowlett Public Library is an Accredited Department by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission. In addition to recognition, accreditation carries financial benefits as well as it enables the City to be eligible for the Texshare Card Program, Texshare Databases and Statewide interlibrary loan programs.

2005-2017

The Rowlett Public Library has been awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association, which recognizes the outstanding contributions made by public libraries. Success in receiving this award requires submission of an application and documentation for each of ten areas which span the library services spectrum. Award criteria ranges from marketing and collaborative efforts, to demonstrated literacy support and a summer reading program. Of the 548 public libraries and library systems in the State of Texas, Rowlett Public Library was among only 52 libraries receiving the 2017 award.

Parks & Recreation

2014 - Present

Accredited Agency - The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accredited the City of Rowlett Parks and Recreation Department for its excellence in operation and service in 2014 and the City remains accredited presently. Being CAPRA accredited is an indication that the City’s parks and recreation department is providing high quality services and experiences to our citizens.

2010-2016

Rowlett named "Playful City USA" 
Let’s Go Play! - the non-profit organization called KaBOOM! selected Rowlett as one of only 257 cities across the nation, and one of only 18 Texas cities, to be named a Playful City USA for its outstanding dedication to play and notable aspect of its commitment to children. The award recognizes Rowlett for engaging its citizens to promote neighborhood park locations and play space amenities through the creation of a new program called “Come Out & Play”.

2000-Present

Tree City, USA
The City of Rowlett holds the Tree City USA designation developed by The National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF) for cities dedicated to conservation and environmental awareness. To become a Tree City USA, Rowlett passed a tree ordinance, organized a tree board and proclaims and celebrates an Arbor Day. The City of Rowlett’s significant efforts to earn this important distinction can be seen in its median beautification projects as well as tree plantings in area parks, greenbelts and city grounds. Rowlett was first named Tree City USA in 2000.

2014

Administration/Management Excellence Award from Texas Recreation and Parks Society for their Employee Bootcamp.

Wet Zone Waterpark

2014

Named Agency of the Year by the Texas Pool Council for demonstrating service to the community, the aquatic industry and reflecting the values and furthering the goals of the Texas Public Pool Council.

Aquatic Special Event of The Year by the Texas Public Pool Council for the Cardboard Boat Regatta based upon: a significant impact on the youth and families of their local community through arts, crafts, games, entertainment and fun. Successful implantation of an innovative existing or new program.

Excellence in Programming Award for Angel Swim Program, which provides special needs children with an opportunity to play and swim at the Wet Zone without all of the crowds.

2009

World Waterpark Association, Wave Review 2009, Best Brochure for up to 100,000 attendance

2008

World Waterpark Association, Wave Review 2008, Best Website for up to 100,000 attendance.

Police Department

2014 - Present

Recognized Law Enforcement Agency - Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Recognition Program
The Recognition Program evaluates a Police Department’s compliance with over 166 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement. Encompassing all aspects of law enforcement operations including use of force, protection of citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management and patrol and investigative operations, these Best Practices were carefully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service and the protection of individual’s rights.

2013 - Present

Ranks consistently in the Safewise Top 50 Cities in Texas.

Public Works and Community Development Departments

2017 - Present

American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation
The APWA Accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry, as contained in the APWA Public Works Management Practices Manual. The Rowlett Departments of Public Works and Development Services is the 124th agency in North America to be awarded Accreditation and was the ninth in Texas.

Public Works Department

2016

Project of the Year - Texas Public Works Association for the tornado recovery efforts.