Municipalities in Vermont publish an annual “town report” prior to their town meeting each year. While the only legally required component is the annual financial audit report, booklets that have more information have become a hallmark of Vermont local governments. Most towns use their annual report as a great vehicle for communicating to residents about municipal finances, statistics, operations, and voting information.
The Vermont Town Report Contest celebrates the labor, creativity, and love of community that go into producing these essential resources. The contest is a collaboration of five organizations: the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office, the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, the Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies, the Vermont Institute for Government, and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
Is Your Town, City or Village's Annual Report Something Special?
Any city, town, or incorporated village is eligible to submit their municipality’s annual report to be considered for this award. Select the link below to upload a copy or link to the website location of your report. The submitted reports will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the five sponsoring organizations and evaluated in three population categories: fewer than 1,500 residents, 1,500 to 3,000 residents, and 3,001 or more residents. In each category, three winners will be selected: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Judging Criteria
Round One
July 24 through August 24
Reports will be evaluated by judges from each sponsoring organization on criteria for the following categories.
- Presentation
- Organization
- Financial Information
- Bonus: Innovation/Enhancements
Round One winners will be announced on the VLCT website September 7, 2026.
Final Round: Member’s Choice Award
The nine winners from Round One will be entered into the Member’s Choice Award contest, which opens in September when the nine reports are posted here. All municipal officers and staff will be invited to vote online for their favorite report from September 7 through Town Fair on October 7. The top three vote-getting reports (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will receive a special Member’s Choice Award at the annual VLCT Town Fair.