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 the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office, the Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies, and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
Nominations for the annual Vermont Town Report Contest are Closed for 2026. Check back on September 12th for the round one winners and Member's Choice voting.
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 sponsoring organizations and evaluated in four population categories: fewer than 1,000 residents, 1,000-1,500, 1,500 to 3,000, and over 3,000. In each category, three winners will be selected: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Judging Criteria
Round One
August 12 through September 11
Reports will be evaluated by judges from each sponsoring organization in the following categories.
- Presentation
- Organization
- Financial Information
- Bonus: Innovation/Enhancements
Round One winners will be announced on the VLCT website on September 16, 2026.
Final Round: Members Choice Award
The nine winners from Round One will be posted here to launch the Members Choice Award contest. From September 16 through Town Fair on October 7, all Vermont municipal officials and staff members can vote online for their favorite report. The top three vote-getting reports (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will receive a special Members Choice Award at the annual VLCT Town Fair.
Not registered for VLCT Town Fair? Check out our roster of exciting events and vendors on the Town Fair registration page and sign up today.