2025 City of Milwaukee Employee Recognition Awards

Description: The Acts of Service / Unsung Hero Award honors an employee who consistently goes above and beyond their duties, often without recognition. Their selfless acts of service have had a positive impact on their department, colleagues, or community.

Award Criteria:

• Performs exceptional service beyond the scope of their job description.
• Often works behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
• Makes significant contributions that positively impact team morale or community.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the city's mission and values.
• Acts with kindness, integrity, and professionalism, often in difficult or stressful situations.

Description: The Career Achievement Award is given to an employee who has dedicated a significant portion of their career to public service with the City of Milwaukee. Their extensive contributions, leadership, and impact have shaped the city's success over the years.

Award Criteria:

• Has served the City of Milwaukee for many years with sustained excellence.
• Demonstrates leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic throughout their career.
• Contributes to the growth and success of the city through long-term initiatives.
• Serves as a mentor or role model for others in the workplace.
• Has made a lasting, measurable impact on the city’s goals and values.

Description: The Excellence in Efficiency Award recognizes an employee who has demonstrated exceptional skill in improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing the overall efficiency of city operations. This individual identifies and implements effective solutions that enhance the productivity, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency of services or systems within the city.

Award Criteria:

• Introduces or applies new tools, systems, or strategies that significantly improve the efficiency of daily operations, leading to measurable improvements.
• Identifies areas where resources can be used more effectively, leading to significant cost savings without compromising quality or service.
• Utilizes data and evidence to assess current workflows and propose improvements, demonstrating an analytical approach to efficiency gains.
• Demonstrates a measurable increase in the productivity or output of their team, department, or city services through their efficiency-driven initiatives.

Description: The Under 30 Award recognizes a city employee under the age of 30 who has made significant contributions to the city through innovation, leadership, or community involvement. Their efforts reflect a promising future of public service and a commitment to bettering the lives of all residents in the City of Milwaukee.

Award Criteria:

• Must be under the age of 30 at the time of nomination.
• Demonstrates exceptional performance in their role.
• Actively contributes to the community through volunteer work or service outside of work.
• Displays leadership qualities and potential for future growth.
• Successfully collaborates with colleagues and city departments to achieve organizational and department goals.

Description: The Trailblazer Award is presented to an employee who has paved the way for new methods, systems, or strategies that improve efficiency, effectiveness, or inclusivity within the city’s operations. Their work has created a lasting impact in their field or department.

Award Criteria:

• Introduces innovative ideas or processes that enhance city operations.
• Promotes change that improves the experience for residents and colleagues alike.
• Takes calculated risks to push boundaries and implement new strategies.
• Demonstrates leadership in fostering a culture of progress and growth.
• Serves as a role model for colleagues seeking to improve their own professional skills.