Town Of Vienna Wins Awards At Municipal Conference

VIENNA, VA — The Town of Vienna took home awards from the Virginia Municipal League annual conference this week in Leesburg.

The town was the winner of the 2021 President’s Award, the VML's highest honor for innovative solutions by local government. In addition, Town Manager Mercury Payton was chosen for the VML Local Champion Award winner for starting Liberty Amendments Month from June 19 to July 19.

"This is such a great honor for the Town of Vienna and a testament to our collective efforts to work collaboratively with our organizations and residents to find meaningful ways to enhance the quality of life in our community," said Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert in a statement. "That community spirit is the reason the Town of Vienna is so special, and it’s a proud day for our hometown."

Town Manager Mercury Payton came up with the idea for Vienna's community celebration of the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th amendments, which provided rights to people who were previously excluded.

"I was troubled by the racial strife our nation experienced in the summer of 2020, and I came up with the idea after Juneteenth was declared a state holiday," Payton stated. "I saw it as an opportunity to bring our Town together for a teachable moment, and I am humbled by VML’s recognition of the idea and the community effort it took to bring it to fruition."

Nonprofits, businesses and individuals got involved to organize activities, and over 21,000 people attended the 65 educational and commemorative events. Some of the larger events included the Juneteenth Celebration and Multicultural Festival.

The Virginia Municipal League is an association of city, town and county governments providing legislative advocacy, research and other services. Membership consists of 37 cities, 168 towns and eight counties.