City Merit Awards

Nominate / How it Works

Nominations Now Open for 2023 Merit Awards!
Do you know a person or group who goes above and beyond to make Santa Rosa a better place? Tell us about them and nominate them online today! Hard copies of the nomination form can also be picked up at Finley Community Center (2060 W. College Ave.) or Steele Lane Community Center (415 Steele Ln.). Anyone can nominate, with the main criteria being that the nominee's volunteer efforts benefit the Santa Rosa Community. The Merit Awards Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Community Services, will review and select winners to be honored.

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Nomination Deadline
Sunday, July 9, 2023

2023 Ceremony Information

Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Finley Community Center
2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa

Please Note:
The 2023 Merit Awards presentation will be an in-person ceremony for the awardees, their invited guests, and the community. Members of the community who wish to view the ceremony online are invited to watch the livestream on the City’s YouTube channel on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, starting at 7 p.m.

Congratulations to 2022 Merit Award Recipients!

Please join us in recognizing and celebrating 12 extraordinary individuals and groups selected to receive 2022 Merit Awards. View 2022 Merit Awardees

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Merit Awards History

Since 1978, the Santa Rosa City Council has presented Merit Awards to individuals, organizations and businesses who volunteer their time and energies to serve the community and improve the quality of life in Santa Rosa.

 Awards are given in the following categories:

  • Beautifying our community
  • Serving others, particularly young people, seniors and those in need
  • Strengthening our neighborhoods
  • Expanding and enriching the artistic and historical culture of the City
  • Fostering sustainability and protecting the environment
  • Rising to the challenge: Community Heroes