November 17, 2003

American City & County has selected Akron (OH) Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic as the 2003 Municipal Leader of the Year.

The news came as Plusquellic, Conference of Mayors Vice President had just garnered 71 percent of the vote in his November 4 city wide election (see separate Election Roundup section).

The magazine presents the award annually to recognize outstanding leadership in city government. As mayor of Akron for 17 years, Plusquellic has led his community through a revitalization that has transformed a city once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" to one known for its concentration of business in the polymer science industry. This year, the mayor led a drive to raise local funds to improve school facilities. As a result of his efforts, the city will receive state matching funds to complete an $800 million project to rehabilitate or reconstruct every school in the city by 2017. American City & County readers submit nominations for the Municipal Leader of the Year Award. The magazine's editorial staff and editorial board select the award's recipient each year.

American City & County will honor Plusquellic at the 2003 National League of Cities Congress of Cities, held December 9-13 in Nashville (TN). A profile of Plusquellic and his award-winning work are featured in the November issue of American City & County. American City & County has been the voice of local government since 1909. The magazine serves a nationwide audience of city and county officials who are charged with developing and implementing local government policy, programs and projects. American City & County is published monthly and is owned by New York-based Primedia Business Magazines & Media Inc.