The City of Rock Island is seeking nominations for the 36^th annual Citizen of the Year awards. The awards were founded in 1987 as a way to recognize individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in the Rock Island community. 

Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for those who have made selfless contributions of service to the City of Rock Island. There are eight categories available for nomination: Individual; Youth; City Employee; Professional; Education; Veteran; Organization, Church or Non-Profit; and Business. 

Nomination forms must be received by July 21 at 5 p.m. Winners will be recognized and presented with awards during the Aug. 28 city council meeting.

Winners will also be honored in the 2023 Rock Island Labor Day Parade, on Monday, Sept. 4. One individual or group will be chosen from the Citizen of the Year winners and will serve as the Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal.

2023 Nominations are now open. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on July 21, 2023.

Nomination Categories:

For category requirements, click on each category link

Selecting Citizen of the Year winners

A committee composed of the winners from the previous year, two City Council representatives, the City Clerk, the Community Engagement Manager and a representative from the Labor Day Parade Committee review nominations and interview each nominee before the winners are chosen.

The winners will be recognized during the Aug. 28. city council meeting and honored in the City of Rock Island Labor Day Parade on Sept. 4.