During the 2020 Virtual Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition, the City of Round Rock received a 2020 Municipal Excellence Award in public safety for cities over 25,000 in population. The award recognized the City’s Police Department for its Back to School Celebration.
The Back to School Celebration is an annual, free event hosted by the Round Rock Police Department that provides school supplies, sports physicals and fun for families. By teaming up with the Round Rock Independent School District and the Partners in Education Foundation, the City has created an event that serves all Round Rock youth regardless of socioeconomic status. The Back to School Celebration has helped the City target at-risk youth and improve the relationship between the police department and community. Although the 2020 event had to be canceled due to COVID-19, a record 13,000 attended the event in 2019.
“It’s an honor for the City of Round Rock and the Round Rock Police Department to be recognized by the Texas Municipal League,” said Police Chief Allen Banks. “The Back to School Celebration provides Round Rock students with vital supplies and services to start their school year off right. The free community event has evolved over the years and continues to grow bigger and better. Giving back to our youngest citizens is a highlight of our year.”
TML’s Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenge of municipal governance. The awards program seeks out the state’s best examples of innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, increasing citizen participation and reaching toward higher service levels. Awards are given in two population categories (under 25,000 and over 25,000) and five areas (management innovations, communication programs, city spirit, public safety, and public works).
The 2020 TML Annual Conference and Exhibition was held virtually on October 14-16 and incorporated recovery and rebuilding-themed concurrent sessions, keynotes, and special presentations. TML is a voluntary association of 1,160 Texas cities. Guided by its purpose statement—Empowering Texas cities to serve their cities—the League provides support and services to city governments. The City of Round Rock is a member of TML.
