Merriam Brings Home Three Savvy Awards

Published on September 16, 2026

Merriam's Communications and Social Media Team is celebrating a big win. The city picked up three national awards at the 2026 Savvy Awards, presented by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) during its Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado.

The Savvy Awards recognize the best communications and marketing work happening in local government across the country. This year, judges reviewed more than 1,200 entries across 37 categories from cities, counties, and agencies of every size. Merriam's team stood out three times.

1st Place — Best Use of a Promotional Item Hearts Across Merriam: Turning Art Into Adventure and Celebration

Judges called the campaign a "yearlong celebration and engagement event," praising the city for partnering with a local artist and getting residents out into Merriam's parks — where the project practically promoted itself all year long.

2nd Place — Social Media Campaign Hearts Across Merriam: Turning Art Into Adventure and Celebration

The same heart-hunt idea also won for how it connected online engagement to real-world experiences. Judges highlighted the hidden hearts scattered around town as a clever way to turn Merriam's "hidden gems" into something people wanted to find and collect.

3rd Place — Best Use of Humor Tiny Mic: Take Your Kid to Work Day Edition

This one earned laughs for thinking on its feet. The editing and zooming in on the moment turned these interviews into one of the series' funniest and most-watched episodes. Watch it here. 

These awards aren't just trophies. They're proof that Merriam is finding real, creative ways to connect with residents — turning a public art project into a citywide scavenger hunt, and everyday city content into something people actually want to watch and share.