Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson Receives Prestigious Award

Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson Receives Prestigious Award

Published on June 25, 2026

After 46 years of service to the Lakewood community, Hodgson will retire as Colorado's longest serving City Manager and one of the state's most respected local government leaders.

June 25, 2026 -The Colorado Municipal League has awarded Lakewood City Manager Kathy Hodgson the prestigious Sam Mamet Good Governance Award, recognizing her decades of leadership, commitment to ethical public service and dedication to strengthening local government in Colorado.

The award comes as Hodgson prepares to retire Aug. 1, 2026, concluding an extraordinary 46-year career with the City of Lakewood that began as a lifeguard at Morse Park Pool in 1980 and culminated with nearly 18 years as city manager.

"Kathy brings an extraordinary depth of institutional knowledge to her work, but it is her commitment to public service and her genuine care for the Lakewood community that truly set her apart," said Mayor Wendi Strom. "She has spent her career working to build trust, strengthening local government and putting the needs of our community first."

Since becoming city manager, Hodgson has overseen a city serving more than 156,000 residents, managed an annual operating budget exceeding $300 million and led an organization of more than 1,800 employees including FTEs and part-time staff. Under her leadership, Lakewood has navigated significant growth, economic changes and community priorities while maintaining a strong commitment to responsive local government and high-quality public services.

The Sam Mamet Good Governance Award is the latest in a distinguished list of honors recognizing Hodgson's contributions to public service. Earlier this year Kathy was named one of the nation's 250 Champions of Public Service as part of the upcoming America 250 celebration. In 2025, she was named City Manager of the Year by the Colorado City and County Management Association. She has also received the Denver Regional Council of Governments Distinguished Service Award, the Denver Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business Award and the Outstanding Woman of Jefferson County Award.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Colorado Municipal League," Hodgson said. "Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated employees, elected officials and community members who care deeply about Lakewood and its future. Good governance is ultimately about serving people, building trust and ensuring local government remains responsive, accountable and focused on the community. This award reflects the collective efforts of so many individuals who have helped make Lakewood the city it is today."

Hodgson's final day as Lakewood City Manager will be Aug. 1, 2026. The Lakewood City Council has initiated a national search to identify the city's next city manager and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

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