Awards & Recognitions

Serving the Springfield, Oregon community isn’t just “a job” – it’s a deep commitment to meeting our communities’ needs, providing exceptional service and informational resources, and showing up for one another.

In an organization of dedicated individuals, it’s no surprise to have City staff recognized for their accomplishments and achievements. Read on and learn more about City staff who are earning well-deserved recognition for their work. We are grateful for their contributions to the Springfield community and beyond!

2023 Newbery Award Committee Appointment

Taylor Worley (she/her), Youth Services Librarian at Springfield Public Library, has been named to position in National Library Group. Taylor will serve as a committee member on the John Newbery Award Committee. The committee is charged with selecting annually the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The Newbery Award Committee operates under the direction of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

In her role with Springfield Public Library, Taylor maintains the fiction collections for Kids & Tweens, provides many programs and events, including book clubs and story times, leads the Readers Services work group, and serves as union steward. Taylor is a regular contributor to School Library Journal, a professional publication which provides valuable reviews, education, and resources for librarians serving youth. She has also contributed to a variety of library committees and projects on both the state and national level.

The American Library Association serves as a voice of America’s libraries and the people who depend on them. ALA promotes the highest quality library and information services and protects public access to information. There are nearly 64,000 members worldwide. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world with members and academic, public, school, government, and special libraries.

National Environmental Achievement Awards (NEAA)

The City of Springfield and Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), the regional wastewater partnership serving the Eugene-Springfield area for which Springfield provides administration, were honored to be recognized with awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).

Environmental Services Supervisor Todd Miller received an individual National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA) for his exemplary environmental leadership and service to the MWMC, City of Springfield, and City of Eugene, as well as the Pacific Northwest region and beyond. Todd oversees planning level efforts associated with the MWMC’s Capital Improvements Program, as well as several regional sustainability initiatives, such as poplar harvests on the MWMC Biocycle Farm, recycled water, and riparian restoration projects. He was one of only three national recipients of the individual Environment Award.

The City of Springfield received an NEAA in the Public Information & Education: Video category for our Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance video, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKIm5ooosts. Additionally, the MWMC received an NEAA in the Public Information & Education: eMedia category for the Community Partnership for Clean Water video and digital campaign, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0cAj-91qIE. Lead Communications Coordinator Loralyn Spiro and Communications Coordinator April Miller accepted the awards on behalf of the City of Springfield Development & Public Works Department and the MWMC. Numerous City of Eugene and Lane County staff members, along with other partners, also contributed to the MWMC’s partnership video, and the MWMC extends their gratitude to those collaborators.