NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The City of Negaunee has been recognized for its hard work in rebuilding and strengthening its downtown infrastructure.
Last week, the Michigan Municipal League (MML) held it’s three-day annual convention in Grand Rapids. On its final day Friday, the City of Negaunee was granted the 2025 Community Excellence Award (CEA). City Manager, Nate Heffron told WZMQ 19 News that the achievement represents not just the council, but the whole community.
“It was quite the emotional overload,” said Heffron. “The whole community deserves this award, and we’re going to celebrate together.”
The CEA is the MML’s highest community honor, and voted on by fellow local government officials at the convention. Negaunee’s Downtown Enhancement Project stood out among the three other finalists, in the city’s ability to reshape its sociality, landscape, and safety of those living in and visiting the area.
“We created social hubs, overlayed that on the social district, and made the town look pretty,” explained Heffron. “We repaired streets, under the streets, sidewalks, and water mains to what we have today.”
Negaunee took home the trophy in great pride, as the third Upper Peninsula community to win the award, behind Ironwood in 2013, and Houghton in 2024.
“The CEA celebrates what’s best in our communities—creativity, resilience, and pride of place. Negaunee’s win keeps the award in the U.P. For a consecutive year and shows that Michigan communities of all sizes know the importance of investing in their places in order for their communities and people to thrive,” said Emily Kieliszewski, assistant director with member experience & learning at MML.
Heffron says the city will continue to build up excellency, and that the award signifies just the beginning.
For more information about Negaunee’s achievement, visit mml.org.
