Applications for the Annual Awards Program of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) will be accepted through March 8. The awards honor both individual local government managers and successful local programs.

Individual managers are eligible for Professional Awards in different categories. The categories include individuals who have fostered representative democracy, helped develop new government managers and made "significant contribution to the formal education of students pursuing careers in local government," according to ICMA. There is also an award honoring an outstanding assistant government manager.

The group's Program Excellence Awards, meanwhile, are presented to local governments and their chief administrators in recognition of creative and successful programs. The awards recognize achievement in community health and safety, community partnerships, sustainability and leadership.

Eligible programs must have been fully implemented by January 31, 2012. The awards are presented in three population categories: less than 10,000, 10,000-49,999, and 50,000 and greater.

Information about the awards is available at the ICMA website.