The Tennessee Municipal League recognized the city’s $15.6 million Public Works Complex and its long-running Trout Program during its annual conference in Kingsport.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The City of Gatlinburg has received two of the Tennessee Municipal League’s highest honors, earning statewide recognition for its public works operations and nationally unique trout program.
The awards were presented during the 86th Annual Tennessee Municipal League Conference in Kingsport, where Gatlinburg received the 2026 Excellence in Public Works Award and the 2026 Innovation Award.
The Excellence in Public Works Award recognizes the city’s recently renovated and expanded Public Works Complex, a $15.6 million project that transformed property impacted by the 2016 wildfires into a centralized operations hub.
The facility now houses the city’s street department, service center, utilities maintenance, building maintenance, mass transit operations and customer service center. It also serves as the home for Gatlinburg’s trolley fleet, Winterfest lighting inventory, equipment storage and an indoor vehicle wash facility.
City officials said consolidating multiple departments into one location has improved communication, increased efficiency and streamlined municipal operations.
“This is an incredible honor for the entire Gatlinburg community,” Mayor Mike Werner said. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the city employees, who work every day to make Gatlinburg one of the best places to live, work and visit in Tennessee.”
The city’s Innovation Award recognizes Gatlinburg’s Trout Facility and Trout Program, which has operated since the early 1980s.
The municipal hatchery raises and stocks approximately 40,000 to 50,000 trout each year in Gatlinburg’s mountain streams, supporting recreational fishing while promoting conservation and environmental education.
In addition to stocking fish, the facility welcomes thousands of students and visitors annually through tours and educational programs focused on aquatic ecosystems, water quality and fish biology.
“The Trout Program has become one of the things that makes Gatlinburg truly unique,” Trout Facility Manager Travis Williams said. “We’re proud to provide an outstanding fishing experience while also teaching future generations about conservation, natural resources and the importance of protecting the streams that define our community.”
City Manager Greg Patterson said receiving two statewide awards in the same year reflects Gatlinburg’s continued investment in public infrastructure and innovative programs.
“Receiving two statewide achievement awards in the same year is an incredible accomplishment and speaks volumes about the caliber of employees we have serving the City of Gatlinburg,” Patterson said. “These awards recognize two very different programs, but they share a common purpose, which is providing exceptional public service.”
The Tennessee Municipal League represents the state’s 345 incorporated cities and towns and annually recognizes municipalities for outstanding achievements in local government.
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