Loudoun Earns National Achievement Awards for Innovation

This is a press release from the Loudoun County government.

Loudoun County has been recognized with four Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs. Loudoun’s award-winning programs for 2026 represent a wide range of services, including engaging teenagers through library programs designed specifically for them, supporting economic growth in western Loudoun and providing services for animals whose owners are experiencing a crisis.

Cold Case Files

Loudoun County teenagers get the chance to solve cold cases based on Young Adult murder mysteries through the Loudoun County Public Library's Cold Case Files program. For each cold case, a list of clues is created that either rules out or implicates characters from the list of suspects. Instructions, the list of suspects, all the clues, and a ‘whodunit’ sheet for participants to mark their solution are all placed in a box marked ‘Unsolved Case.’ In addition to having fun, the activity helps foster critical thinking skills.

History of Video Games

The Loudoun County Public Library's History of Video Games is a hands-on, interactive program that brings the origins of modern gaming to life for teens. Using donated and upcycled vintage game consoles, participants play early home video games while learning how they shaped today’s technology. The program combines immersive experiences with peer-led instruction, allowing teens to explore over 50 years of game development in an engaging and approachable way. By blending education, nostalgia and play, the program demonstrates that classic games remain a powerful tool for learning, community building and youth engagement.

Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour

Loudoun County Economic Development launched the "Hop On, Hop Off" bus tour as a pilot program aimed at connecting visitors arriving in Loudoun County via the Washington D.C. Metrorail Silver Line to the agricultural economy of western Loudoun for events such as the Loudoun Farm Tours. The goal of the project was to drive economic growth in the area by making it more accessible to a broader audience, particularly those who rely on public transportation. Based on response and feedback, there is potential for expanding the program, further enhancing economic development and community engagement in western Loudoun.

LEASH - Loudoun Emergency Animal Safe Haven Program

Through the Loudoun Emergency Animal Safe Haven (LEASH) program, pets belonging to community members in crisis are provided with free and safe housing while their owners work with a partner agency to achieve stability. Loudoun County Animal Services collaborates with other county health and public safety agencies and non-governmental organizations supporting Loudoun residents who are experiencing a crisis, such as homelessness or domestic abuse. In 2024, 623 nights of care were provided for pets in need, and 846 nights of care were provided in 2025.

For More Information

More information about the National Association of Counties and the NACo Achievement Award Program is online at naco.org.

More information about Loudoun County government’s award-winning programs is online at loudoun.gov/awards.

This is a press release from the Loudoun County government.