Photo: Matt Gardner, Executive Director, ND League of Cities and Avis Richter

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Avis Richter received the 2022 Leadership Excellence Award from the North Dakota League of Cities (League).

In her 25 years with Valley City, Richter has made so many contributions to the city that it would be impossible to name them all. Those highlighted below have made the biggest impact on the community.

Avis’s organization, ability to work with FEMA and her love of spreadsheets was instrumental in the federal and state reimbursement of expenses during the floods of 2009 and 2011. She provided staff training on the FEMA forms and helped them include important details so that the city would receive the maximum reimbursement. In addition, she worked alongside the city’s elected officials to ensure the city could implement permanent flood protection. Her experience was key this spring when flooding occurred again and she was on top of it right from the beginning to ensure all of the necessary forms, easements and logs were printed and completed.

Another important project that Avis lead was the streetscape project. Even though this project was a source of contention for citizens and business owners, Avis could always see the big picture and supported the project to the fullest. She helped research and take advantage of all the funding options available and now the residents and business owners are happy with the result. So much so that a Phase 2 of the project was created and completed this year.

Avis has been a part of organizing several ceremonies that promote the large accomplishments of the city. From the ribbon cutting for the Rainbow Arch Bridge construction to celebration of the permanent flood protection, Avis was involved in making it happen.

Former mayor Mary Lee Nielsen says, “Avis is the barometer for the city and its related organization. Her expertise is annually sought by boards when doing budgeting and making long-term financial decisions.”

Working with the public can be difficult at times. Even in the most heated situations, Avis maintains a calm demeanor, is professional and helps to deescalate the situation to keep citizens calm. As a result, the residents and property owners of the city feeling comfortable in coming forward with any issues they may have and strengthening that relationship.

During her 25 years with the city, one thing she prides herself on is that no matter what is asked of her, she will always act in an ethical manner. It is important to her that the finance department be run in a way the community and state would be proud of. In turn, the commissioners, community and her colleagues can trust that any work done by Avis has been done ethically and they can stand behind her.

In her nomination of Avis, city administrator Gwen Crawford said, “Avis is known for her work ethic, drive and caring for the citizens. She is the employee everyone wants on their team.”

The League is honored to present the Leadership Excellence Award to Avis Richter. The award was presented to Richter during the Valley City Commission meeting on October 4th.

The North Dakota League of Cities provides service, advocacy, leadership, education and support to the state’s 355 cities. The League’s vision -Empowering North Dakota Communities – expresses the value of services offered by the League.