The Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Administration honors publicly-engaged individuals who have made significant contributions to the academic field or practice of public administration in Utah. This award is intended to recognize for, for example, K-12 and post-secondary educators, merit government employees, leaders in the nonprofit sector, and other often unnoticed individuals who have helped make Utah a better place to live and work

The Distinguished Service Award for an Appointed Official recognizes and honors appointed public officials who have played significant leadership roles in the implementation of government policies and programs. This award is intended for appointed officials at the national, tribal, state, and local level (including counties, cities, towns and service districts) who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and integrity in their service.

The Distinguished Service Award for Excellence recognizes and honors organizations, boards, commissions, or other groups that have contributed to improving the lives of people in Utah with an emphasis of advancing the circumstances of underrepresented populations. Awardees advance the common good through inclusive leadership, public participation, and community engagement.