The League of California Cities—the association of city officials that lobbies in both Sacramento and Washington DC—honored former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill with a lifetime achievement award for her dedication to public service.

The award, established in 1996, is presented to those who have “made a significant and unique contribution to the state or his or her community over an extended period of years.”

“Our cities are more than just boundaries, facilities and services,” past League President Mike Kasperzak said. “They are unique and vibrant because of the individuals who lead. Beverly O’Neill is an inspiration to all of us who dedicate our lives to making our communities safer.”

O’Neill is a revered figure when it comes to Long Beach politics, having served as mayor for three consecutive terms following her election in 1994. Her second election in 1998 garnered her almost 80% of the vote while her third win as a write-in campaign put her in the history books as the only mayor of a large to city in the U.S. to ever achieve such a feat.