A selection team from the Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA) has named Tacoma City Manager Jim Walton as its Award for Excellence winner for 2004.

Walton was cited as the best administrator or manager in a jurisdiction of more than 5,000 people in 2004.

The award was presented to Walton Aug. 12 at a conference at the Alderbrook Resort and Conference Center on Hood Canal.

Walton, who was named Tacoma City Manager in July 2003, was selected following consideration of a nomination submitted to the WCMA without his knowledge.

“It was a real surprise,” Walton said.