U.S. Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota's First Congressional District has won the 2010 leadership award of the National Association of Development Organizations.

The group said it selected Walz based on his support of federal policies and programs to improve regional and local economic competitiveness in small metropolitan and rural regions. Previous winners include U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln, D-AR; Olympia Snowe, R-ME; and Lindsey Graham, R-SC; and Representatives Jo Ann Emerson, R-MO; Mike McIntyre, D-NC; Alan Mollohan, D-WV; James Oberstar, D-MN; and Harold Rogers, R-KY