Sweeney is frequently cited as the most powerful elected Democrat in New Jersey. Sweeney was ranked #4 by NJBIZ in their 2015 "Power 100" rankings of the most influential people statewide, and was ranked #4 by PolitickerNJ in their most recent annual ranking of the state's most powerful elected officials. Institutional Investor Magazine ranked Sweeney #12 nationwide on their "2017 Political Pension Power 25" list, ahead of figures such as financier Paul Singer and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.Sweeney is actively involved in a variety of local service and non-profit organizations and has received numerous accolades from business leaders, volunteer organizations, labor advocates, environmentalists and other important organizations from around New Jersey. He is especially committed to supporting and advocating for those with developmental disabilities—Sweeney's daughter, Lauren, was born prematurely with Down syndrome. Sweeney often credits his daughter with prompting his entry in to politics. Some awards include the 2009 Partners in Advocacy Award from the Arc of New Jersey and the 2009 Legislative Excellence Award from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. In April 2010, Senator Sweeney was honored by the New Jersey Travel Industry Association with their Friend of Tourism Award. Senate President Sweeney was also presented the Outstanding State Legislator Award by the NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars in January 2011. On April 28, 2011, Senator Sweeney was presented with the Legislator of the Year Award by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. Senator Sweeney was also honored in 2011 as "Person of the Year" by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Construction Managers Association of America (CMAA). In 2011, he was named as a "Legislator of the Year" by the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. On September 22, 2011, Senator Sweeney was honored as "Regional Leader of the Year" by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. In December 2011, Senator Sweeney was honored with the "Paul L. Troast Public Service Award" by the NJ Business and Industry Association for his efforts to help spur economic growth and job creation in New Jersey, and on March 30, 2012, he was awarded the "Humanitarian Award" by the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Jersey.