Listed in alphabetical order by state, the ten 2015 All-America Cities are:
Carson, California; Salinas, California; Stockton, California; Tallahassee, Florida; Somerville, Massachusetts; Tupelo, Mississippi; Geneva, New York; Marshall, Texas; Spokane, Washington; and Yakima, Washington.
This year's award focused on community efforts to engage and support vulnerable young men and boys, aligning with efforts such as The White House's My Brother's Keeper Initiative.
During the three-day event, delegations of community activists and leaders (more than 500 in total) presented their stories of positive civic change to a jury of 13 leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors. They also shared ideas, insights and stories of impact in interactive peer workshops.
Their innovative initiatives and programs encompassed a range of efforts improving the lives of vulnerable young people including: leadership development, drop-out prevention, workforce development, strengthening the relationship between youth and law enforcement, building networks of mentors and peer support, as well as community engagement. Other challenges tackled by the winners include neighborhood revitalization, disaster recovery and turning a toxic wasteland into a space for recreation and civic education.
"All-America City Award winners inspire other communities with a sense of hope and purpose," said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortés. "They are leading the way when it comes to innovative efforts to promote positive community change."
The All-America City competition brings together high-achieving communities to discuss the innovative ways they are addressing the most critical issues facing our communities.
More than 550 communities have won the award since it was first given in 1949, some as many as five times. Click here for a list of past winners.
All-America City finalists and winners receive national attention. Being an All-America City has helped communities secure new businesses, increase tourism, and secure state and federal grants.
After the competition, AAC communities continue to participate in NCL's growing network of innovative communities.
The sponsors of the 2015 All-America City Awards are:
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Southwest Airlines, The Official Airline of the All-America City Awards
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Greenberg Traurig
PCL Construction
Alameda Gateway Community Association
Mile High United Way
Kaiser Permanente Denver Region
First Bank
City of Dublin, California
City of Rancho Cordova, California
City of Aurora, Colorado
City & County of Denver, Colorado
City of Lakewood, Colorado
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
City of Gladstone, Missouri
City of Hickory, North Carolina
Delta Dental
Skillman Foundation
Founded in 1894, the National Civic League's mission is to strengthen democracy by increasing the capacity of all of our nation's people to effectively and responsibly participate in and build healthy, prosperous communities across America.
NCL envisions a country in which all people engage in the process of self-governance and encourages cross-sector partnerships resulting in an active civic culture reflecting the diversity of community voices.
For more information on the 2015 All-America City Award winners or the National Civic League, call Mike McGrath at 720 270 7822 or visit our website at www.nationalcivicleague.org
