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"This year's All-America City finalists remind us that the strength of democracy depends on engaged residents who are invested in shaping the future of the places they call home. As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, these communities are proving that civic health is improved block by block, through trust, belonging, and the collective power of people working together."
-Doug Linkhart
President
National Civic League
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Congratulations, 2026 Finalists!
These communities will compete in June for the title of All-America City!
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2026 All-America City Award
Strengthening Civic Health
and Building Trust
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April 6, 2026 - The All-America City Award was built on a belief that has only grown more urgent over time: that the future of democracy is local. For over 75 years, communities have earned this recognition not just for what they've accomplished, but for how — by deepening relationships, crossing divides, and turning civic energy into lasting change.
This year’s 20 finalists have distinguished themselves through their commitment to strengthening civic health and building trust.
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Bowling Green-Warren County, Kentucky
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Conway, South Carolina
Franklin, Tennessee
Grand Island, Nebraska
Harlingen, Texas
Huntsville, Alabama
Jenks, Oklahoma
Monrovia, California
Montgomery, Alabama
Morrisville, North Carolina
Norfolk, Virginia
North Charleston, South Carolina
Opa-locka, Florida
River Forest, Illinois
Riviera Beach, Florida
Roanoke, Virginia
Stow, Ohio
Wichita, Kansas
Woodburn, Oregon
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Finalists were selected through a competitive, expert-led review process evaluating each community across six criteria: shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. The next chapter begins in Denver this June, where these communities will present their work, share their impact, and compete for the nation’s most storied and prestigious community recognition.
The 20 finalist communities, spanning 16 states, range in size from 12,000 residents to nearly 500,000. What unites them — across differences of size, geography, and politics — is a deep pride in place and a shared conviction that residents deserve a real voice in the decisions that shape their lives and homes.
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Thank You, Sponsors!
Southwest Airlines, the official airline of the
All-America City Award
Rockefeller Foundation
CGI Digital
MissionSquare Retirement
Civic Marketplace
Bearing Advisors
The Colorado Health Foundation
Rose Community Foundation
El Pomar Foundation
The Colorado Trust
Charles Ozaki
Join these supporters by
becoming a sponsor.
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What Happens Next?
Finalist communities converge in Denver, CO from June 26-28.
Every June, the All-America City Award Event brings together communities from across the country to celebrate what local democracy looks like at its best. This year, Denver becomes the gathering place for some of the most innovative civic minds in the country. Finalist teams will take the stage to present their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. These teams draw from the full cross-section of community life, including residents, young people, nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders. Between presentations, attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and peer learning sessions designed to surface actionable insights and spark new ideas. The event culminates in a closing ceremony where this year's All-America Cities will be announced and celebrated.
Learn more about this inspiring event.
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