The National Civic League is proud to announce the finalists for the 2018 All-America City Award (AAC). These finalists represent the diversity of American communities from the largest cities to the smallest towns, from east to west and north to south.
- Springdale, AR
- Placentia, CA
- Stockton, CA
- Longmont, CO
- Miami Beach, FL
- Decatur, GA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Battle Creek, MI
- Las Vegas, NV
- Charlotte, NC
- Cincinnati, OH
- Beaverton, OR
- Allentown, PA
- Columbia, SC
- Kershaw County, SC
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- El Paso, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Pasco, WA
- Tacoma, WA
Finalist communities include the 7th largest city in America (San Antonio) and a town of only 22,000 people (Decatur, GA). The 20 finalists share a common bond of working to create equitable communities through inclusive civic engagement.
The award, given to 10 communities each year, celebrates and recognizes neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges.
Since the finalists were first announced last month, news outlets around the country are praising the work of local government:
March 23, 2018 
Columbia in the running for this ‘All-America’ honor given to only 10 cities BY EMILY BOHATCH “‘All-America City Finalist status speaks volumes about the charming, cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial and community focus of our beautiful city,’ City Manager Teresa Wilson said in a statement. ‘Columbia epitomizes the character and spirit that any American holds dear for the community in which he or she lives. We are honored to be recognized'”
March 21, 2018 El Paso in the running for National Civic League’s All-America City Award by Elida S. Perez “‘We are pleased that the city of El Paso is once again a finalist for the All-America City Award. The city won in 1969 and 2010, and I am confident we will do well this year,’ said Mayor Dee Margo.”
April 2, 2018 Decatur one of 20 finalists for All-America City Award by Dan Whisenhunt “‘The award, given to 10 communities each year, celebrates and recognizes communities that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges,’ a press release from the city says. ‘AAC Award recipients serve as models in practicing inclusive civic engagement and creating community connections.'”
Mar 26, 2018 Beaverton named finalist for nationwide All-America City Award by FOX 12 Staff “’I’m thrilled for our city,’ said Mayor Denny Doyle. ‘It’s a testament to our community members and their combined contributions. It’s truly a privilege to be recognized.’”
April 3, 2018 Longmont Named a Finalist for One of 10 All-American City Awards in 2018 by Macie May “‘Being named the only City in Colorado named as a finalist for an All-America City award by the National Civic League is an amazing honor. We are so proud of our community and look forward to highlighting Longmont at the competition in June,’ said Sandi Seader, Longmont assistant city manager.”
Mar 27, 2018 Town named finalist for top national award “The Town of Mount Pleasant was named as a finalist for the 2018 All-America City Award in an announcement Wednesday by the National Civic League. Mount Pleasant, the 2010 All-American City Award winner, was selected along with 19 other communities as finalists for the award. The award is given to the top 10 communities each year.”
March 25, 2018 Columbia 2018 All American City Finalist contributed by City of Columbia “All-America City Finalist status speaks volumes about the charming, cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial and community focus of our beautiful city,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “Columbia epitomizes the character and spirit any American holds dear for the community in which he or she lives. We are honored to be recognized!”
Mar 30, 2018 Roanoke celebrates gains in childhood reading, All-America label by Alicia Petska Celebrating a record seventh year as an All-America City, Roanoke leaders came together Friday to redouble their commitment to a citywide education initiative that has boosted childhood reading levels. Star City Reads — a program that spurred the 2017 All-America recognition from the National Civic League — has deployed a wide range of strategies to get more children reading at an earlier age.
March 29, 2018 Kershaw County a finalist for All-America City award by Jim Tatum “We are so excited about this – Kershaw County is a wonderful place – and now the entire nation will know it,” Carpenter said. Carpenter noted that Kershaw County’s giving spirit and willingness to collaborate are two major factors in the decision. An example of this is the partnerships that have gone into the mission of the Community Medical Clinic. In fact, the Community Medical Clinic is one of only three in the entire nation that provides child healthcare in schools, she said.
