Since June, the National Civic League team has been crisscrossing the country to celebrate the incredible communities named 2025 All-America City Award winners. Here’s a snapshot of the joy, pride, and energy we’ve witnessed along the way!
Seattle, WA
First out of the gate was Seattle, Washington. Fresh off their second consecutive All-America City win, Seattle was eager to celebrate with the city staff and community partners who weren’t able to make the trip to Denver in June. After a lively replaying of the city’s 2025 AAC presentation, Jillian Youngblood, Executive Director of Civic Genius and representative of the National Civic League, joined the celebration to highlight why Seattle was recognized and to encourage the community to keep building on its momentum. Mayor Bruce Harrell underscored how crucial affirmations like the All-America City Award are, especially when local challenges can overshadow the important wins that keep communities hopeful and focused.
You can watch a full recording of the celebration here. here.
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia, brought the community together in a big way to celebrate its fifth All-America City honor. On August 31, the city transformed its Groovin’ by the Bay concert at Mill Point Park into a full-fledged All-America City celebration, with music, vendors, giveaways, and family-friendly activities drawing hundreds of residents.
The National Civic League’s President, Doug Linkhart joined the celebration to present the official All-America City plaque, standing alongside Mayor Jimmy Gray, City Manager Mary Bunting, and the crowd that helped make the achievement possible.
At the celebration, Mayor Gray captured the spirit behind Hampton’s repeated wins (1972, 2002, 2014, 2023, and now 2025). “What makes us an All-America City,” he said, “is the way we come together any time we need to solve problems. We make sure to provide all residents an opportunity to be part of our future.” He added, “Collaboration is ingrained in our city’s culture”—a sentiment reflected in the joyful crowd that gathered to mark this latest achievement.
Tallahassee, FL
“Heeeey, Tallahassee!” sang the 70-member delegation as they were invited to the front of the City Commission Chambers during the August 20 City Commission meeting. Mayor John Dailey kicked off the celebration by underscoring the significance of the All-America City designation before rolling a video recap of the team’s unforgettable time in Denver.
League President Doug Linkhart—calling in from an airport gift shop after thunderstorms derailed his travel plans—officially presented the city with its recognition plaque, applauding Tallahassee for its work around this year’s theme and the unmistakable energy it brought to the event. “The energy in Denver was electric (or some might say, magnetic), and much of that was thanks to the enthusiasm the Tallahassee team brought,” he shared.
In a surprise twist, Mayor Dailey then re-presented the plaque to the School of Arts and Sciences rock band, whose performance brought the house down in Denver. The celebration wrapped with reflections from three delegates who shared what the AAC experience meant to them. As one put it, “I’m so honored to be part of something so special.” Tune into their insights by watching the recording starting at the 24-minute mark.
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea, Massachusetts, folded the celebration of its 2025 All-America City win into the heartbeat of its biggest annual tradition, Chelsea Day. “Chelsea Day is a celebration of everything that makes our city special—from our vibrant neighborhoods to our businesses and community organizations, to the incredible people who call Chelsea home,” said City Manager Fidel Maltez. “This year’s event is even more meaningful as we come together to celebrate our third All-America City Award. We invite everyone to join us for a day full of pride, culture, and community spirit.”
The festivities kicked off with an All-America City–themed 5K, with hundreds of runners touring the city, followed by a parade down Broadway that flowed into a lively block party packed with music, food, street performers, and neighbors of every background coming together in true Chelsea fashion. During the block party, the original delegation that traveled to Denver recreated their award-winning presentation, leading the crowd in their signature “Chelsea ¡Pa’lante, Onward!” chant.
Fresh off running in the 5K, National Civic League representative Rebecca Trout took the stage to present the official All-America City plaque, applauding the delegation whose passion and pride lit up the national event in Denver. The cheers that rose from the crowd underscored exactly what the award recognizes: a city where people show up for one another, and where everyone, no matter their story, has a place in shaping Chelsea’s future.
As evening fell, crowds gathered at Mary O’Malley Park for a fireworks show that capped off Chelsea’s celebration of its third All-America City title.
Carrboro, NC
Carrboro celebrated its 2025 All-America City Award in the most Carrboro way possible, by weaving it into the town’s beloved Carrboro Music Festival, a weekend when the entire community transforms into an open-air music venue. With stages tucked into courtyards, cafés, parking lots, and alleyways, the festival drew crowds of residents and visitors soaking in everything from jazz orchestras, folk singers, and punk bands, all against the backdrop of Carrboro’s unmistakable blend of creativity, inclusion, and small-town spirit.
On Sunday afternoon, the town paused the music just long enough for a short ceremony honoring Carrboro’s All-America City win. Rebecca Trout, Director of the National Civic League’s All-America City Award program, joined Mayor Barbara Foushee and local residents at one of the festival’s central stages to present the official All-America City plaque, recognizing Carrboro’s deep commitment to community partnerships, local action, and inclusive civic engagement. The applause rolled easily back into the rhythm of the festival, which is fitting for a community where creativity, civic pride, and belonging go hand in hand.
And because Carrboro is determined to keep its All-America City momentum going, the celebration wasn’t all fun and games: the next day, staff from across town departments gathered for a democracy innovations workshop to explore new ways to deepen resident engagement. It was a quick but productive session, giving teams fresh ideas to build on the strengths that earned Carrboro the award in the first place.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie marked its first-ever All-America City win with a waterfront celebration that reflected exactly what earned the community national recognition: partnership, pride, and a deep commitment to protecting its natural environment. Residents gathered along the newly completed boardwalk at The Port District (one of the city’s signature environmental restoration projects) for an evening filled with music, food trucks, family activities, and river views.
The celebration’s centerpiece was the official presentation of the All-America City Award. Joined by city staff, elected officials, and residents, National Civic League President Doug Linkhart took the stage to recognize Port St. Lucie’s accomplishments. He praised the community’s collaborative spirit, noting, “What we see in Port St. Lucie is truly special. This is a community that works with its residents, businesses, faith leaders—everyone—to address important issues, together.”
Surrounded by neighbors celebrating both their city’s progress and its bright future, Port St. Lucie’s inaugural All-America City celebration captured the very spirit of what the award represents.
You can watch a recap of the celebration here.
Visiting the communities we honor through the All-America City Award shows us firsthand the energy, pride, and spirit of belonging that engaged residents create. The 2025 All-America Cities are living proof of what’s possible when people come together to solve challenges and build a stronger future. We’re already gearing up for next year’s award; if you want your community to shine on a national stage in Denver or celebrate at home like these cities, apply today and join the AAC family.
