Time is running out to apply for the 2024 All-America City Award. The National Civic League has been recognizing communities with the All-America City Award for 75 years! The award presents a unique opportunity for communities to reflect, celebrate, and be recognized for the strength of their civic infrastructure and commitment to collaborative decision-making and problem-solving.
2024 Theme and Areas of Focus
As we approach the 2024 elections, communities are facing challenges that mirror those seen at national and international levels, including polarization, economic inequality, and racial and ethnically motivated violence. Now more than ever, it is crucial to focus on strengthening democracy at the local level.
The theme for the 2024 All-America City Award revolves around equitably engaging community members in activities that bolster local democracy. Projects aligned with this theme include initiatives that increase voter engagement and education, authentically engage marginalized populations, bridge divides across political, social, and economic differences, and promote equity and inclusion, among others.
Benefits to Participation
Winners and finalists have enjoyed several benefits.
- Economic Stimulus: All-America City finalists and winners find it easier to attract and retain businesses that generate jobs and a stronger tax base. They also attract and retain residents who want a healthy community. Finalists and winners also have seen an increase in tourism and grants.
- Pride and Collaboration: The award has reinvigorated communities with a new sense of pride, accomplishment and teamwork. People often say they learned more about the great work taking place in their community because of the application process than they ever imagined.
- National Recognition: Winning the All-America City Award raises the profile of local efforts and puts communities on a national stage. Winners join an elite network of communities that can proudly call themselves an All-America City. And once a community wins, it’s always an All-America City. We hear regularly about communities that still celebrate and take pride in winning even after 40 years or more.
Important Dates
February 13, 2024: Submit Application
March 2024: Finalists Announced
March-June 2024: Competition Preparation
June 7-9, 2024: AAC Competition and Event in Denver, CO
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your community’s dedication to democracy and civic engagement. Submit your application before the February 13th deadline and join us in Denver, CO, for the All-America City Competition and Event. Learn more and apply here.
