In times of widespread political rancor, policy stagnation, and continued injustice, it’s easy to become despondent about the future. But this year’s All-America Cities and communities across the country are offering an alternative ending.
The 2023 All-America City Award identified communities that are actively engaging citizens, especially youth, in the policies and decisions that shape their lives by breaking down barriers to meaningful participation. The award winners illustrate how small acts undertaken collaboratively can foster democracy as they chip away at today’s challenges.
Business as usual during the COVID pandemic isn’t an option. Even the most basic of city services and activities have had to be reimagined—everything from graduations and church services to public meetings and trials had to be rethought. Communities that quickly and willingly pivoted to new solutions, have been the most successful in keeping people both safe and socially connected.
The 2021 All-America City Awards gave communities an opportunity to reflect on the past year and take stock of what they had been able to achieve and overcome. Understandably, projects of this year’s ten winning communities fell primarily into two categories: pandemic response and racial equity efforts.
The All-America City Awards do not honor perfection because there is no perfect community, but when residents come together to put their various perspectives, skills and resources to use, even the most intractable of problems seem less daunting.
In 2018, Wichita, Kansas, replaced an existing citizens’ academy with a new Civic Engagement Academy designed to be more interactive for participants and less taxing for city staff. The result is a new, more engaged cadre of community leaders.
Submit a Letter of Intent to apply for the 2020 All-America City Awards by November 1st to receive $100 off your community's application fee.
Currently in its 70th year, the focus of the All-America City Award in 2019 will be on communities that demonstrate inclusive decision-making processes to create better health for all, and particularly for populations currently experiencing poorer health outcomes.
