All-America City Awards

City of Monrovia - Government, you're headed to Denver as an finalist! The city has fostered community engagement across generations through its Community Activist Policing (CAP) bureau, which continues to build trust between residents and law enforcement. Monrovia is also advancing innovative transportation initiatives through its “Biking for Bucks” program and expanding educational access through the Monrovia Community Adult School.

Read more on how Monrovia is creating an engaged community: https://ow.ly/yumf50Z81H4

City of Jenks - Municipality is an finalist! The city encourages civic participation through initiatives like a multi-layered public engagement process that helped shape one of Jenks’ most significant land-use decisions. Jenks also established the Jenks Engagement Committee to strengthen connections between city leadership and civic service organizations. Additionally, the city updated its Unified Development Ordinance, helping reduce conflict around land-use decisions and improve community collaboration.

Read more about how Jenks is building a culture of civic action: https://ow.ly/XrTY50Z7zgH

Congratulations to City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government for being an finalist! Known as “Rocket City,” Huntsville continues to expand opportunities for residents to participate in community decision-making through initiatives like the “Imagine Huntsville” online portal, where residents can ask questions and engage in city planning.

The city’s eight-week Citizen Engagement Academy also provides hands-on learning opportunities and direct dialogue with public officials. Huntsville further strengthens civic participation through a network of more than 60 boards and commissions representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Read more about how Huntsville residents help shape the city’s future: https://ow.ly/48E550Z76So

The City of Harlingen is on its way to Denver as an finalist! The city is working to close gaps between education and workforce opportunity by building partnerships with institutions such as the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Harlingen is also implementing a coordinated 10-year planning system to guide decisions around growth, infrastructure, and public spaces.

Neighborhood vitality is further strengthened through the “Revitalize Harlingen” program, which focuses on addressing uneven neighborhood investment and improving community outreach.

Together, these initiatives reflect Harlingen’s commitment to inclusivity, belonging, and long-term community growth. Read more: https://ow.ly/zJVg50Z6qxz

Congrats to City of Grand Island, a finalist for ! Newcomers are welcomed and empowered to join civic life through the “Elevate Grand Island” program, and the Grand Island Creative District aims to foster a more culturally diverse and connected downtown. Grand Island’s commitment to inclusion is also reflected in its focus on age-friendly infrastructure and community-building events like National Night Out.

Read more on how Grand Island continues to strengthen civic health from the ground up: https://ow.ly/rBpM50Z6eN2

Franklin Tomorrow is on their way to Denver as an finalist! The city’s commitment to civic health is reflected in its stance against hate speech and exclusionary rhetoric. Franklin welcomes civic participation through initiatives like “Breakfast with the Mayors” and the monthly “FrankTalks” forum, while Franklin Tomorrow connects residents and strengthens community engagement.

👉Read more: https://ow.ly/abQo50Z5yGo

We are excited to announce that the City of Conway, SC is an finalist!! The city has transformed its public spaces to strengthen trust and foster belonging. Conway reimagined its downtown through monthlong holiday festivities and community programming, while also investing in infrastructure projects that support both recreation and resilience, including the Riverwalk expansion. The city also promotes youth leadership through the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, which gives students the opportunity to collaborate with city leaders on community challenges.

Conway’s initiatives are rooted in belonging, trust, and civic leadership. Read more: https://ow.ly/E1qy50Z4KYg

City of Chelsea Massachusetts- Gov is headed to Denver as an finalist! Guided by “The Chelsea Way,” the community is building trust through community-centered policing with the Chelsea Police Department and supporting residents through a collaborative food distribution system. The city also invests in youth through the Chelsea Leadership Academy, which reimagines the high school experience for students at risk of dropping out.

Trust, civic health, and youth engagement continue to shape Chelsea’s programs and initiatives. Read more: https://ow.ly/oIj650Z4HKJ

Congrats to City of Bowling Green, KY - Municipal Government for being an finalist! The community is building civic literacy and social capital among young people through the BGKY Ambassador Academy, while also championing civic engagement through one of the nation’s largest interactive digital town halls and the weeklong Duncan Hines Days festival.

Shaped by connection and resilience, Bowling Green–Warren County continues to embrace
hands-on civic learning and community celebration.

Read more: https://ow.ly/k4KJ50Z3p50

Beach balls. Bubbles. And a whole lot of community pride. 🎉

The opening ceremony is back — and this year, we're kicking things off with a conversation you won't want to miss. Shamichael Hallman, Evan Weissman, and Cristin Brawner are joining us to explore how we reimagine civic life to be more joyful and more impactful.

This is just the start of an incredible weekend. Grab your spot to join us in Denver 👇
https://ow.ly/atfn50Z17j2

With: Warm Cookies of the Revolution, Urban Libraries Council, and National Issues Forums Institute