The National Civic League is accepting applications for the 2023 All-America City Award! The theme for 2023 is " Creating thriving communities through youth engagement."

Since 1949, the National Civic League has designated towns, boroughs, cities, counties, and regions as All-America Cities for their outstanding civic accomplishments. The award, bestowed yearly on 10 communities, recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, nonprofits, academic institutions, businesses, and government leaders.

The 2023 All-America City Award will recognize 10 communities that are working to improve the lives of young people, with particular attention to efforts that engage young people in this work. Democracy thrives when all residents are active and engaged in the policies and decisions that shape their lives. In 2023, the National Civic League is seeking to identify communities that are breaking down barriers to meaningful youth participation and enacting programs that will improve quality of life for youth, and all residents, by extension.

All-America City applicants for 2023 will be asked to demonstrate innovation, impact, equity and inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross sector collaboration by discussing the strength of their civic capital—the formal and informal relationships, networks, and capacities they use to make decisions and solve problems—and to provide examples of community-driven projects/programs that have adapted and transformed the community to be more receptive to youth voices and have addressed their concerns for the future.

Applications are due February 15, 2023. Twenty finalists will be named in March 2023 and will be invited to assemble a community team to present their work at the All-America City Award event in Denver, Colorado, June 9-11, 2023, during which the 10 winners will be selected and announced.  The 2023 award event will be in-person for the first time since 2019 and the league is looking forward to connecting with communities that are exhibiting the best in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

Teams of residents; nonprofit, business, and government leaders; and young people from communities across the country will share insights with peers, learn from national thought-leaders, and present the story of their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. The event culminates with the awards ceremony, recognizing the year’s 10 All-America Cities. The transformational experience equips, inspires, and supports leaders and communities to achieve more than they ever believed possible.

The All-America City Award shines a spotlight on the incredible work taking place in communities across the country. By celebrating the best in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the All-America City Award reminds us of the potential within every community to tackle tough issues and create real change.

For additional information, watch this informational webinar and download the 2023 application.