Memphis has been named a finalist for the All-America City Award by the National Civic League
MEMPHIS, Tenn. May 21, 2025 — Memphis has been selected as one of twenty finalists for the 2025 All America City Award. A delegation of local civic, nonprofit, and community leaders will represent Memphis, TN on the national stage this summer to compete for the title at the All-America City Award Event, hosted in Denver, CO June 27-29. For over 75 years, the National Civic League’s All-America City Award has highlighted and celebrated outstanding civic innovation, recognizing communities that harness the power of local collaboration to drive meaningful change. Each year, cities, towns, counties, and regions nationwide apply for this prestigious recognition, showcasing how their civic capital—the relationships, networks, and capacities that enable problem-solving and resilience—fuels progress.
“Communities thrive when all residents have a voice in the policies and decisions that shape their lives. This year’s finalists are leading the way by removing barriers to participation and implementing programs that foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusive engagement.” -Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League
This year’s twenty finalists have distinguished themselves through their commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, using inclusive community engagement to create lasting, impactful solutions. Finalists were chosen through a competitive review process led by an independent panel of experts, with each application evaluated on the criteria of shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. Now, these outstanding communities are preparing for the next stage of the competition—the All-America City Award Event in Denver this June, where they will present their stories of success and showcase the impact of their initiatives.
Congratulations, 2025 Finalists!
These communities will compete in June for the title of All-America City!
Akron, Ohio
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Austin, Texas
Carrboro, North Carolina
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Delray Beach, Florida
Denver, Colorado
Fort Collins, Colorado
Hampton, Virginia
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Kinston, North Carolina
Leominster, Massachusetts
Memphis, Tennessee
Petaluma, California
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Seattle, Washington
Snyder, Texas
Statesboro, Georgia
Tallahassee, Florida
Western Riverside Region, California
At the AAC Award Event, a delegation of Memphis-area leaders and residents will showcase success stories of how organizations from City Hall to grassroots community groups are fostering climate resilience and community well-being. Highlighted projects include Memphis’ ten-year history of resident-informed planning and development through Memphis 3.0, workforce programs like the BDC Business Hub and Moore Tech that create new jobs in the green economy, and efforts to improve the safety and health of our communities through organizations like Young, Gifted & Green, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, and the over 20 other partners who represent Memphis’ Green and Healthy Homes Initiative.
“Being named a finalist for the All-America City Award is a powerful affirmation of the work we’re doing to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Memphis,” stated Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “From neighborhood leaders to nonprofit partners and city departments, this recognition reflects the collective spirit that drives our city forward. We’re proud to represent Memphis on the national stage, and even prouder of the progress we’ve made by working together to create a better future for all our residents.”
All-America City Award winners retain the title in perpetuity, joining the ranks of over 500 communities who have earned this designation since its inception in 1949. Memphis area individuals, businesses, and nonprofits are invited to participate by sponsoring or joining the Memphis delegation at the AAC Award Event. Attendees will be immersed in a dynamic program featuring workshops, panel discussions, and peer learning sessions led by national thought leaders and practitioners. To join or support Memphis’ delegation at this event, contact the Memphis i-team.
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Learn About Past Winners: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/past-winners/
About the organization: For more than 120 years, the National Civic League has worked to advance good governance and civic engagement to create inclusive, thriving communities. We achieve this by inspiring, supporting, and recognizing equitable approaches to community decision-making. Through its signature effort, the All-America City Award and its work on racial healing, sustainability, health equity and fiscal sustainability, NCL supports cities to create a better, more equitable and inclusive future.
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