The City of Evanston has been recognized as a 2021 “All-America City” by the National Civic League. The annual award recognizes 10 U.S. cities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation to successfully address local issues. This year’s theme was “Building Equitable and Resilient Communities.”
In making the award to Evanston, the National Civic League highlighted the City’s historic effort to initiate the nation’s first Local Reparations Program, development of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, and launch of the Evanston Care Network, a one-stop shop for community resources.
“I’m proud of our collective efforts on urgent issues, including repairing harm done by racial discrimination, ensuring equitable access to resources, and providing workforce development and career opportunities for our youth,” said Mayor Daniel Biss. “Thank you to the National Civic League for recognizing those efforts. This award is an exciting reminder of the remarkable energy and talent present in our community – including residents, City staff, and partner organizations, all of whom work together to make Evanston more equitable, inclusive, and resilient.”
Other 2021 All-America Cities include Bellevue, WA; Carlisle, PA; El Paso, TX; Fort Wayne, IN; Kansas City, MO; Livermore, CA; Miramar, FL; Morrisville, NC; and Wheat Ridge, CO.
“We are happy to designate Evanston as an All-America City. They showed us through their application and presentation that they do a great job of engaging the entire community to build equity and resilience,” said Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League.
Since 1949, the National Civic League has recognized and celebrated the best in American civic innovation with the prestigious All-America City Award. The Award, bestowed yearly on 10 communities (more than 500 in all) recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses, and nonprofit and government leaders.