The City of Petersburg has been recognized as a finalist for the 2015 All-American City Award by the National Civic League. Given by the National Civic League to 10 communities each year, the award celebrates and recognizes communities that have engaged residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges.
“The City of Petersburg is excited and honored by this recognition,” comments City Manager William E. Johnson, III. “This is a result of the hard work we do in our community and will be an opportunity to showcase our city on a national level.”
The focus of this year’s All-America City Award is on community efforts to engage and support vulnerable young men and boys. Petersburg submitted three community-driven projects to be selected as a finalist, including: Concerned Black Men of Petersburg, Inc., Parks and Leisure Services Summer Program and Petersburg Freedom Support Center.
A team representing the City of Petersburg will join residents; nonprofit, business, and government leaders; and young people from the 15 other finalist communities in Denver from June 12-14. The event gives finalist communities the chance to connect and share insights with other innovative communities and a chance to learn from national leaders in the field of civic engagement and innovation. Each community will then present the story of their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. The event is every bit as much about learning and networking as it is about competing for the coveted All-America City title.
2015 All-America City Finalist communities are Marana, Arizona; Carson, California; Salinas, California; Stockton, California; North Lauderdale, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Tallahassee, Florida; Quincy, Illinois; Somerville, Massachusetts; Tupelo, Mississippi; Geneva, New York; Asheboro, North Carolina; Marshall, Texas; Petersburg, Virginia; Spokane, Washington; and Yakima, Washington.
“At a time when the challenges facing our communities can seem overwhelming, places like Petersburg, Virginia are a critical reminder of the good work being done all across the country,” said Gloria Rubio-Cortes, President of the National Civic League. “It’s an example of what’s possible when local government, business, nonprofits and residents come together to solve problems. That’s why I am proud to announce that Petersburg, Virginia has been selected as a finalist for the 2015 All-America City Award.”
For more information on City services, news and information, please visit: www.PetersburgVA.gov.
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About The All-America City Award
Since 1949, the National Civic League (NCL) has recognized and celebrated the best in American civic innovation with the prestigious All-America City Award (AAC). The Award, bestowed yearly on 10 communities (more than 650 in all), recognizes trail-blazing efforts to bring residents, local government, business and nonprofit groups together to tackle the most pressing local issues.