The National Civic League has announced Carrboro as one of the 20 finalists for the prestigious All-America City Award. This recognition highlights Carrboro’s commitment to strengthening democracy through local action and innovation. 

"Communities thrive when all residents have a voice in the policies and decisions that shape their lives,” said Doug Linkhart, president of the National Civic League. “This year’s finalists are leading the way by removing barriers to participation and implementing programs that foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusive engagement." 

“We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the All-America City Award,” said Town Manager Patrice Toney “Carrboro’s inclusion among the finalists underscores the town’s commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, using inclusive community engagement to create lasting, impactful solutions.”

The 20 finalist communities, spanning 12 states, range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. Despite their differences, says the National Civic League, they share a commitment to empowering residents, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring meaningful participation in local decision-making.

About the All-America City Award

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. 

The award theme this year is “Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement.” 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. 

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.

The next stage of the competition is the All-America City Award Event June 27-29 in Denver where cities will present their stories of success and showcase the impact of their initiatives. The jury will select 10 winners, which will be announced during the closing ceremony.

Learn more at https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/2025-all-america-city-finalists/