The National Civic League has announced the finalists for the 2025 All-America City Award, and Statesboro, Georgia, is proud to be among the 20 communities selected to compete for this prestigious honor.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement,” highlights cities, towns, and regions that are tackling environmental challenges while ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping local solutions.
Now in its 75th year, the All-America City Award celebrates communities that demonstrate innovative, collaborative, and impactful approaches to problem-solving. Each year, finalists are selected through a rigorous review process by an independent panel of civic experts.
“I am so proud of our city,” says Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “We have a lot of exciting and innovative projects happening in our community, and it’s great to be recognized on the national stage for the work we’re doing right here in Statesboro.”
Applications are judged based on criteria including shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and measurable results.
“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.”
Statesboro joins a list of twenty outstanding communities including Austin, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Seattle, Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; and the Western Riverside Region of California.
Spanning twelve states and ranging in population from 11,000 to nearly one million residents, these communities demonstrate a shared commitment to environmental progress, civic empowerment, and collaborative problem-solving.
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
Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities applied to the competition on behalf of the City of Statesboro. Research Assistant Edie Grace Grice has overseen the All-America City application process with the support of Dr. Candice Bodkin, Co-Director of the Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities.
Edie Grice, a lifelong resident, VOAD board member, and Master of Public Administration student at Georgia Southern University. Grice also serves as a research assistant with the university’s Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities, where she supports community-focused initiatives and civic research.
Her leadership and local insight are instrumental as Statesboro prepares to share its story on the national stage.
“As a lifelong local, I’m incredibly honored to lead this effort for the community I love,” says Edie Grace Grice. “Statesboro has shaped who I am, and it’s a privilege to help share our story with the nation.”
Since being named a finalist community, the Vibrant and Engaged Communities team has been working with the City of Statesboro to put together a pitch presentation for the All-America final competition to be held this June in Denver, Colorado.
Finalist communities will come together in Denver, Colorado from June 27–29, 2025, for the All-America City Award Event and Competition. Each team—comprised of residents, nonprofits, business leaders, youth, and government officials—will present their efforts to a panel of nationally recognized civic leaders.
The event will also include workshops, peer learning sessions, and networking opportunities to support the exchange of ideas and best practices across communities.
The event will conclude with a closing ceremony where the 2025 All-America City Award winners will be announced.
To learn more about the award and previous winners, visit:
www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award
