Recognizing Communities Advancing Environmental Sustainability: The 2025 All-America City Award

The 2025 All-America City Award by the National Civic League celebrates communities excelling in innovation, collaboration, and civic engagement, with this year’s focus on environmental sustainability and resilience. Applicants must highlight their civic capital and showcase three community-driven initiatives, at least one addressing the 2025 theme. The process includes submitting a Letter of Intent by December 30, 2024, to access reduced fees and support, with final applications due February 27, 2025. Twenty finalists will present their efforts at a three-day event in Denver, CO, culminating in the recognition of 10 winning communities for their transformative impact. Read the blog post below and learn more here! 

---

---

Release: Apply Now for the 2025 All-America City Award

About the All-America City Award
The National Civic League invites you to apply for the 2025 All-America City Award, the nation’s most prestigious community recognition. This award, now in its 76th year, offers a moment for reflection, celebration, and recognition.

2025 Theme
As communities grapple with the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the 2025 All-America City Award will recognize the pivotal role that community engagement plays in advancing environmental sustainability and resilience.

AAC applicants will need to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through meaningful community engagement initiatives. Whether through conservation projects, renewable energy initiatives, waste reduction efforts, or green infrastructure developments, applicants should exemplify the spirit of collaboration and civic responsibility necessary to meet the moment.

The 2025 All-America City application will ask applicants to discuss the strength of their civic capital—the formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities they use to make decisions and solve problems—and to provide examples of three community-driven programs that have adapted and transformed the community. At least one of these efforts must be focused on the 2025 theme: Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement.  

Application Process
The All-America City Award application process offers a unique opportunity to bring local groups together, highlight the people and programs that make your community equitable and thriving, and showcase your efforts on a national stage.

The process consists of two stages:

• Stage One: Letter of Intent (LOI) and Application Submission
  • Communities begin the process by submitting an optional Letter of Intent (LOI) by December 30, 2024. While not required, the LOI reduces the application fee from $250 to $150 and provides access to additional support, including one-on-one guidance and mentor pairing. The final application, due by February 27, 2025, should detail your community’s initiatives aligned with the 2025 theme and highlight the strength of your civic capital. Applications often reflect the leadership of diverse stakeholders, including local government, schools, nonprofits, community foundations, libraries, chambers of commerce, and youth organizations.
• Stage Two: Finalist Event and Presentation 
  • From the applications, 20 finalists will be selected and invited to participate in a three-day event in Denver, CO, June 27–29, 2025. During this event, finalists will present their initiatives to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. The event concludes with the announcement of the 10 winning communities at the closing ceremony, honoring them with the prestigious All-America City Award. 

​The All-America City Experience is truly one-of-a-kind, forging enduring connections with fellow participants from coast to coast, providing in-depth learning opportunities, and immersing attendees in fun, energizing events! Begin your community’s application today to become a 2025 All-America City! 

Learn more at: www.nationalcivicleague.org/America-City-Award/​