While Statesboro did not bring home a win, the delegation of nearly 40 community leaders, students and citizens traveled to Denver, Colorado this weekend to showcase our community spirit and ground-breaking initiatives on a national stage as it competed to be named by the National Civic League as an All-America City. The city was named as one of 20 finalist communities selected nationwide for their commitment to civic engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving.
“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.”
Statesboro's presentation begins at 2:16:44
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. 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. This year, Statesboro, Georgia, has distinguished itself as one of the top 20 applicants for the All-America City Award.
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.
“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. The delegation shared what makes Statesboro one of a kind.
All-America 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. The following All-America finalist communities distinguished themselves through their commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability, using inclusive community engagement to create lasting, impactful solutions. The winners are highlghted in bold:
- 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
The 20 finalist communities, spanning 12 states, range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. Despite their differences, they share a commitment to empowering residents, fostering civic engagement, and ensuring meaningful participation in local decision-making.
