The City of Akron’s seal may soon need an update as it competes to be named a National Civic League All-America City for a fourth time.
The 125-year-old nonprofit agency named Akron a finalist for this year’s All-America City Award. Cohorts from Akron and the 19 other finalist cities will head to Denver in June to vie for the All-America City designation. A committee will give half of them the designation based on “excellence in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.”
While there are no direct financial awards for winners, some view it as a boon to their city’s prestige and reputation. The City of Akron’s official seal prominently highlights “All-America City” and the years 1981, 1995 and 2008, when it was previously awarded the designation. If Akron wins it this year, city spokesperson Stephanie Marsh said it’s likely the mayor’s office will seek City Council legislation to include 2025 on the seal.
“The biggest benefit to Akron historically has been the national recognition that comes with the award, as well as developing deeper connections to a national network of other finalists and winners and the pride it brings to the community because of the recognition,” Marsh said in an email to Signal Akron. “We’re excited to be in this group of finalists with the likes of cities like Austin, Seattle, Denver, Memphis and others.”
Akron is the only city in Ohio or the Midwest to be nominated this year.
The 20 finalists “were selected through a rigorous review process led by an external committee of experts,” according to the National Civic League website, and each “demonstrated exceptional civic capital and a commitment to strengthening environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement. These cities and regions are being recognized for their ability to bring people together, create positive change, and build thriving, resilient communities.”
The team from Akron that will travel to Denver from June 27-29 will pitch the city to a “jury of nationally recognized civic leaders,” who will select the winners. Marsh said historically, the city has covered the travel expenses for attendees, and this year’s cohort has not yet been determined.