DENVER, CO. (WTXL) -- Judges from the National Civic League named Tallahassee as one of the ten cities to win the prestigious All-America City (AAC) award.
"For those of us who call Tallahassee home, the All-America City award validates what we've known for so long – that we have one of the greatest cities in all of America," Mayor Andrew Gillum said. "Everyone in Tallahassee should be proud, because winning this award is the result of the entire community working together to address our challenges and reach for even higher heights."
From the City of Tallhassee
Tallahassee's three projects that were submitted as a major part of the application for the All-America City award included Cascades Park, Distinguished Young Gentlemen (DYG) and Neighborhood Reach. Cascades Park is a 24-acre, state-of-the-art stormwater management facility that is cleverly disguised as a world-class park in the heart of downtown Tallahassee. DYG is a Tallahassee-based, non-profit entity fully committed to addressing the multi-dimensional challenges that affect young African-American males in today's culture. Neighborhood REACH is a collaborative, holistic initiative that brings together a variety of City and community services focused on improving the quality of life within Tallahassee's traditionally low-income and older neighborhoods.
"We were proud to represent," said Hasani Myers, President of the Leon Chapter of the Distinguished Young Gentlemen. "Being a part of the delegation has been awesome and we are excited to bring the All-America City award home to Tallahassee with us."
Tallahassee's entry was spearheaded by a steering committee composed of community leaders from various governmental agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations and educational and cultural institutions, and coordinated by the City of Tallahassee.
Other cities selected as 2015 All-America Cities include Carson, CA; Salinas, CA; Stockton, CA; Somerville, MA; Tupelo, MS; Geneva, NY; Marshall, TX; Spokane, WA; and Yakima, WA.
There are a number of benefits to those cities that receive the All-America City award, including national prominence and media attention that frequently leads to improved economic development opportunities. Winning cities also point to a renewed sense of self-esteem in the community, as businesses, individuals and organizations all develop a strong feeling of civic pride and confidence.
"The prestigious award and recognition of Tallahassee as a 2015 All-America City confirms that by investing in our citizens, neighborhoods and businesses, we're creating a strong foundation for a more vibrant economy," said Sue Dick, President for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County.
To celebrate Tallahassee's win, a community celebration will be held in the near future. Share why you believe Tallahassee is an All-America City on social media using #TallyAAC15.
For more information about the National Civic League (NCL) and the All-America City Award, please visit www.nationalcivicleague.org or contact Mike McGrath with the NCL at mikem@ncl.org or (303) 571-4343.
