I Knew There Was a Reason We Lived Here

Lenexa is named finalist for 2010 All-America City Award Lenexa has been named a finalist for the 2010 All-America City Award in recognition of its outstanding civic accomplishments and community involvement. Given annually by the National Civic League, the All-America City Award is the oldest and most prestigious civic recognition award in the country. Criteria for the award include innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross sector collaboration to address pressing local challenges. Lenexa was one of 27 communities from across the country chosen as finalists. “We are honored to be included on such an impressive list of finalists for the 2010 All-America City Award,” said Mayor Mike Boehm. “Through our many festivals and community events Lenexa has maintained the atmosphere of a small town while having access to the amenities associated with being a suburban community in a major metropolitan area. We are very fortunate to have an engaged and supportive citizenry, an active business community, and strong civic and religious organizations all working together to address daily challenges without losing our focus on the future.” To become a finalist, each community completed an application describing three projects that address community challenges. Each of the finalists will send a delegation to the national conference in Kansas City in June to present their stories of positive community change to a jury of civic experts. From this group of finalists, 10 communities will be chosen as the winners of the 2010 All-America City Award, which will be announced on June 18. “These are some of the most innovative communities in the country,” notes National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortes. “They give us hope and inspiration and teach us important lessons about leveraging the civic energy of ordinary people to address difficult challenges during some very tough economic times.” In addition to Lenexa, other finalists are as follows: Chandler, AZ; Bentonville, AR; Dublin, CA; Lynwood, CA; Rancho Cordova, CA; Vernon Central (neighborhood) CA; Miami Lakes, FL; North Miami. FL; Acworth, GA; Belleville, IL; Canton, IL; Noblesville, IN; Des Moines, IA; Scott County, KS; Bowling Green, KY; Salisbury, MD; Ferguson, MO; Riverside, MO; Lynbrook, NY; Gastonia, NC; West Chester, OH; Wyoming, OH; Mount Pleasant, SC; El Paso, TX; Abingdon, VA; Middleton, Wisconsin. The National Civic League is a 116-year-old nonpartisan nonprofit organization that strengthens democracy by increasing the capacity of the nation’s people to fully participate in and build healthy and prosperous communities across America.