The City of Evanston has been recognized as a 2021 “All-America City” by the National Civic League.
The annual award recognizes 10 U.S. cities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues. This year’s theme was “Building Equitable and Resilient Communities.”
The league highlighted Evanston’s effort to launch the nation’s first local reparations program, development of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and launch of the Evanston Care Network, a one-stop shop for community resources.
“I’m proud of our collective efforts on urgent issues, including repairing harm done by racial discrimination, ensuring equitable access to resources and providing workforce development and career opportunities for our youth,” said Mayor Daniel Biss. “This award is an exciting reminder of the remarkable energy and talent present in our community — including residents, city staff and partner organizations” that work together to make Evanston more equitable, inclusive and resilient.
Other 2021 All-America Cities include Bellevue, Washington; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; El Paso, Texas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Livermore, California; Miramar, Florida; Morrisville, North Carolina, and Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
Doug Linkhart, president of National Civic League, said Evanston “showed us through their application and presentation that they do a great job of engaging the entire community to build equity and resilience.”
The award has been issued annually since 1949 and more than 500 communities have received the award over the years.