Published March 18 2021
Bellevue is among just 20 cities nationwide selected as a finalist for the All-America City Award. The award is hosted annually by the National Civic League to recognize cities that leverage civic engagement to build equitable, thriving communities. The city last won the award in 1955 (see photo at right.)
The 2021 award theme is “Building Equitable and Resilient Communities.” Bellevue’s application detailed the community’s strategic initiatives to become a more equitable community, and efforts to meet profound community needs during the pandemic. Specific program highlights for Bellevue included: Jubilee REACH’s Groceries for Families program to meet ongoing practical needs during the pandemic; the city’s Diversity Advantage Initiative; and the collaborative efforts to fund and build Inspiration Playground in Downtown Park.
The recognition as an All-America City finalist acknowledges the significant work of the community and city staff to live out Bellevue’s City Council vision of a city that welcomes the world.
Bellevue will present the city’s significant civic engagement strengths at the All-America City national conference, to be held virtually June 7-9. All 20 finalists will present their successes toward achieving a more equitable and resilient community and ten cities will be named as All-America City national award winners. Among the other city finalists are Dallas, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Englewood, Colo.; Evanston, Ill., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Richmond, Va. and Spokane, Wash.
The National Civic League has honored 500 cities with the All-America City Award since 1949. The award “recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.” The City of Bellevue won the All-America City Award in 1955, which is commemorated with a photo mural at the entry to Bellevue’s Old Main area.