Aurora named an “All-America City”
The city of Aurora was named an All-America City by the National Civic League at its annual competition June 4 - 6.
“We are so proud to be named All-America City by the National Civic League, reported City Manager Ron Miller. This prestigious award recognizes our city’s outstanding partnerships and the valuable accomplishments that benefit the city’s quality of life for all residents. Our citizens represent the finest American attributes of collaboration, resolve and creativity to achieve great results for community betterment. This honor is also a testament to the outstanding, professional employees of the city who contribute so much to making Aurora such a great place to work, live and recreate.”
A delegation of 25 people from Aurora, including a number of school kids, participated in the three day competition and awards ceremony to celebrate the city’s accomplishment. “The original community award, the All-America City Award, is the ‘Oscar’ for communities of all sizes,” noted National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortes. “It recognizes the efforts of entire communities and exemplifies extensive civic engagement.”
The competition required a presentation showcasing two projects that successfully addressed key challenges in the community and one youth project. The Aurora delegation gave a dynamic presentation on the redevelopment of the Fitzsimons Life Science District, the city’s Immigrant Integration Project and the after school program COMPASS-Coalition of Many Providing After School Success.
According to the National Civic League, the All-America City Awards recognize communities for collaboration, inclusiveness, and successful innovation. All-America Cities demonstrate community-wide civic accomplishments, cross-sector cooperation, grassroots participation, and creative approaches to issues.
The benefits of the award include heightened national attention, civic pride, and a proven economic impact. “Quality of life is clearly a deciding factor for companies bringing new jobs to a city,” stated Kim Stuart, Director of Communications for the city of Aurora. “The All-America City title speaks volumes about all Aurora has to offer.” The rigorous application process serves as a valuable civic self-assessment and can make communities stronger.
Other 2008 winners are Goodyear, Arizona, Cerritos, California; New Haven, Connecticut; Kissimmee- Osceola County, Florida; Gladstone, Missouri; Lenoir, North Carolina; Reidsville, North Carolina; Akron, Ohio ; and St. Louis Region (Mo. – Ill.).
Founded in 1894, the National Civic League (NCL) is America's original advocate for good government and community democracy. Originally known as the National Municipal League, it is a non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy. NCL fosters innovative community building, political reform, effective governance and collaborative problem-solving efforts through technical assistance, training, publishing, research and its awards programs.
The following Aurora All-America City Delegation members are available for interviews:
Jill Farnham
720-859-4105
Kathy Nelson
303-601-3938
Michael Bateman
303-739-7932
Miguel Martinez
720-629-2408
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