(Denver, CO) — Danville has done it again! The city was one of 10 winners Sunday in the competition for the 2024 All-America City Awards, presented by the National Civic League. (cut1).
The designation recognizes communities that show innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to take on critical challenges. Amanda Paez accepted the honor. “Thank you to the National Civic League, the All-American City Committee and to all of our fellow finalists and winners. We have learned so much from you,” Paez told the crowd at Sunday’s award ceremony in Denver, Colorado. “Winning this doesn’t mean that we’re doing everything perfectly, it means we try and recognize ways we can be better, and to find new and innovative ways to address it. When you know better, you do better.”
Danville’s entry focused on the 18-month long PLAN Danville effort to get citizens involved in the process of drawing up the city’s comprehensive plan. They highlighted that in a Saturday work session. “Its not every day that a city throws a block party for their comprehensive plan, but that’s what happened in Danville,” said city media specialist Mark Aron. “Hundreds of community members from every corner of the city converged on North Union Street to share their ideas for the future of our city.”
The All-America City application also highlighted the Police Department’s nearly 40 community engagement programs, the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Heart The Park” campaign, and the Danville School Board’s engagement of youths by adding four student representatives to the board.
Judges were impressed with Danville’s presentation on Saturday, saying it focused on the fun. “I was also impressed in your presentation how you said you were having equal-to-equal communication by consciously moving away from planning jargon,” one judge told the city delegation after their presentation. “It’s an effort to adopt a more friendly and engaging communication style which we call ‘kitchen table talk.'”
That wasn’t the only big news for Danville. The city also won the Civic League’s award for best social media outreach.
“Danville is honored to receive the prestigious 2024 All-America City designation,” said Mayor Alonzo Jones. “Our city is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has a voice in shaping our future. This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit that propels us forward.”
Only ten communities earned All-American City designation. This year’s competition was the first entry from Danville since they were selected as an All-America City in 2020. Danville also won in 1977.
In addition to Danville, nine other cities received the All-America City designation for 2024: Edinburg, TX; High Point, NC; La Marque, TX; Lexington, KY; Monrovia, CA; Newport News, VA; Roanoke, VA; Seattle, WA; and Watkinsville, GA.