What makes an All-America City? In Chandler, it’s teens working together to tackle a growing concern affecting their community. It’s a center that provides free medical care to Chandler’s most needy. And, it’s a campus of leisure and environmental facilities that address a number of city needs and wants.
Winning the All-America City award means much to me personally, but it is something the entire community can take great pride in.
It validates that the work done here in Chandler truly makes a difference in the lives of our residents, day in and day out.
Now in its 61st year, the All-America City Award recognizes exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and is awarded to communities of all sizes that collaboratively tackle challenges and achieve results.
Hundreds of communities participate in the extensive application process each year, overseen by National Civic League. This year, 25 cities, towns and counties went to Kansas City, Mo., as finalists to vie to become one of 10 All-America Cities. Applications must address two community challenges and highlight three programs that, in part, address those challenges.
A national jury of experts heard the presentations, questioned delegates and deliberated for hours before deciding on the winning cities. It was an incredible experience to sit in on the presentations and see the many great programs being administered throughout the country.
From towns as small as Riverside, Mo. (pop. 2,979) to cities like El Paso, Texas, (742,062), people came together to learn and celebrate what makes this country – and its people—so special.
It was great to be able to tell our story to the judges and to the more than 800 delegates in attendance. Chandler’s projects included the Chandler Coalition on Youth Substance Abuse, created by the teen peer leaders of ICAN. The group targeted underage drinking in Chandler’s redevelopment area and made real progress in reducing alcohol sold to minors, adults willing to buy alcohol for minors and alcohol-related signage at retail establishments.
Chandler CARE Center was the second program presented. Located at Galveston Elementary School, the center utilizes the volunteer services of a number of professionals to provide free medical and dental care to children in Chandler.
Finally, the Chandler Heights Facilities that include a police substation, wetlands preserve, urban fishing lake and Environmental Education Center showcased Chandler’s passion for the environment and ability to work across department lines to bring great amenities to the residents of the area.
I want to thank the delegation for its work during an intensive three-day presentation process, as well as all the time spent rehearsing our presentation to the judges. The residents who participated were thrilled to be able to represent the community in this historic first for the City of Chandler.
I also want to thank our generous sponsors who helped defray the costs of the trip.
They include:
Cox Communications, 360 Vantage, Rockefeller Group Development Corporation, Carollo Engineers, Chandler Regional Medical Center, J2 Engineering & Environmental Services, Chapman Automotive Group, First Credit Union, Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, Achen Gardner, The Smith Group, Chandler Kiwanis Club, Westcor, the SanTan Sun News and Wrangler News.
The programs we presented in Kansas City are making real differences in people’s lives. And the partnerships, the collaboration, the sharing of community resources are what make Chandler such a great place to live. We truly are–and will always be–an All-America City.
Editor’s note: For more than 60 years, National Civic League has thoughtfully analyzed the accomplishments of cities and towns around the nation, recognizing those whose citizens have worked together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon goals. The result of the judges’ painstaking review is the coveted All-America City Award, bestowed each year on only 10 of hundreds of applicants, which this year included Chandler. In the following column, Mayor Boyd Dunn summarizes the events that led to this year’s award and says why all Chandler residents should share in the joy of winning.
