LTC 161-2018 City of Miami Beach Chosen as a Finalist for All-America City 2018MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTCB 161-2018
LETT ,,' TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of j he City C mission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: March 27, 2018
SUBJECT: City of Miami Beach Chosen as a finalist for AII-America City 2018
I am excited to inform you that the City of Miami Beach was chosen on March 19, 2018 as a
finalist for All -America City (AAC) 2018. A prestigious recognition granted by the National Civic
League, the All -America City designation is only awarded to cities who are leading the nation in
creating equitable opportunities for residents, intentionally involving them in the decision making
and action planning process and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that solve
today's current issues.
The All -America City Award has changed over the years. In the beginning, the winning cities
were often those that demonstrated local government reform and efficiency, as well as
improvements in the city's infrastructure including: housing, public works and education. From
large cities to small communities, today's finalists are an extension of these ground -level efforts,
embodying true diversity in America putting forth community initiatives such as: economic
development; health and social service projects; and race relations and/or equitable
opportunities across different socio-economic and ethnic groups.
The city was evaluated in these areas as well as on its community vision and pride, public
participation, civic engagement, inclusiveness, diversity in staff and leadership, community story,
ability to tackle critical challenges and three community -driven projects.
Congratulations to the Marketing and Communications department who worked diligently to
submit community -driven project essays about Miami Beach in the areas of education, resiliency
and transportation. More broadly, the application provided extensive information, statistics and
personal testaments on the nurse initiative program in public schools, ten-year resiliency plan,
free citywide trolley system, encouragement of sustainable transportation options, affordable
housing program, free tax preparation services, leadership academy, Best Buddies program,
unique community story, diverse and dedication leadership and more.
In order to empower cities to infuse civic engagement in their city planning and visioning,
showcase their culture and diversity and provide opportunities to collaborate with other leading
outstanding cities, the National Civic League invited the city to attend its annual conference in
Denver, Colorado on June 22 to the 24. At the conference, the city will compete against the 19
other finalists including: Springdale, Arkansas; Placentia, California ;Stockton, California;
Longmont, Colorado ;Decatur, Georgia; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Battle Creek, Michigan; Las
Vegas, Nevada; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; Beaverton, Oregon; Allentown,
Pennsylvania; Columbia, South Carolina; Kershaw County, South Carolina; Mount Pleasant,
South Carolina; El Paso, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Pasco, Washington and Tacoma,
Washington.
Winning the AII-America City Award reinvigorates a community's sense of civic pride.
The last time the city was chosen as an AII-America City was in 2002, the first and only time it's
submitted an application. AII-America City winners experience heightened national attention — a
proven boost for the recruitment of industry, jobs and investment to an area. But, perhaps as
important as the tangible benefits of being named an AII-America City are the benefits a
community derives from completing the AII-America City Award application. The application
process presents a unique opportunity for communities to evaluate themselves and foster new
community partnerships. And most importantly, teach and inspire other communities throughout
the nation who are struggling with similar issues and challenges in innovative and collaborative
ways.
Only ten winners will be chosen come June. The city looks forward to engaging the community
and building up momentum as it begins its planning process to lead the nation in yet another
category by becoming an AN -America City for 2018.
Congratulations to the Marketing and Communications department on their hard work in
submitting the application.
JLM/MM/TD