The City of Statesboro will showcase its community spirit on a national stage this weekend in the National Civic League's All-America City competition in Denver, Colorado. 

The city is among 20 finalist communities selected nationwide for their commitment to civic engagement, collaboration and problem-solving, according to a release from the city.

"I am so proud of our city," Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar said. "We have a lot of exciting and innovative projects happening in our community, and it's great to be recognized on the national stage for the work we're doing right here in Statesboro."

For more than 75 years, the National Civic League's All-America City Award has celebrated civic innovation in recognizing communities that "harness the power of local collaboration to drive meaningful change."

Each year, cities, towns, counties, and regions nationwide apply for the recognition, showcasing how their civic capital — relationships, networks and capacities that enable problem-solving and resilience — fuels progress, the release stated. 

Georgia Southern University's Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities applied to the competition on behalf of the city. According to the release, Research Assistant Edie Grace Grice has overseen the All-America City application process with the support of Dr. Candice Bodkin, co-director of the Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities. 

"As a lifelong local, I'm incredibly honored to lead this effort for the community I love," Grice said. "Statesboro has shaped who I am, and it's a privilege to help share our story with the nation."

Since being named a finalist community, the Vibrant and Engaged Communities team has worked with the city to put together a pitch presentation for the All-America final competition. 

A delegation of about 30 people, comprised of community advocates, local youth, elected officials and government staff will travel to Denver for the presentation.

All-America finalists were chosen through a review process by an independent panel of experts, with each application evaluated on the criteria of shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation and impact.  

Along with Statesboro, the following All-America finalist communities were selected:

• Akron, Ohio
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Austin, Texas
• Carrboro, North Carolina
• Chelsea, Massachusetts
• Delray Beach, Florida
• Denver, Colorado
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Hampton, Virginia
• Jacksonville, North Carolina
• Kinston, North Carolina
• Leominster, Massachusetts
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Petaluma, California
• Port St. Lucie, Florida
• Seattle, Washington
• Snyder, Texas
• Tallahassee, Florida
• Western Riverside Region, California

The 20 finalist communities, spanning 12 states, range in size from 11,000 residents to nearly one million. 

For more about the 2025 AAC Award, click here.