In 1996, the City of Dubuque applied to the National Civic League to be recognized as an All-America City.  A relative newcomer to the city council at that time, I recall the excitement of Dubuque being announced as one of the 30 finalists! That year, however, Dubuque was not selected as an All-America City.But, as Dubuque citizens have demonstrated time and time again, we are a “can do” city, even being so acknowledged by former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack!  Over this past year plus, I was privileged to be engaged in renewed conversations about the potential for this heralded civic recognition. Enthusiasm took hold, community leaders jumped on board, coordination and leadership was provided by Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser, and the city submitted its application a second time.The All-America City Award honors the nation’s communities who demonstrate the ability to work together across all sectors to address some of today’s most critical challenges. According to the National Civic League, villages, towns, cities, counties, and regions compete for this honor by spotlighting models of successfully addressing problems with the members of their community rather than attempting to do it for them.  By creating true public investment in change in this way, these communities are redefining how citizens participate in democratic processes.  After an extensive application/screening process, Dubuque was again named as one of 30 cities selected as a finalist. Next, each finalist community sent a delegation to the National Civic League’s All-America City Awards and Innovations Forum in Anaheim, California, where they presented three examples of collaborative community problem solving.  Each finalist community was required to give a 10-minute presentation and answer questions from a jury of national business, government, philanthropic, and nonprofit leaders.  Ultimately, the top 10 communities were selected.  
       
The Dubuque application outlined the community’s successful visioning and implementation initiatives, including Envision 2010. The following projects were focused on in Anaheim: 1) sustainable design and riverfront development; 2) downtown revitalization and redevelopment; and 3) the Crescent Community Health Center.
   
On Friday evening, June 8, I received the much anticipated call from Cindy Steinhauser who led the 30 member Dubuque delegation to Anaheim … just two words, “WE WON!” The timing was impeccable, as I was able to make it to the stage just as the America’s River Festival Randy Travis concert was ending to share this special announcement with the thousands of citizens in attendance!  As I said to all of them, “This is your award! Everyone in the community is to be congratulated for their willingness to stand up and step forward to collaboratively solve issues important to our city’s progress. All of you have earned this Nobel Prize for constructive citizenship!”Yes, Dubuque is indeed honored and elated to be named an All-America City, and to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the many remarkable volunteers, agencies and organizations that put service above self to turn challenges into opportunities for community growth and progress.  And, this unique recognition will continue to pay dividends for our community in the areas of economic development, population growth and tourism!This award, simply stated, pays tribute to the very real spirit of collaboration and tradition of partnerships that have become the hallmark of Dubuque’s vision and success!  Congratulations, Dubuque … our All America City!