DENVER, Colorado — Wednesday night, Mason City was designated one of 10 cities in the United Sates and the only city in Iowa to be a runner up for the “All-America City Award”.
“Mason City is honored to be a finalist,” said Mayor Bill Schickel. “A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
“Congratulations to the winners. We will learn from them and plan to be among them next year.”
A team of Mason City residents, business representatives and government officials made a final presentation earlier in the day to the annual meeting of the National Civic League. It was the final step in Mason City’s nomination to receive the 2020 All-America City Award.
The award recognizes the work of communities in using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create stronger connections among residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders. Since the program’s inception in 1949, some 500 communities nationwide have been named All-America Cities.
“All-America City finalists and winners find it easier to attract and retain businesses that generate jobs and a stronger tax base,” said City Administrator Aaron Burnett. “They also attract and retain residents who want a healthy community.
Finalists and winners also have seen an increase in tourism and grants.”
Previous Iowa winners include Dubuque, Ames and Des Moines.
The league noted Mason City’s River City Renaissance Project and the downtown revitalization it has stimulated, the “Make Mason City Sparkle” campaign where volunteers are working on tree planting, flower bed improvements and river cleanup, along with the community’s “Healthy Choices” initiative.