By Mark Scott
Kansas City, MO – The Buffalo Niagara Region is once again an All America city.
The region was one of ten recipients of the annual award given by the National Civic League. The award recognizes civic excellence.
The City of Buffalo was last named an All America City in 1996.
Since the program began in 1949, more than 4,000 communities (neighborhoods, cities, towns, counties, and regions) have competed and nearly 500 communities have been named All-America Cities.
Delegations comprised of government officials, neighborhood activists, business leaders and volunteers from each of the 30 AAC Finalist communities traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in hearings before the 10-member All-America City Jury. Following extraordinary presentations from each community, the 10 All-America Cities were announced Saturday evening.
“These All-America Cities symbolize the backbone of our nation – the ability of citizens, government, businesses and nonprofit organizations to come together, effectively address their local issues, and produce tangible results,” said Christopher Gates, president of the National Civic League. “The accomplishments of these 10 All-America Cities serve as an inspiration to communities across the United States that are facing similar challenges.”
This year’s AAC Finalists developed innovative programs and local solutions addressing current national issues including crime, education, poverty, cultural diversity, and the environment.
Buffalo was cited for Computers for Children, the Materials Reuse Project and the State of the Region report.
"Buffalo Niagara is truly an All-America region," said Erie County Executive Joel Giambra. "We are elated that the National Civic League has recognized what we knew all along."