Wichita named All-America City

The City of Wichita has been named an All-America City for 2019.

Wichita competed against 19 other finalist cities in the National Civic League competition over the weekend in Denver.

The city says the All-America City Award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues.

“This award memorializes the great projects we can develop when we bring together citizens, businesses, governments and non-profits,” said Mayor Jeff Longwell in a press release. ”At the end of the day, our entire community benefits from the collaborative effort.”

Cities were judged on the merits of three local projects that focused on creating healthy communities through civic engagement, a 10-minute presentation that showcased the projects and a 10-minute question-and-answer segment.

Wichita’s presentation was a parody of “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” The Wichita skit highlighted the inclusive collaboration that produced League 42, the work of the Health and Wellness Coalition to address barriers to healthy foods, and WPD’s efforts to strengthen community bonds and build relationships.

This is the fifth time Wichita has been named an All-America City. Wichita previously claimed the AAC honor in 1961, 1993, 1999 and 2009.

Ten communities receive the award each year.