(photo by Lily Campbell/courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)

The city of West Hollywood has been honored with the prestigious National Civic League All-America City Award, given annually to 10 communities throughout the country. 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.

The All-America City Award was presented on June 23 at the National Civic League’s three-day conference in Denver. The conference provided city employees with opportunities to connect and share insights with peers, learn from national leaders and present their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. Twenty cities were invited to take part in the All-America City Competition and were represented by teams of residents, business leaders, nonprofit representatives and municipal employees.

“It’s not a surprise to me that West Hollywood took home an All-America City Award,” West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico said. “West Hollywood continues to build a strong culture of engagement among residents, staff and the city council. Our commitment to outreach to everyone, including populations historically left out of decision-making, and to authentic communication programs means meaningful governing can and does happen. The city recognizes the importance of leveraging civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues and we will continue to implement new programs and protocols to further strengthen and deepen our commitment to creating a city responsive to the needs of the community.”

The award reflects West Hollywood’s commitment to engaging community members. The city has multiple boards, commissions and task forces that strive to engage seniors, women, people living with HIV, transgender individuals, the gay and lesbian community and low-income residents.

The All-America City Award represents the city’s implementation of programs engaging the Russian-speaking population, the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival and the West Hollywood Homeless Initiative.

For information, call (323)848-6831, email lcampbell@weho.org or visit weho.org.