Politics & Government

Bellevue Picks Up All-America City Award

Bellevue joined nine other cities awarded as an All-America City this year, having only won the prize one other time.

Bellevue is one of 10 U.S. cities honored this year for their community engagement work.
Bellevue is one of 10 U.S. cities honored this year for their community engagement work. (Shutterstock/GeorgeColePhoto)

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue picked up the National Civic League's "All-America City" award this week, joining nine other cities across the nation honored for community engagement 2021. The organization hands out the award each year to award cities that "leverage engagement to build equitable, thriving communities," city officials said. Bellevue has won the award only one other time, all the way back in 1955.

"We are honored to receive this award on behalf of a city that addresses community needs together, with resilience and equity even in the midst of new and unprecedented challenges," said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. "Many of the programs highlighted in our award application were made possible by passionate community partners who share a mutual commitment to the wellbeing and success of all people in Bellevue."

This year's award was based on the theme of "building equitable and resilient communities," and Bellevue's application highlighted the city's Diversity Advantage Initiative, along with partnerships forged with Jubilee REACH, Groceries for Families and the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, officials said. The latter helped to construct the Inspiration Playground at Downtown Park.

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"Bellevue came together to become a more just and equitable community," the National Civic League said. "Bellevue's development of an accessible playground for children of all abilities, commitment to cultural competency and ability to meet residents' needs during the pandemic are just a few reasons it is an All-America City."


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