City of Akron Named 2025 All-America City

Akron was recognized as one of ten All-America City Award winners. The National Civic League presented this honor to recognize Akron's community-driven efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and for its civic infrastructure—the network of relationships, partnerships, and capacities driving effective decision-making and problem-solving. This win marks the city’s fourth All-America City award. Akron previously won in 1981, 1995, and most recently in 2008.

Earlier this year, communities from across the country submitted written applications showcasing their efforts to bring people together, create positive change, and build thriving, resilient communities. The field was narrowed to twenty finalists and this week, these finalist communities traveled to Denver, Colorado, where they connected and shared insights with peers, learned from national thought leaders, and presented their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. After careful deliberation, the jury selected ten winning communities, including Akron, OH.

As Akron celebrates its 200th anniversary, the city is embracing a legacy of reinvention rooted in equality, innovation, and community voice. Once the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron has transformed into a hub for environmental sustainability. The Recycle Right Campaign dramatically reduced recycling contamination through hands-on education, creating a model of environmental leadership. Reimagining the Civic Commons reconnects historically divided neighborhoods through parks, trails, and gathering spaces. And with Akron Waterways Renewed, the city combines large-scale infrastructure upgrades with award-winning public engagement to restore the Cuyahoga River, protect public health, and create new opportunities for recreation.  

Learn more about Akron's winning efforts.

Akron was represented by a delegation of city employees, community stakeholders and residents. Organizations and businesses represented included GAR Foundation, County of Summit, Akron Community Foundation, Greater Akron Chamber, Huntington, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Akron Zoo, GOJO, State and Federal Communications, Unify America, METRO Regional Transit Authority, Summit Metro Parks, ArtsNow, Akron Energy Systems, Akron City Council, Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, Keep Akron Beautiful, Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, Akron Urban League, Summit Lake residents, and local students.

The city would like to thank several sponsors including GAR Foundation, Knight Foundation, State and Federal Communications, Greater Akron Chamber, and Akron Energy Systems. The city would also like to acknowledge Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron Zoo, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Akron Coffee Roasters, Lebron James Family Foundation, and Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau for providing giveaways for the civic action fair portion of the competition.

“We are so proud of this recognition at such an important moment during our city’s history,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “As we celebrate our Bicentennial this week, this award gives us a little something extra to celebrate as our city has been named a leader amongst our peers for engagement and sustainability efforts. I especially want to thank Lauren Marsh, Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Emma Lieberth-Osborn, Policy and Grants Strategist, for the incredible work they did in preparing for this competition. It’s the people who call Akron ‘home’ who truly make it such a special place and so this award is for all of us.”

"We are happy to name Akron as a 2025 All-America City,” said Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League. “Through their application and presentation, they showed that they are a national model for engaging residents, businesses, and government stakeholders in the pursuit of environmental goals. Their efforts are creating lasting impacts that reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change while bolstering residents’ well-being. They remind us that communities and our country are strengthened through both individual and collective action."

About the National Civic League

The mission of the National Civic League is to advance inclusive civic engagement and promote innovations in democracy to make decision-making more participatory, equitable, and effective. Founded in 1894 by Teddy Roosevelt and Louis Brandeis, the Civic League championed the democracy innovations of the early 20th Century. Today the League hosts the Center for Democracy Innovation (CDI), which works with communities across the U.S. to understand, test, and disseminate the next generation of civic innovations. The League also maintains the Model City Charter, organizes the All-America City Awards, publishes the National Civic Review, sustains the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map, helps cities measure their civic engagement work, and supports an extensive national network of local elected, appointed, and civic leaders. More information is available on our website, atwww.ncl.org.