Tallahassee Shines Again: Third All-America City Title Awarded!

Tallahassee, Florida, USA - Tallahassee has made a remarkable stride by being named an All-America City for the third time, an accolade that speaks volumes about its vibrant community and commitment to progress. The city received this prestigious title on June 30, 2025, during a ceremony held in Denver, Colorado, where it stood out among ten distinguished cities across the United States this year. Previous honors were awarded in 1999 and 2015, showcasing Tallahassee’s sustained dedication to civic engagement and innovation.

The recognition comes from the National Civic League, a non-profit organization that honors municipalities for excellence in community-focused efforts. This year’s theme emphasized engaging communities in enhancing environmental sustainability, a vital issue that resonates deeply in contemporary society. Tallahassee impressed the jury with its Clean Energy Plan, which aims to achieve 100% clean, renewable energy by the year 2050. This ambitious goal is pursued through collaborative partnerships with local universities and non-profit organizations, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to energy and environmental concerns.

A Celebration of Community Efforts

A sizable delegation from Tallahassee attended the award ceremony, celebrating the city’s achievements as they were announced. Mayor John Dailey, who expressed immense pride in the honor, also took the moment to thank the city staff and commissioners whose hard work and commitment have made such distinctions possible. “While we celebrate this recognition, we know there’s more work to be done,” Mayor Dailey emphasized, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve the community.

The city also received recognition for its robust social media presence, a testament to its efforts in fostering civic engagement and building a strong community identity. The awards underscore how local governments can harness the power of collaboration and communication in addressing pressing societal issues.

Commitment to Underrepresented Communities

Part of what set Tallahassee apart was its Southside Community Action Plan, which is dedicated to investing in housing and infrastructure in historically under-invested neighborhoods. By focusing on these areas, the city aims to enhance access to green spaces and outdoor areas, further reflecting its commitment to inclusiveness and equity.

In addition to these efforts, the city is working on developing parks to improve community access to nature. This highlights a broader understanding that environmental sustainability goes hand in hand with social equity. The city is not just pushing forward with energy plans; it is also ensuring that all neighborhoods benefit from the fruits of such labor.

The Road Ahead

Looking into the future, the application deadline for next year’s All-America City Award is set for March 6, 2025. The 2025 award will continue to focus on community engagement in advancing environmental sustainability. As climate change presents pressing challenges that require equitable actions, communities like Tallahassee are building on their foundations of innovation and cross-sector collaboration to meet these needs.

As Tallahassee gears up for a city-wide celebration of this achievement, it stands as a shining example of how vibrant community involvement complemented by strategic planning can yield significant rewards. “There’s something to be said for it,” says Mayor Dailey, as he prepares to run for a third term in 2026, reflecting on how this accolade could influence his campaign and the future trajectory of the city.

With its sights set on the next chapter, Tallahassee represents the kind of dynamic community that other cities can aspire to be—a place where residents actively engage, innovate, and work together towards a sustainable future. Let’s keep cheering for Tallahassee as it continues on this promising path!

For more details on this recognition, you can read about it on WTXL and WFSU. Additionally, the National Civic League provides insights into the criteria that make cities like Tallahassee shine in this competitive environment.