City of Stow Named Top 20 Finalist for Prestigious All-America City Award

The City of Stow has been named one of just 20 finalists nationwide for the 2026 All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League—one of the most prestigious honors a community can receive. This year’s award recognizes communities that are strengthening civic health and building trust through inclusive engagement, collaboration, and innovative approaches to local challenges. Finalists were selected through a competitive, expert-led review process evaluating each community’s impact, civic engagement, inclusiveness, and shared vision for the future. “Being named an All-America City finalist is an incredible honor for Stow and a reflection of the dedication of our residents, community partners, and City team,” said Mayor John Pribonic. “This recognition highlights the work we’ve done together to build a connected, engaged, and forward-thinking community—and the exciting future we’re continuing to create.” Stow’s selection as a finalist highlights a decade of transformation driven by strong civic partnerships and meaningful community engagement. Major initiatives include the development of the City’s new Community & Senior Center, reinvestment in parks and public spaces, the creation of a Public Art Master Plan, and the development of a new amphitheater project—designed to serve as a hub for arts, entertainment, and community connection. The City has also made significant strides in strengthening civic trust through transparent governance and inclusive decision-making processes. Efforts such as the comprehensive zoning code update, expanded public engagement opportunities, and the work of boards and commissions—including the Commission on Inclusion—demonstrate Stow’s commitment to ensuring all residents have a voice in shaping their community. “This year’s All-America City finalists remind us that the strength of democracy depends on engaged residents who are invested in shaping the future of the places they call home,” said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League. “These communities are proving that civic health is improved block by block, through trust, belonging, and the collective power of people working together.” As a finalist, Stow will advance to the next phase of the competition, where a community delegation will travel to Denver, Colorado, June 26–28, 2026, to present its story to a national jury. Finalists will also participate in workshops and peer-learning sessions with communities from across the country. Ten winning communities will be named All-America Cities at the conclusion of the event. The All-America City Award has recognized and celebrated outstanding civic innovation and engagement in communities across the country for more than 75 years. Stow now joins a distinguished group of cities working to strengthen democracy at the local level. For more information about the All-America City Award, visit the National Civic League website.