The National Civic League recently announced the ten winners of the 2014 All-America City Awards. The league awards the title to towns, cities, counties, neighborhoods and metropolitan regions in recognition of civic accomplishments.
California’s own San Pablo was included in the list with cities and regions all across the country, from Florida to Oregon. Representatives of the Civic League said that All-American Cities are ones that use grassroots efforts to address the pressing issues of today like childhood obesity, economic development, and revitalization.
A group of civic leaders and community activists from San Pablo visited the All-American City Awards to present the city’s stories and accomplishments in creating a positive change.
San Pablo was recognized for its approach to health issues. The city was facing the highest cancer rate in Contra Costa County and a childhood obesity crisis, which they fought with a childhood obesity task force in a campaign that encouraged the city to “Eat Smart, Get Moving.” They also constructed the West County Health Clinic in recent years.
The city was also recognized for its Economic Development Corporation, which was focused on job creation and business development. Through their efforts, they were able to drop the city’s unemployment rate from 22 percent in 2009 to 13.1 percent in 2013, among other accomplishments.
See more of their accomplishments and more information about the award here.