The council-manager form was founded more than 100 years ago as part of an effort to battle corruption and partisanship in local government. Today, Austin, San José and other cities are considering moving away from the council-manager form of government, threatening to politicize local governance, take power away from city councils and reverse the 100-year trend toward more professional management.

The National Civic League is excited to announce that it will be inducting two communities into the AAC Hall of Fame in 2021. Acworth, Georgia originally won the All-America City Award in 2010 and is being recognized for its inclusive and equitable redevelopment of Parkside District. Decatur, Georgia, a 2018 All-America City, is being recognized for Destination 2030 – A Community Driven Strategic Plan Process.

People are experiencing social isolation more than ever, with serious impacts to their health and well-being. Far from being a personal choice, social isolation stems from the poor community design and systemic injustices that keep neighbors & neighborhoods apart. A new report by Healthy Places by Design and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grantees offers recommendations for creating socially connected communities.  Read more.

As communities grapple with questions of racial equity, public safety, health and democracy, the Spring issue of the National Civic Review explores examples of what one of the authors describes as “civic democracy.” Articles explore efforts by public managers, non-profit organizations, foundations, elected officials and members of the public to build trust, create safe spaces for productive dialogues, defuse potential conflicts, find common ground on challenging problems and inspire a sense of community belonging. Access code NCL21.

A Reckoning in Boston, by award-winning director James Rutenbeck, will have its New England premiere May 6-16 at the Independent Film Festival of Boston. Watch the trailer and order your tickets. The film is on a screening tour across the country, connect with the film team to book a screening in your community. “Don’t miss this powerful film that lays bare the transformative force of the humanities in our lives in these turbulent and troubling times!” Cornel West, Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy Harvard University.

In addition to detailing the strengths of their community's civic infrastructure, the 2021 All-America City award finalists featured community projects surrounding the theme, "Building Equitable and Resilient Communities." The applications from this year diverse group of finalists reveal efforts to equitably respond to COVID-19, address racial unrest and social injustice, care for those experiencing homelessness, plan for climate change, and much more. Read more about the 2021 finalists and register for the virtual event.