Grand Island Celebrated Among Nation's Top Communities as 2026 All-America City Finalist

Grand Island, Neb. — The City of Grand Island was recognized this weekend as one of just 20 finalists nationwide for the 2026 All-America City Award, earning national recognition for the community's commitment to civic engagement, collaboration and innovation.

Presented by the National Civic League, the All-America City Award recognizes communities that bring together residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and local government to solve challenges and improve quality of life. This year's theme, Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust, focused on communities that foster belonging, encourage participation and build lasting partnerships.

Grand Island advanced to the national competition after a competitive selection process that narrowed communities from across the country to just 20 finalists. During the National Civic League's annual conference in Denver, a local delegation shared Grand Island's story through presentations, workshops and conversations with civic leaders from across the United States, highlighting local partnerships and initiatives that continue to strengthen the community.

Although Grand Island was not selected as one of this year's 10 All-America Cities, Grow Grand Island Executive Director Tonja Brown said the finalist designation reflects years of collaboration and community investment.

"Being named one of only 20 finalists in the nation is something for our community to be incredibly proud of," Brown said. "Standing on the national stage and sharing Grand Island's story has been an honor. I'm proud of our delegation, proud of our partners and proud of everything our community has accomplished together."

Grand Island Tourism Director Brad Mellema said the conference provided an opportunity to showcase Grand Island to a national audience.

"Having Grand Island represented on this stage is a win for our entire community," Mellema said. "We had the chance to share what makes Grand Island unique while building relationships with leaders from across the country. The visibility and connections created this weekend will continue benefiting our community well beyond the conference."

Stuhr Museum Executive Director Chris Hochstetler said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of organizations and residents across Grand Island.

"Every community has a story to tell, and this weekend we had the opportunity to tell ours," Hochstetler said. "Grand Island's story is one of collaboration, resilience and people coming together to create opportunities for future generations. Being recognized among the nation's top communities is something we can all celebrate."

Grand Island Police Chief Kevin Denney said the finalist recognition demonstrates the value of strong community partnerships, something he sees each year through the community’s National Night Out program.

"Trust and collaboration don't happen overnight," Chief Denney said. "They're built through relationships, shared goals and people who genuinely care about their community. Being recognized as an All-America City finalist reflects the work happening across Grand Island every day, and we're honored to have helped represent our community on the national stage."

The All-America City Award has been presented annually since 1949 and is widely recognized as one of the nation's most prestigious civic honors. Communities are evaluated on civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, shared vision and measurable impact.

While the competition has concluded, Grand Island's recognition as one of just 20 finalists nationwide affirms the community's continued commitment to working together, strengthening civic health and building trust. Grand Island has won the award a state record four times in its history, with Gothenburg being the next closest with two.

For more information, please contact Grand Island Communications Manager Spencer Schubert at [email protected].

**Grand Island’s Delegation consisted of:

Tonja Brown, Executive Director – Grow Grand Island
Brad Mellema, Executive Director – Grand Island Tourism
Chris Hochstetler, Executive Director – Stuhr Museum
Laura Gamboa-Urrego, Director of Community Engagement – Stuhr Museum
Sara Tall, Creative District Administrator – Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
Jessica Hendricks, Executive Director – Leadership Unlimited
Jack Sheard, City Council Member – City of Grand Island
Kevin Denney, Police Chief – Grand Island Police Department
Spencer Schubert, Communications Manager – City of Grand Island