The City of Seattle has been honored with the prestigious All-America City Award by the National Civic League. This recognition celebrates Seattle’s work to actively engage residents in the pursuit of environmental goals. 

Earlier this year, communities from across the country submitted written applications showcasing their efforts to bring people together, create positive change, and build thriving, resilient communities. The City of Seattle’s application was chosen as one of twenty finalists to compete in the All-America City Award competition in Denver, Colorado, June 27-29. A delegation comprised of City staff and community members attended the competition where they presented their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. After careful deliberation, the jury selected ten winning communities, including the City of Seattle. 

“I’m proud that Seattle’s environmental and sustainability efforts are being recognized with this prestigious All-America City Award, showcasing our One Seattle approach of co-creating solutions with community. From increasing food security to equitably expanding access to electrification infrastructure, Seattle is committed to not leaving any communities behind when combatting the climate crisis, and we want residents to see their values reflected in our environmental policies and programs. Working in partnership with our diverse communities, we are advancing environmental justice solutions and building a healthy, inclusive, and climate-resilient city for all.” 
-Mayor Bruce Harrell

Seattle’s presentation to the National Civic League was rooted in the community engagement work of the Department of Neighborhoods in partnership with Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, and the Office of Sustainability and Environment and highlighted various environmental initiatives throughout the City, including: 

• Seattle’s Food Action Plan which centers racial and economic equity with 50 co-created actions to improve sustainability and food access.  
• Seattle’s 2025–2030 Transportation Electrification Strategic Investment Plan that prioritizes equitable electric vehicle infrastructure and green workforce development through extensive community input.  
• Seattle’s Cedar River Watershed Tours that reconnect diverse residents to their water source through multilingual and accessible programming. 

“We are honored to be recognized with the All-America City Award for a second year in a row,” said Jenifer Chao, Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON). “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our community members who strive to make Seattle a better place for all. We know that when community and government work as One Seattle, our collective actions can be transformational for our city.”

–Jenifer Chao, Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods

Seattle’s achievement establishes a model for how community members and City government can work together to co-create a shared vision of a greener, stronger future. Through a shared One Seattle approach, government and residents are advancing a climate justice agenda grounded in equity and collective action. 

What People Are Saying
 

Dawn Lindell, Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO
 
“Seattle City Light is proud to be the public electric utility powering transformative change in our region. Through thoughtful and intentional collaboration with our fellow City departments and community partners, we ensure that our work is grounded in equity. Together, we will build a healthy, sustainable, thriving Seattle for today and for future generations.” 

Andrew Lee, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Seattle Public Utilities
 
“Seattle Public Utilities is honored to be a part of this All-America Award-winning team. It highlights what we can accomplish when we work together and put our people and our diverse communities at the center of our work. This One Seattle win recognizes teamwork and a commitment to listening, inclusion, and public service. I’m pleased Seattle Public Utilities’ high-quality drinking water, Equitable Engagement Tours at the Cedar River Watershed, diverse staff, and incredible community partners all played a role in earning this national award.” 

Michelle Caulfield, Interim Director, Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment 

“The Office of Sustainability & Environment is thrilled to be part of this stellar team of city colleagues and community members advancing sustainability through deep engagement and collaboration. Seattle’s Food Action Plan illustrates the power of centering community values and priorities to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system. This win belongs to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and lived experiences to build a healthier, greener, and more just future for Seattle.” 

César García, Co-Director, Lake City Collective

“Being part of the Seattle delegation for the 2025 All-America City Award competition is an opportunity that I will always cherish. That is a testament to the city’s growing tradition of working with community-based organizations. It’s also proof that good environmental work and authentic partnerships pay off. There is still much work to be done…we need more partnerships with City departments to clean our creek, improve living conditions in our apartment buildings, and make our Multicultural Resilience Center a reality. In the meantime, we’re celebrating our partnership with the Office of Sustainability and Environment and Department of Neighborhoods on the Food Action Plan and enjoying the fruits of our city’s environmental work alongside the community.” 

Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League

“We are happy to name Seattle as a 2025 All-America City. Through their application and presentation, they showed that they are a national model for engaging residents, businesses, and government stakeholders in the pursuit of environmental goals. Their efforts are creating lasting impacts that reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change while bolstering residents’ well-being. They remind us that communities and our country are strengthened through both individual and collective action.”