CARRBORO, NC -- The Town of Carrboro has been named a 2025 All-America City by the National Civic League, marking a historic win in the town’s first year applying and competing for the prestigious national recognition.
Carrboro has been recognized for its bold commitment to advancing democracy through local action, community partnerships, and inclusive civic infrastructure —the network of relationships, partnerships, and capacities driving effective decision-making and problem-solving.
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 field was narrowed to 20 finalists. During June 27-29, 2025, finalist communities traveled to Denver where they connected and shared insights with peers and learned from national thought leaders.
Carrboro’s delegation, comprised of youth leaders, town staff, the mayor, and business and community partners, presented their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders at the All-America City Award event held in Denver, Colorado. Their presentation, filled with storytelling, spoken word, and community pride, underscored Carrboro’s collective vision of building a more inclusive and resilient future. On Sunday, June 29, 2025, after careful deliberation, the jury selected Carrboro, N.C. as a 2025 All-America City!
Carrboro, North Carolina continues to advance its racial equity and climate goals through initiatives like Carrboro in Motion Fest, which brings civic engagement directly to underrepresented renters through bilingual neighborhood block parties, and the Green Neighborhoods Grant Program, which funds resident-led climate projects. Additionally, Carrboro’s award-winning Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration project united residents, homeowner associations, and state agencies to tackle stormwater issues with nature-based solutions, turning a persistent challenge into a collaborative success.
The National Civic League’s All-America City Award has recognized communities since 1949 for outstanding civic accomplishments. Carrboro now joins an esteemed group of towns and cities nationwide who demonstrate innovative, equitable, and effective governance.
Learn more about Carrboro's winning efforts at https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/2025-all-america-city-finalist-carrboro-nc/
THANK YOU to the Carrboro Community Delegation
The Town of Carrboro Community Delegation presenting at the AAC conference included Mayor Barbara Foushee, Town Manager Patrice Toney, and staff members Anita Jones-McNair, Amy Armbruster, Catherine Lazorko, Stephen Wright, Reilly Stahl, and community members Donald Landon Hawkins, Meg Molloy, Oscar Garcia, Carrie Donley, Lama Moakel (Refugee Community Partnership), Kennedy Lytle (youth member, Carrboro High School), Madeleine Wares (youth member, Carrboro High School), Katherine Graham McCormick (UNC-Chapel Hill student), Braxton Foushee, Abhi Sivadas (Three Muses Card Shop), Liza Wolff-Francis (Carrboro Poet Laureate), and agency partners Brian Litchfield (Chapel Hill Transit), Taylor Gay (Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro) and Laurie Paolicelli (Orange County). With special thanks to Oscar Garcia for bringing everyone to their feet during his Zumba performance at the Cultural Entertainment Showcase. We also recognize Madeleine Wares who was nominated by the Town of Carrboro for the John Parr Youth Leadership Award.
Statements about Carrboro, North Carolina as a 2025 All-America City
"We are happy to name Carrboro 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." --Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League
“This All-America City award is a testament to the heart of Carrboro — a community where equity, environmental sustainability, and inclusive civic engagement are more than values - they are our way of life. I am incredibly proud of our residents, Town staff, and community leaders who make Carrboro a shining example of what’s possible when we work together with purpose and passion.” – Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney
About the National Civic League:
The mission of the National Civic League is to advance inclusive civic engagement and promote innovations in democracy to make decision-making more participatory, equitable, and effective. Founded in 1894 by Teddy Roosevelt and Louis Brandeis, the Civic League championed the democracy innovations of the early 20th Century. Today the League hosts the Center for Democracy Innovation (CDI), which works with communities across the U.S. to understand, test, and disseminate the next generation of civic innovations. The League also maintains the Model City Charter, organizes the All-America City Awards, publishes the National Civic Review, sustains the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map, helps cities measure their civic engagement work, and supports an extensive national network of local elected, appointed, and civic leaders. More information is available on our website, at www.ncl.org.
- For additional photos or graphics from the All-America City conference in Denver, contact the Communication and Engagement Department at communications@carrboronc.gov
- Access the news release pdf version: https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16823/Carrboro-NC-Named-All-America-City-2025
Media contacts:
Rebecca Trout
Director, All-America City Award
Email: rebeccat@ncl.org
Patrice Toney
Town Manager, Town of Carrboro
Email: ptoney@carrboronc.gov
Catherine Lazorko
Communication and Engagement Director, Town of Carrboro
Email: clazorko@carrboronc.gov