Decatur wins national award for city innovation

City of Decatur representatives showcasing their projects at the All-America City Award.

City of Decatur representatives showcasing their projects at the All-America City Award.

You know how the saying goes: Decatur is where it’s greater.

And according to the National Civic League, it is.

The city is a winner of the All-America City Awards, a National Civic League award for the best in American city innovation. Winners were chosen based on projects that inspired equity and inclusion within their city.

MORE: Creator of Decatur Christmas light extravaganza dies

Decatur showcased three programs: its “Better Together” initiative for creating an inclusive community, its community policing program and its “I Am Decatur” program.

The “Better Together” program includes a mix of training programs for local business owners. It also proposes diverse dining options for city residents and encourages community members to attend city meetings.

Summer in the City

Credit: Courtesy of Decatur Business Association

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Credit: Courtesy of Decatur Business Association

Decatur’s community policing program involved racial-profiling education for city officers, along with events for residents to meet officers.

The “I Am Decatur” program is a collection of 32 portraits and stories from various community residents, detailing their background and lifestyle.

Decatur was chosen for its theme of promoting equity through community engagement, said Renae Madison, the city’s communications specialist. It is “a part of everything we do,” she said.

Here’s a list of the other nine cities that also won the All-American City Award:

  • Springdale, AZ
  • Stockton, CA
  • Longmont, CC
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Charlotte, SC
  • Kershaw County, SC
  • Mount Pleasant, SC
  • El Paso, Texas
  • San Antonio, Texas

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Other Decatur highlights:

1. A Candler Park Craftsman remodeled after clearing out the critters 2. New Decatur home, historic neighborhood style 3. Renovated Candler Park bungalow for a family of four 4. A neo-classical Victorian in Grant Park