Dublin's All-America City Team is in Kansas City to Bring Home a Win

At 5:20 Tuesday morning at the Dublin Civic Center, everyone's eyes were a bit bleary but their spirits were high as 30 representatives from around the community headed to Kansas City, Mo., to bring home an .

The award, given by the National Civic League, is awarded to 10 American cities annually. More than 600 cities have been awarded All-America City status since the tradition began in 1949.

This is Dublin’s second year in a row as a finalist. Last year, Dublin was one of 26 finalists but didn't make it to the Top 10.

Once again the city is among 26 others, but this year, city staff and volunteers are working hard for better results.

Cities receive finalist status after submitting an application. In this year’s application, Dublin touted its commitment to affordable housing, the Heritage Center project and the city’s involvement with School of Imagination. Winners are chosen based on “community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and joint efforts on the part of the public, private and nonprofit sectors,” according to the National Civic League website.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do for our community,” said City Council member Kasie Hildenbrand, one of the leaders of the Dublin delegation. “This is a prestigious award, and I think we truly have always been an All-America City.”

Dublin is one of 26 finalists competing for the 10 awards. Other finalists include Ann Arbor, Mich.; South Bend, Ind.; Buffalo, N.Y; Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Fort Worth, Texas, as well as California entrants Downey, Huntington Park, Torrance and Yucaipa.

Dublin’s presentation will include a skit using the “Wizard of Oz”, proclaiming the Emerald City of Dublin as a place with “wisdom, courage and heart.” The delegation has been rehearsing the skit at the Senior Center for more than a month.

The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the judging panel.

The delegation will also participate in a youth forum and a cultural showcase.

Delegates arrived in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon. Mayor Tim Sbranti was at Oakland Airport for the send-off and city staff greeted the delegation when they arrived at the hotel.

“The All-America City Awards program acknowledges and raises the profile of communities across the country that are making a difference,” said City Manger Joni Pattillo. “In Dublin, the community has done some terrific things to engage citizens, change the futures for families and children and we are honored that the National Civic League, the organizer of the All-America City Awards program, has named Dublin has a finalist for the Award. 

“We hope that winning the title as an All-America City will result in greater awareness of the programs and activities that make Dublin a great place to live!”

Michelle McDonald is one of the Dublin representatives currently in Kansas City. She will continue to provide updates on the event throughout the week on Dublin Patch.