Kinston named 2025 All-America City for third time
Kinston has once again been recognized for its efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and for their civic infrastructure, earning the prestigious 2025 All-America City Award for the third time in its history. The announcement came during the 76th annual awards ceremony held in Denver, Colorado, following three days of presentations from finalist communities.
This year's competition focused on "Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement".
"You're a model for all these other communities around the country as far as coming together, working as a team to address the challenges that are unique to your own communities," remarked emcee Derrick Okubo during the closing ceremony.
Kinston's latest All-America City designation follows previous wins in 1988 and 2009, highlighting a sustained commitment to community-led progress. The National Civic League (NCL) specifically cited Kinston for initiatives like the Emma Webb Park Master Plan, the East Kinston Neighborhood Hub, and the Equitable Development Plan.
The NCL noted that through projects that center around youth leadership, public art, and neighborhood investment, the city is creating spaces that reflect local voices and respond to real needs. This approach, pairing creativity with collaboration, emphasizes that revitalization is most powerful when it’s led by the people who call the city home.
Mayor Don D. Hardy celebrated the achievement, stating, "We did it, Kinston! Proud to announce that Kinston, NC is officially a 2025 All-America City—our third time receiving this national honor!" He further emphasized that "Kinston is more than a city, it’s a resilient, united, and forward-moving community."
Councilman Chris Suggs also shared his enthusiasm, proclaiming, "WE DID IT! The City of Kinston, North Carolina has been named a 2025 ALL-AMERICA CITY!"
Another example of Kinston's ongoing revitalization includes the redesign of All American City Park, a prominent green space intended to serve as a welcoming gateway to the city’s historic commercial district. The city council approved this redesign on June 3.
The project, spearheaded by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), will see the park rededicated as the Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch All American City Park, honoring the couple’s long-standing contributions to the Kinston community. Planned enhancements include:
Landscaping improvements
Benches and lighting
A new internally lit sculpture
Improved signage
A "living fence" along adjacent railroad tracks
DKR is actively raising private funds and soliciting tax-deductible donations and sponsorships to expedite the project, with contributions of $90 or more qualifying for a commemorative All American City license plate.
Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League, congratulated all recipients, stating, "These communities 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."
Kinston's continued success in the All-America City Awards underscores its ongoing commitment to community-driven development and resilience.
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