The city of Muncie has been named an “All-America City” by the National Civic League.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

(Graphic: National Civic League)

Muncie shares the 2020 designation with nine other cities – mostly in the Midwest and South, plus California and New York.  The National Civic League says it gives the award, created in 1949, to cities who “are building local capacity to solve problems and improve their quality of life.”

In its virtual presentation as a finalist for the award, the city acknowledged tough times while highlighting positive programs to better Muncie.

Among them were the neighborhood revitalizations from the 8twelve Coalition.  One resident said a rock was thrown through a house in renovation next door to him by local kids.  That’s when the community took action.

“This rock has led to organizations asking whether we’re providing kids with relevant and meaningful experiences in our neighborhood – a neighborhood that has seen far too many young people on the streets by the time they are in high school.  This rock has led to conversations and actions between kids and neighbors and educators, restoring relationships that have been fractured and strained.”

It also highlighted the Muncie Action Plan, the group’s new “Web of Support” mentoring initiative, and the Ball State University-Muncie Community Schools partnership program immersing educators in the Whitely Neighborhood.

The award doesn’t come with a monetary prize.  But the National Civic League says communities who have won have found it easier to attract and retain businesses and have seen a surge in community pride.