Strongest Town Contest 2023 Kicks Off With Call for Nominations
Do you live in, work in, or strive to build a Strong Town? We’re not asking about places where every rough edge is sanded perfectly, and blissful throngs sip lattes at streetside cafes. Rather, Strong Towns is seeking towns and cities that still have clear challenges, but have dedicated citizens and local leaders banding together to face them head on.
2023 will be the eighth year of the Strongest Town Contest. Last year’s winner was Jasper, Indiana, which was lauded for “building community engagement” while “minding its financial health.”
This year’s contest features a special perk for the winner. We’ll fly two representatives of the winning entry to the Strong Towns National Gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, to be presented with the award. You’ll also get a speaking slot (but only if you want it!).
The winner will also be the subject of a Strong Towns video. Our new video producer, Mike Pasternock, will visit your town to showcase your community and the people working to make it better.
Nominees will be chosen by a panel of Strong Towns staff and board members. Each nominee will then be part of a bracket-style contest, with rounds of voting to go from 16 contenders to an eventual champion. Even if your town doesn’t win, it will get lots of attention from your own community and local media, and introduce Strong Towns members and staff to your efforts.
Any size town or city may apply, including from anywhere in North America and around the world (but note that our prize only includes airfare from within the continental U.S.).
For an idea of what to include in your nomination submission, consider these key issues that highlight the Strong Towns approach:
Is surface parking taking up valuable real estate in your town? Are parking regulations stifling development? If so, how have you tried to address the problem?
Does your town prioritize maintaining existing roads and infrastructure over costly new construction?
Have you changed zoning rules to allow for increased housing flexibility with a variety of forms and market segments?
Is your town taking steps to improve its financial management and transparency?
Car-centric development has made too many streets and roads dangerous. How is your town working to keep citizens safe where they live, work, and go to school?
We look forward to hearing how your town is addressing some or all of these challenges. The submission deadline is February 26, 2023, at 11 p.m. CT. Find complete details, contest rules, and a link to nominate your place at www.strongtowns.org/strongesttown.