Carolyn DiPaoloCity leaders and residents flew to Denver to vie for national honor.
Riviera Beach has won its first All-America City award for its focus on young people and strong neighborhoods.
The city is one of 10 selected Sunday by the National Civic League based on progress in bringing people together to build lasting change.
An overjoyed Riviera Beach delegation took the stage at the 77th annual award competition’s closing ceremony in Denver to celebrate their prize.
“We’re so excited!” Council member KaShamba Miller-Anderson said as she accepted the award. “We have been able to put a national spotlight on all the talent we have in our city,”
Riviera Beach residents, officials and staff traveled to Denver to participate Sunday morning in a fast-paced presentation to judges. The delegation included Mayor Doug Lawson, his Chief of Staff Erik Range, Police Chief Michael Coleman, Assistant to the City Manager Latronda Hayes, Administrative Assistant Kiera Hester, actor Jevon White and former City Council member Julie Botel.
They highlighted Riviera Beach’s Youth Council, its Citizens Leadership Academy and the Community Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Reclaim home stabilization program.
“This is just a small group,” Miller-Anderson told the audience at the closing ceremony. “Imagine this times 100. The energy is real.”
The delegation ended its pitch with a description of a Riviera Beach that is “stronger, kinder, united.”
National Civic League Board Member Ray Baray presented Riviera Beach’s award. “Youth are leading the way in this community,” he said.
All-America Cities tend to find it easier to attract businesses that create job opportunities and strengthen the tax base, award organizers say. Winners also have seen an increase in tourism and grants.
The other nine 2026 winners are: North Charleston, S.C.; Morrisville, N.C.; Roanoke, Va.; Norfolk, Va.; Woodburn, Ore.; Montgomery, Ala.; Harlingen, Texas; Franklin, Tenn.; and four-time winner Chelsea, Mass.
Port St. Lucie was named an All-America City in 2025. Delray Beach has won three times.
“We have a number of people up here,” Miller-Anderson said as she raced to thank everyone during her time on stage and predicted a repeat win in 2027. “You’ll get to know them, I’m sure, when we come back next year.”
See Riviera Beach’s winning presentation here.
