Welcome to Cities Connect, where we discuss issues that matter. This call will begin with a presentation from Rebecca Trout, Director of the Washington DC Office and the All-America City Award Program for the National Civic League. The National Civic League announces that applications are now open for the 2024 All-America City Award. This award recognizes communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation to address local issues successfully. Rebecca shares more information on the All-America City Award and the application process.

We also be joined by Benita Duran, Senior Director of Equity and Civic Engagement for the National Civic League's Center for Democracy Innovation. The League’s new Center for Democracy Innovation works to understand, test, and disseminate innovations that can make democracy more participatory, equitable, and productive. Benita discusses two of the Center’s projects: Better Public Meetings and the Divided Communities Project, as well as some of the League’s community assistance offerings.