FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2018
Norristown Municipality Wins Diversity and Inclusion Award at Congressional City Conference
NORRISTOWN, PA — April 5, 2018 —The National League of Cities (NLC) recognized Norristown Municipality as the second-place finalist for the 50,000 and under; in the 2018 City Cultural Diversity Awards. Designed to promote and reward inclusive policies in the nation’s cities, towns and villages, the awards program recognizes communities that have developed innovative ways of supporting diversity.
Norristown was awarded for its work on the Citizens’ Leadership Academy. Norristown offers an eight-week series of classes to residents and businesses to help them develop skills as a community leader. Graduates often go on to assume leadership roles on municipal boards, commissions and the city council.
“Having a diverse community is something that we are proud of and value,” said Norristown Council President Sonya Sanders. “We will continue to build and enhance the work we do with our residents and business owners through the CLA.”
“Cities across America are celebrating and supporting diversity and inclusion in innovative ways,” said National League of Cities (NLC) President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas. “NLC is proud to honor three communities as pioneers that have demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness and inclusive values in their approach to governing.”
Submissions for the awards program were grouped by size and evaluated on how the program increased citizen participation in government and community activities, as well as the overall scope and impact of the program.
The award was announced at the Congressional City Conference in Washington on Monday, March 12, where 2,300 city leaders and delegates from across the country met to advocate for their communities and discuss solutions for cities.
The awards program is co-sponsored by NLC’s constituency groups, which are five member caucuses within NLC that promote inclusive policies both nationally at the local level.
Press contact: Norristown Municipality Press Contact: Gabriela Prete (610-270-0429 | gprete@norristown.org) NLC Press Contact: Meri St. Jean (202-626-3167 | stjean@nlc.org)
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About the National League of Cities
The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. www.nlc.org