Phoenix A Finalist For All-America City Award For Its Pandemic Effort

PHOENIX, AZ —The City of Phoenix was recognized this week for its dedication to improving digital equity during the pandemic when it was named a finalist for the All-America City Award, presented annually by the National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

Ten cities ultimately will receive the honor during a virtual event on July 18-22, which coincides with Grade-Level Reading Week. Phoenix previously earned the All-America City distinction in 1950, 1958, 1980, 1989 and 2009.

The theme of the 2022 award, according to the National Civic League, is "Housing as a Platform to Promote Early School Success and Equitable Learning Recovery."

Nominees were judged in several categories, and Phoenix excelled in both digital equity and transforming non-school places into learning-rich environments.

During the pandemic, the City of Phoenix provided resources to community members in underinvested areas and public housing communities, helping to ensure that educational digital needs were supported.

Through a variety of partnerships, the city said it was able to distribute more than 12,000 laptops to 15 public school districts, many of which serve families in public housing communities. In addition, 1,600 tablets were distributed directly to families in public housing for at-home learning, or to seniors to assist them with telemedicine.

The City of Phoenix also equipped Read On Phoenix tutors with devices and digital skills to allow them to continue working with students.

According to the city, it was an acceleration of an initiative that began in 2017 to connect families in public housing with affordable internet service, devices and digital skills training.

"We knew we could play a powerful role in helping students continue their studies despite difficult circumstances," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "By equipping them with the right tools and devices, we helped kids adjust to a challenging new at-home learning environment."

Phoenix's effort during the pandemic already earned the city recognition as a Bright Spot Community by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in 2020.

"The City of Phoenix takes pride in serving its residents. I am proud of our employees and their dedication to assisting Phoenix families during the pandemic," Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton said. "Transitioning to an online learning environment had its difficulties, but city staff made it possible for residents to receive the tools needed to aid Phoenix students in being successful."