Las Vegas One Of 20 'All-America City' Finalists

LAS VEGAS, NV - The National Civic League has named the city of Las Vegas among a group of 20 finalists for the 2018 All-America City Award.

The award "celebrates and recognizes neighborhoods, villages, town, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive, and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges," a city press release said. Ten cities will be recognized during the awards events from June 22-24 in Denver.

Las Vegas's application focused on social equity and sustainability, pointing to three "community-driven projects."

The Harbor is described as a youth assessment center that provides resources - for issues such as mental and behavioral health, and drug use - to young people and their families.

A book written by the Westside School Alumni Foundation, "Our Stories," has "helped pave the road for a collaboration working toward significant infrastructure improvements and innovative collective profess for the historic Westside," the city said.

The city also highlighted ReInvent Schools Las Vegas, a Clark County School District, Communities in Schools, and city of Las Vegas collaboration aimed at helping underperforming schools.

The city said winning the award could attract new business, increase tourism and grant money, and create new community partnerships. The city plans to lobby for the award, which will include community events and a social media campaign.

This is the second consecutive year Las Vegas has been named a finalist for the award.

Image via David Allen/Shutterstock