Hampton, Virginia, has been named an All-America City for the fifth time by the National Civic League. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Denver on Sunday evening, where Hampton was recognized as one of 10 cities across the United States to receive this honor. The city previously earned the designation in 1972, 2002, 2014, and 2023.
Mayor Jimmy Gray expressed his appreciation for those involved in achieving this recognition. “I’m so proud of this team that worked so hard, and everyone who put together the application and helped coordinate the presentation. We have a lot of staff and a lot of residents who have supported us in getting here, and this is for all of them. We are very proud of the dedication that has made us a five-time All-America City,” he said.
The National Civic League has presented the award for 76 years to highlight civic engagement and community resilience when facing local challenges. This year’s competition focused on how community engagement advances environmental sustainability and resilience.
Hampton’s application secured its place among 20 finalists. Last week, Mayor Gray led a delegation—including City Manager Mary Bunting, community leaders, educators, and students—to Denver to participate in events with other finalist cities working on sustainability initiatives.
During their visit, Hampton’s delegation gave a presentation outlining local efforts to address sea level rise—a significant issue for coastal communities like Hampton—and answered questions from judges afterward.
City Manager Bunting emphasized the importance of citizen involvement: “The All-America City award is given to communities, not for being ‘perfect’ cities, but instead, for being localities that demonstrate a genuine commitment to citizen engagement, collaboration and co-creation. Hampton leads the nation in these practices, which is why we were honored with our fifth All-America City award. This is an honor for our entire community, who regularly engage and co-create with us.”
Judges highlighted several city initiatives aimed at increasing resilience against sea level rise: “Through efforts like the Hampton Clean City Commission and the Phoebus Living Shoreline project, residents of all ages help lead cleanups, grow community gardens, and design more resilient public spaces. In Aberdeen Gardens, a historic Black neighborhood, the city and its partners are putting a resident-informed resilience plan into action to protect homes and the neighborhood’s heritage.”
In addition to environmental efforts noted by judges this year, Hampton’s history includes ties with prominent figures such as early educational pioneers like Benjamin Syms as well as NASA Langley Research Center’s original Mercury 7 astronauts (https://www.hampton.gov/91/History-of-City). The city has played key roles in education reform and technological innovation throughout American history while serving as home to diverse neighborhoods (https://www.hampton.gov/91/History-of-City).
Hampton also features important sites such as Fort Monroe National Monument—the location where slavery began to end—alongside institutions like Virginia Air and Space Center and Hampton History Museum (https://www.hampton.gov/89/About-Us). These landmarks reflect its cultural significance within Virginia.
Over recent years Hampton has been recognized nationally as one of America’s best places to live—with particular appeal for young professionals—and noted for low crime rates along with advances in technology (https://www.hampton.gov/89/About-Us). The city continues focusing on economic growth through partnerships between citizens and organizations supporting safety measures as well as education (https://www.hampton.gov/222/City-Council).
Operating under a council-manager form of government means daily operations are overseen by an appointed manager implementing policies set by elected officials (https://www.hampton.gov/238/City-Managers-Office).
To celebrate receiving its fifth All-America City designation—an honor shared by only a select group nationwide—city officials announced plans for future events recognizing contributions from both staff members and residents.
Other cities earning this year’s distinction include Kinston; Carrboro; Jacksonville—all located in North Carolina—as well as Seattle; Akron; Chelsea; Memphis; Tallahassee; and Port St. Lucie.
