The Denver-based National Civic League (NCL) is accepting nominations for this year’s All-America City Awards. The awards honor communities that use a creative combination of the public, private and nonprofit sectors to address local problems.

More than 500 communities have won the award since the program began in 1949. “It is all about hope,” says NCL President Gloria Rubio-Cortes regarding the awards. “All-America City finalists and winners have the hope and can-do spirit that strengthens our democracy.”

Cities, counties, towns, regions and neighborhoods can qualify for the awards. Applications are due March 8. Applications and information are available at www.ncl.org or by contacting Kristin Seavey at (303) 571-4343 or at kristins@ncl.org. On April 16, NCL will announce 30 finalists that will go on to the competition on June 7 to 9. A panel of judges will select 10 winners.