Morrisville, North Carolina, Named 2026 All-America City!
Published on July 06, 2026
Morrisville was recognized on Sunday, June 29, as one of ten All-America City Award winners. The National Civic League presented this honor to recognize Morrisville's work to create a thriving and welcoming community where trust and belonging are abundant.
Earlier this year, communities from across the country submitted written applications showcasing their efforts that not only strengthen civic life and rebuild trust but also address pressing challenges and lay the foundation for a better future. The field was narrowed to twenty finalists and over the last weekend in June, these finalist communities traveled to Denver, Colorado, where they connected and shared insights with peers, learned from national thought leaders, and presented their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. After careful deliberation, the jury selected ten winning communities, including Morrisville, North Carolina.
Morrisville is pairing rapid growth with intentional investments in engagement, transparency, and community well-being. Residents helped shape a new generation of digital tools, from an upgraded website and interactive strategic plan dashboard to Morris the Cricket, an AI chatbot featuring video answers from Town staff and council members. Morrisville also nurtures civic leadership through Morrisville 101, a hands-on program that introduces residents and students to the realities of local government, creating a pipeline that has carried graduates onto advisory committees and even elected office. Beyond Town Hall, public safety personnel build trust through CPR training, school partnerships, wellness programs, and community outreach that extends across generations. Engagement in Morrisville is woven into how the Town plans, communicates, and serves.
"This All‑America City Award wasn’t won over a weekend in Denver — it was earned over years of collaboration among our staff, our residents, and our valued community partners. Being together in person with so many forward‑thinking, innovative municipalities made the trip more than worthwhile. Each of the twenty finalist communities brought ideas, energy, and heart, leaving us inspired to strengthen civic health and build trust at home," said Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley. He continued "Morrisville is not only a place where we Live Connected, Live Well — it’s a hometown where residents know their input matters and leads to real impact. We are honored to be recognized as a 2026 All‑America City and proud to be a two‑time winner. To our staff and our residents: thank you. This award belongs to you. Our success is powered by our people, and I am grateful every day to live in Morrisville."
Doug Linkhart, National Civic League President, shared "We are proud to name Morrisville a 2026 All-America City. What stood out in their application and presentation was not just what they have accomplished, but that they did so by putting residents in charge of shaping their community's future. Morrisville is a model of what civic health looks like in practice: neighbors building trust across difference, institutions opening doors to real participation, and a community that has chosen to face its challenges together. That is exactly the spirit America's 250th anniversary calls us to celebrate."
About the National Civic League
Through a set of complementary programs, the National Civic League (League) advances inclusive civic engagement and promotes innovations in democracy to make decision-making more participatory, equitable, and effective.
The Center for Democracy Innovation works with communities to understand, test, and disseminate the next generation of civic innovations. Civic Genius rebuilds civic culture through deliberative public processes, citizen assemblies, and trainings that strengthen the relationship between governments and the residents they serve. Local Policy Lab partners with local governments to translate promising ideas into action, providing technical assistance, policy resources, and a national network of local leaders committed to strengthening democracy. Spread the Vote expands access to civic participation for Americans facing barriers to voting, through direct support, voter education, and on-the-ground programs.
The League also maintains the Model City Charter, organizes the All-America City Awards, publishes the National Civic Review, sustains the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map, and supports an extensive national network of local elected, appointed, and civic leaders.
For more information, visit nationalcivicleague.org.