City of Woodburn

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News Release

Woodburn Named A 2026 All-America City Award Winner (Photo) - 06/30/26

WOODBURN, OR — Woodburn has been recognized as one of just 10 winners nationwide of the 2026 All-America City Award, one of the nation's most prestigious honors recognizing communities that demonstrate innovation, civic engagement, and inclusive collaboration. Presented by the National Civic League, the award celebrates communities that are creating thriving, welcoming places where trust, belonging, and opportunity flourish.

 

Back in April, Woodburn was selected as one of only 20 finalists nationwide and one of just two communities on the West Coast to earn a spot in the national competition.

 

This past weekend, a Woodburn team traveled to Denver, Colorado, to share the story of what makes Woodburn exceptional. The delegation—made up of high school students, elected officials, City staff, social service providers, and community partners—presented Woodburn's collaborative approach to building an inclusive community where residents from all backgrounds have opportunities to connect, contribute, and thrive.

 

Long before Woodburn was incorporated in 1889, the Willamette Valley was home to the Kalapuya people - a group of nearly 20 tribes and bands that spoke three distinct languages. That rich heritage lives on as Woodburn remains one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic cities, with generations of families, immigrants, and newcomers that help shape the community we know today.

 

Woodburn's diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Today, 58 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, 95 percent of businesses in the downtown core are Latino-owned, and students in the Woodburn School District speak more than 30 languages.

 

As one of Oregon's fastest-growing communities, Woodburn is intentional about fostering growth that strengthens—rather than strains—its civic fabric. Through bilingual outreach, advisory boards, community-led initiatives, and strong partnerships, the city continues to create opportunities for everyone to have a voice and participate in sharing Woodburn’s future.

Woodburn's All-America City presentation highlighted three collaborative initiatives that exemplify this commitment:

  • Regional Economic Storytelling and Tourism through the North Marion Tourism Collaborative's American Dream video series, showcasing the people, cultures, and businesses that make the region unique.
  • Youth and Family Support Services through the Family Resource Center, connecting families with education, resources, and essential services.
  • Community Placemaking Investments that create welcoming public gathering spaces where residents of all backgrounds can celebrate, connect, and build community together.

"This award belongs to our entire community," said Mayor Frank Lonergan. "Woodburn's strength has always been its people. Every day, residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community partners come together to make the city a place where everyone belongs.  We're honored to receive this recognition on behalf of everyone who lives, works, and contributes to Woodburn."

 

The City would like to thank everyone who has played a part in making Woodburn the community it is today. This recognition reflects years of collaboration, hard work, and a shared commitment to inclusion and service… making Woodburn a welcoming place for all.

 

Media Resources

National Civic League News Release
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Announcing-the-2026-All-America-Cities-.html?soid=1114995572316&aid=7phaGrC_dbc

National Civic League Woodburn News Release
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Woodburn--OR--Named-2026-All-America-City-Award-Winner-.html?soid=1114995572316&aid=H4rTJsn4YMo

Watch Team Woodburn's Presentation (Woodburn timestamp 3:03:37)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EKyiFb4xrM

Watch the All-America City Award Ceremony (Woodburn timestamp 1:14:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJx8Z32AyKw&t=633s

 

Attached Media Files: Presentation.jpg,

Woodburn Named A 2026 All-America City Award Winner (Photo) - 06/30/26

WOODBURN, OR — Woodburn has been recognized as one of just 10 winners nationwide of the 2026 All-America City Award, one of the nation's most prestigious honors recognizing communities that demonstrate innovation, civic engagement, and inclusive collaboration. Presented by the National Civic League, the award celebrates communities that are creating thriving, welcoming places where trust, belonging, and opportunity flourish.

 

Back in April, Woodburn was selected as one of only 20 finalists nationwide and one of just two communities on the West Coast to earn a spot in the national competition.

 

This past weekend, a Woodburn team traveled to Denver, Colorado, to share the story of what makes Woodburn exceptional. The delegation—made up of high school students, elected officials, City staff, social service providers, and community partners—presented Woodburn's collaborative approach to building an inclusive community where residents from all backgrounds have opportunities to connect, contribute, and thrive.

 

Long before Woodburn was incorporated in 1889, the Willamette Valley was home to the Kalapuya people - a group of nearly 20 tribes and bands that spoke three distinct languages. That rich heritage lives on as Woodburn remains one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic cities, with generations of families, immigrants, and newcomers that help shape the community we know today.

 

Woodburn's diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Today, 58 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, 95 percent of businesses in the downtown core are Latino-owned, and students in the Woodburn School District speak more than 30 languages.

 

As one of Oregon's fastest-growing communities, Woodburn is intentional about fostering growth that strengthens—rather than strains—its civic fabric. Through bilingual outreach, advisory boards, community-led initiatives, and strong partnerships, the city continues to create opportunities for everyone to have a voice and participate in sharing Woodburn’s future.

Woodburn's All-America City presentation highlighted three collaborative initiatives that exemplify this commitment:

  • Regional Economic Storytelling and Tourism through the North Marion Tourism Collaborative's American Dream video series, showcasing the people, cultures, and businesses that make the region unique.
  • Youth and Family Support Services through the Family Resource Center, connecting families with education, resources, and essential services.
  • Community Placemaking Investments that create welcoming public gathering spaces where residents of all backgrounds can celebrate, connect, and build community together.

"This award belongs to our entire community," said Mayor Frank Lonergan. "Woodburn's strength has always been its people. Every day, residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community partners come together to make the city a place where everyone belongs.  We're honored to receive this recognition on behalf of everyone who lives, works, and contributes to Woodburn."

 

The City would like to thank everyone who has played a part in making Woodburn the community it is today. This recognition reflects years of collaboration, hard work, and a shared commitment to inclusion and service… making Woodburn a welcoming place for all.

 

Media Resources

National Civic League News Release
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Announcing-the-2026-All-America-Cities-.html?soid=1114995572316&aid=7phaGrC_dbc

National Civic League Woodburn News Release
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Woodburn--OR--Named-2026-All-America-City-Award-Winner-.html?soid=1114995572316&aid=H4rTJsn4YMo

Watch Team Woodburn's Presentation (Woodburn timestamp 3:03:37)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EKyiFb4xrM

Watch the All-America City Award Ceremony (Woodburn timestamp 1:14:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJx8Z32AyKw&t=633s

 

Attached Media Files: Presentation.jpg,