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City of Wyoming Named All America City Award Finalist

 The City of Wyoming was notified by the National Civic League this past week that Wyoming has been named a finalist for the 2010 All America City Awards. In March 2010, the City’s administration applied for the Award recognizing cities all over the United States for their efforts in improving their community.  Of all the applicants, only 23 cities were named finalists. In June, City representatives will travel to Kansas City, Missouri to compete in the competition where the final 10 winners will be announced on June 18.

The City of Wyoming’s application highlighted the efforts made by the City to collaborate with surrounding communities to better the overall area, how fortunate Wyoming is to have such volunteer-oriented residents, and the incredible work the Wyoming Youth Services Bureau is able to perform through the support of the community. 

Wyoming strives to be regional leader in partnering with neighboring communities for the economic benefit of those communities as well as Wyoming.  “The stabilization of our neighbors helps to stabilize our own community for long term health”, says Robert Harrison, Wyoming City Manager.

The primary partnership has been with the Village of Lockland.  In an effort to decrease crime and rejuvenate the Village, Wyoming and Lockland began working together to clean up the border shared by both communities.  Over the past five years the communities have made great strides together. One great milestone is the acquisitions and demolitions at the Wyoming and Lockland border.  Together, Wyoming and Lockland applied for two Clean Ohio Grants which provides 75% funding for projects, and 25% local match, which was split evenly between Lockland and Wyoming.  The first grant was used to acquire and demolish 17 houses in Lockland.  This property was turned into a neighborhood park.  Over the past two years, the crime rate has dropped 65% in this area.  The second grant was used to purchase a tree removal company which had a poor visual affect on the community.  This property is being developed into a friendship park with a large fountain, symbolizing the strong friendship that has formed between Wyoming and Lockland.

Wyoming has no industrial base, and a small commercial base, thereby relying almost solely on residential tax revenues to fund Wyoming Schools and the City of Wyoming.  However, this reality has led to the power of the residents that volunteer and serve in our community to get things done.  Hundreds of Wyoming residents volunteer in a variety of positions throughout the City.  Wyoming residents provide their experience and expertise on such issues as environmental stewardship, landscaping, senior care, and economic development.  In almost ever City department, volunteers play pivotal roles in providing services such as serving as recreation coaches and volunteer fire fighters.

The Wyoming Youth Services Bureau (WYS is a community based program designed to confront juvenile problems.  The mission is to strengthen community youth and their families.  The program represents a strong collaboration between the City of Wyoming, Wyoming School District, and citizens.  Today’s program provides an extensive menu of services, including counseling, and prevention and educational programming, designed to support community youth and their families. 

The City of Wyoming is proud to be a finalist and to be recognized by the National Civic League.