Washington, D.C. – The National League of Cities (NLC) today awarded four cities with the 2026 City Cultural Diversity Awards, recognizing leadership in innovative and effective programs that build belonging and strengthen community engagement.
Awards were presented during the Celebrate Diversity Breakfast at NLC’s Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., under the conference theme, We the Cities: Local Governments Deliver.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Cultural Diversity Award recipients and the impactful programs created to better serve their communities,” said National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer, Councilmember, Louisville, Kentucky. “Now more than ever, our residents need to feel included and supported. These communities are leading examples of how local governments are delivering innovative approaches that build unity and strengthen resident connection.”
Awards were categorized by city population and assessed based on creativity, community impact and program scope. The winning communities were selected from among dozens of municipalities across the country that applied for this esteemed national award.
2026 Cultural Diversity Award Winners
Population of 500,001 and above
City of Kansas City, Mo.: Kansas City Office of Language Access – provides residents who speak languages other than English with expanded support for navigating city services.
Population of 200,001-500,000
City of Grand Prairie, Texas: Amor GP – creates an inclusive environment where Hispanic residents feel empowered to fully honor their rich heritage while fostering mutual understanding, unity and deep-rooted respect across all communities.
Population of 50,001-200,000
City of Perris, Calif.: City of Perris’ Arts, Culture, and Health Program – supports cultural and artistic resources, visual artwork, performing arts and architectural resources that promote the city’s rich, diverse culture and enhance public engagement and community vitality.
Population under 50,000
City of Oakland Park, Fla.: Oakland Park’s Special Events Arts & Culture Program – provides approximately $1 million annually in grants to support the arts; the Public Art Program, which commissions and supports public art across Oakland; professional development programs for artists and arts organizations; and volunteer advisory bodies of the City.
Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director of Austin Equity and Inclusion for the City of Austin, Texas, delivered the keynote address at the awards breakfast. She emphasized the importance of continuing the work to transform systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity and foster communities where all residents are respected. That commitment was reflected in the cities recognized during the program, as four municipalities received honorable mentions in addition to the four award winners, including Austin.
Honorable Mentions
Population of 500,001 and above
City of Austin, Texas: Generation ATX: Third Spaces
Population of 200,001-500,000
City of Aurora, Colo.: Aurora’s Immigrant Integration Plan
Population of 50,001-200,000
Town of Bellevue, Wash.: Bellevue Essentials – Fostering Culturally Diverse Civic Leadership
Population under 50,000
Town of Morrisville, N.C.: Language Access Plan
The City Cultural Diversity Awards are a joint initiative hosted by NLC’s six Constituency Groups. Each group appoints one juror from its membership to review the applications.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.