Having already been named a finalist, River Forest officials are hopeful that their communication and outreach efforts will lead the village to a 2026 All-America City Award.
In March, River Forest was named one of 20 finalists for the award, which is given by the National Civic League. River Forest is the only community in Illinois to be chosen as a finalist.
In making the announcement, Civic League officials said the award recognizes communities “that are bringing the ideal of government of, by and for the people to life.”
Village Administrator Matt Walsh said he, Luke Masella, deputy village clerk and management analyst, and fellow staff members felt the village’s Neighborhood Dialogues, Casual Conversations with the President and open houses for the proposed Madison-Ashland development project addressed the problem-solving criteria.
Masella said the events demonstrated how village officials “try to meet people where they are.”
Those efforts have not been without some controversy as critics contend they have not always been as open as promised. And the village’s development processes around the Madison-Ashland project have been criticized by some.
Ten winners will be announced at the Civic League’s annual award event and competition in June in Denver. The culmination of the three-day event will be finalists delivering 10-minute presentations to a panel of judges.
Since the award’s inception in 1949, 500 communities have been recognized. The Civic League, which was founded as the National Municipal League in 1894, has typically presented awards to 10 communities annually in recent years.
“The village of River Forest is extremely honored to be one of just 20 finalists for the All-America City Award, often called the Nobel Prize for constructive citizenship, recognizing communities that build strong connections among residents, businesses and local government,” said Village President Cathy Adduci.
Walsh said village officials and staff members decided to submit an application after learning of the award from the Civic League and studying the criteria which included civic engagement, collaboration and innovation to solve local problems.
Walsh said Masella prepared “90 percent” of the application with assistance from Jessica Spencer, assistant village administrator, and Seth Jansen, management analyst.
“It seemed appealing,” Walsh said. “It seemed like we would be a good match” for the criteria. He also noted that the village had not previously applied for the award.
Seven sessions of the Neighborhood Dialogues were held over four months in 2024. The gatherings were hosted by residents who invited a small group of friends and neighbors to discuss economic development in the village.
Eight Casual Conversations have been held since they were started in May 2024. The gatherings provide an informal opportunity for community engagement that helps to shape the future of River Forest. Community members are invited to attend and receive answers to any questions they may have about village operations and initiatives.
Three open houses were held earlier this year for residents to learn more about the proposed redevelopment of the village-owned property at Madison Street and Ashland Avenue.
The senior bingo program held in August provided another example of identifying a local problem and addressing it.
Walsh said staff members came up with a Bingo and BBQ event in response to a suggestion by Adduci to do something for senior citizens residents. Sixty senior citizens attended a barbeque lunch, bingo games and an ice cream social. The village also provided transportation assistance.
Walsh said officials and staff members learned of the award in late 2025 and submitted the application in February.
He called the list of finalists “interesting,” noting that finalists are nationwide and of all sizes although most are cities. He said “a lot” of communities apply often and applicants include previous winners.
Masella said he also highlighted the 100 annual Memorial Day parades, along with more recent village activities such as the Pride Parade and Juneteenth celebration.
Walsh admitted he was surprised when they learned the village was a finalist. Masella added, “We were excited.”
They have less than two months to prepare for the three days in Denver and start creating their presentation.
“Right now we’ll start brainstorming what we are going to do,” Masella said.
Walsh said he was told that the judges expect the presentation to be an extension of the application.
“We don’t want to be giving a boring and dry speech,” he added.