Though it didn’t nab the actual title, the City of Conway did advance as a top 20 finalist in being officially dubbed an “All-American City.” And that’s still quite an achievement, especially considering it was the first time city officials submitted an application.

Presented by the National Civic League, the All-American City designation for 2026 celebrates the League’s theme of "Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust.” Criteria included projects that utilize “the creation and use of civic spaces to advance belonging and create welcoming communities,” “inclusiveness,” “economic development, humane housing, public safety, health and well-being,” among others.

North Charleston was the only city in South Carolina to receive a top 10 “All-American City” award.

Mary Catherine Hyman, deputy city administrator for the City of Conway, was among the staffers who completed and submitted the complex application.

“The application was very complex—19 pages! But it’s easy to write about all the great things that Conway is doing,” she says. 

A delegation of several people from Conway traveled to the All-American City awards ceremony, held Sunday, June 28, in Denver, Colorado.

“Even though we weren’t chosen as a top 10, we were thrilled to win the social media award, and we had an amazing time representing Conway,” Hyman notes.

Doug Linkhart, president of the NCL, was also impressed with the presentation. 

“We were excited to recognize Conway as one of twenty All-America City finalists for 2026, and loved the enthusiasm of the city’s delegation. The holiday celebrations are a brilliant idea for building community pride, and the work of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is a model that we will share with the rest of the country.

“We hope to see Conway again, and will stay in touch to learn from their example and exchange ideas for strengthening civic health and trust nationwide.”