When you go to Gothenburg, it’s hard not to be energized by how much this city of 3,500 does to make home a special place to be for all residents. They call it “The Gothenburg Way,” and at its core is listening to everyone and then collaborating to tackle common issues.
Recently, we spent a snowy Thursday morning with members of the Gothenburg Improvement Company and Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce exploring how strengthening civic health can strengthen their efforts in economic and community development. We could go on about Gothenburg being the smallest city in the United States with a YMCA, its excellent food-access initiative, or its early childhood learning coalition. But the best thing we can do is to just let them speak for themselves.
The video below is Gothenburg’s winning submission to the National Civic League to be one of just ten 2019 All-America Cities. Check it out (we especially love their “All Means All” mantra, something we’ve spent a lot of time talking about this year, as well)!
This reflects some incredible civic health work in this vibrant Nebraska community. To learn more about why the League chose the city for the national award, click here.
Our communities are stronger when we own them together. A more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans is built from engaged and informed citizens who take action in their communities in meaningful ways. Gothenburg clearly exemplifies this philosophy. Congratulations!
– Daniel Bennett, Rural Civic Health Program Manager
