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Rutherfordton will go head to head with 15 other US cities in the 9th Annual Strongest Town Contest, and voting began Monday, March 4. In this bracket-style voting tournament, Rutherfordton will compete for the "Strongest Town" title by shining a national spotlight on its progress toward safety, financial resiliency, housing and transportation.
"We strive to foster community involvement and ensure that there is continual improvement in the community to make Rutherfordton a better place to live, work, and play," said Mayor Jimmy Dancy.
"This starts with a desire to not accept the status quo and to ensure that we are collectively striving for a higher quality of life and ensuring a sense of place that shows care and commitment to community, we are honored to be selected to this competition as our community is highlighted for these efforts we invite you all near and far to cast your vote to help us succeed"," Dancy added.
Competitors will advance over five rounds, based on weekly voting periods. One champion will be honored at the Strong Towns National Gathering, with two representatives flown in and presented with an award. Strong Towns will also create a short documentary film about the winning city.
"Cast your vote for Rutherfordton at strongesttown.com" Town Manager Doug Barrick explains how Rutherfordton can win the contest.
In the first round, Rutherfordton will compete with three other cities in a special category, "Building a Better Budget." Then, all cities will advance to Round 2, where they will compete head-to-head and advance weekly based on votes collected during that period:
R1: Meet Your Contestants (March 4-8).
R2: Sweet Sixteen (March 11-15)
R3: Elite Eight (March 18-22).
R4: Final Four (April 1-5).
R5: Championship (April 8-12).
The Champion will be announced Monday, April 15.
Previous contest winners have adapted their roads to be safer and pedestrian friendly, created public centers where local commerce thrives, and provided access to community services through a strong network of community partnerships, Barrick explained.
Previous winners of the Strongest Towns contest put people first in their respective towns.
"Rutherfordton is pleased to be selected to this group and we are appreciative of how this community works together," Barrick said.
"This is an amazing opportunity for Rutherfordton to shine on a National stage as we showcase our public engagement and commitment to holistic people-first local government," said Barrick.
"The Town is committed to our Action Planning process which is a driver of our annual budgets and reflects our mission statement of 'We are a Safe, Caring, Beautiful & Vibrant Town'. Businesses Thrive & Involved Citizens Take Pride in our Community," he said.
Strong budgeting, innovative thinking, focus on proactive planning, affordable housing initiatives along with investments in the community, and using grants to tackle major projects are just a few of the areas that helped land Rutherfordton on the Strong Towns Sweet 16.
Strong Towns is a 501c(3) nonprofit and media advocacy organization that shifts conversations around the North American development pattern. Through articles, podcasts, videos, live events, and city partnerships, they provide knowledge and tools to help cities transform their streets and communities. This is their 9th annual Strongest Town Contest.
