All-America City entries due March 14

Entries for the National Civic League’s All-America City Award are due on March 14.

Ten municipalities from throughout the country will be chosen for the award. Massachusetts communities that have received the honor in recent years include Barnstable and Somerville.

“It was an extraordinary experience for our community, not only because it gave us the chance to meet municipal officials from across the country, but also because it allowed us to compete,” said John Klimm, the town manager in Barnstable. “It was very educational.”

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said, “What we discovered in applying for the award is that it really brings the community together, even if you don’t win. It also forces you to take a long, hard look at how well you run your municipality. Are you making positive changes that deserve national recognition? There’s nothing wrong with aiming high.”

The awards, presented annually by the National Civic League since 1949, are based on civic accomplishments in areas including job creation, affordable housing, improving education, and engaging youth. Finalists make the case for their achievements before a national jury that includes business and nonprofit leaders, as well as government experts.

“There is a fellowship among all of the communities that compete,” Klimm said. “The challenge of fostering civic engagement is an issue no matter where we live.

Klimm described the application process as not especially complicated.

“I did it on a whim, in 2007, and it’s one of the best decisions that I’ve made,” he said.

In addition to Barnstable and Somerville, which won the award in 2009, Massachusetts winners over the past 15 years include Chelsea (1998), Lowell (1999), and Worcester (2000).

To learn more about the award, or to obtain an application form, visit www.ncl.org and click on “All-America City.”