Eureka Springs is known in the region as a city that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. Now, it’s being recognized on a national stage.

Mayor Butch Berry announced at the city council meeting on Monday, March 11, that Eureka Springs is the recipient of the 2024 City Cultural Diversity Award, presented by the National League of Cities.

Eureka Springs was recognized for “Eureka Cares!” in the under 50,000 population category.

“There were several thousand applicants from other cities across the U.S.,” Berry told council members. “… This is a big honor and I’m real proud of it.” The award winners were recognized at NLC’s annual Congressional City Conference in Washington D.C., held March 1113.

“[The cities] were celebrated for pioneering innovative programs demonstrating cultural diversity and promoting inclusive community engagement,” according to a NLC news release. “Submissions for the awards program were grouped by city population and evaluated for creativity, community impact, and program scope.

“This year’s awards hold special significance as NLC commemorates its 100th year of strengthening cities on behalf of local government.”

Other cities honored by NLC were Columbus, Ohio (population 500,001 and above), Arlington, Texas (population of 200,001-500,000) and Lewisville, Texas (population 50,001 to 200,000).

“As NLC celebrates its centennial milestone, I am honored to recognize the innovative approaches this year’s awardees are employing to advance cultural diversity in their own cities, towns and villages,” said David Sander, NLC president and mayor of Rancho Cordova, Calif. “The programs that these cities developed mirrors their local leaders’ commitment and intention to establish a more equitable and inclusive future for all residents in their communities.”

According to the NLC’s website, the City Cultural Diversity Awards were established by the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials in 1995 and “were designed to encourage citizen involvement in local government- sponsored activities and highlight appreciation of cultural diversity as a way of life in our municipalities.”

“In an effort to recognize quality and innovation in the many aspects of cultural diversity, this award program is designed to celebrate cities demonstrating quality and innovation in cultural diversity,” according to NLC’s website.