Norfolk, Nebraska, won the runner-up title in the 9th Annual Strongest Town Contest, an international, March Madness-style tournament that celebrates North American cities. Sixteen cities from coast to coast competed for the Strongest Town title by shining a national spotlight on their progress toward safety, financial resiliency, housing and transportation.

It was a close match, and Norfolk earned its advancement through 5 rounds (and an honorary title) through its efforts to transform its downtown into an inviting place where people want to live and spend time. Their efforts include improving street safety by adding mid-block crossings, transforming signalized intersections into four-way stops, and investing in improvements to downtown businesses.

“We want to congratulate Maumee on a well-earned victory. While falling just short of claiming the title, the exposure and awareness that the Strongest Town contest afforded our community has been tremendous.   From the application process to rallying to advance through each round of competition, we’ve enjoyed promoting not only our community but the principles by which Strong Towns helps makes communities better.  Again, we congratulate the great city of Maumee and also thank the Strong Towns team for this great opportunity to compete,” said Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning.

How the contest worked—All cities across North America could participate, with 16 nominees selected. Cities were eliminated via weekly voting rounds. In the first round, there were four honorary winners for cities making progress in four areas:

• Norfolk, Nebraska—Most Progress Toward a Robust & Responsive Housing Supply
• Medicine Hat, Alberta—Most Progress Toward a Better Public Engagement Process
• Edmonton, Alberta—Most Progress Toward Building Safer Streets
• Bloomington, Illinois—Most Progress Toward a Transparent Local Budgeting Process

Strong Towns is a 501c(3) non-profit 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.