We started with 16 towns from across the United States. Some were large and urban, others small and rural, but all shared a passion for community, for strong neighborhoods and for local businesses. These towns competed in a series of tasks to showcase their strength and resilience through words, photographs, interviews and finally, a live broadcast.

The winner has proven its commitment to safe, accessible transportation with a recent road diet down its main street, new bike/walk trails and bus routes. Children in this town regularly walk to school. Its community organizations have come together to improve the public realm through parks, gardens and events, and its local colleges play a central role in the life of the town. Diverse residents make their home in this place, and challenges like the loss of factory jobs are met as opportunities for growth and transformation.

During the course of the contest, residents from the town explained:

“We have a great base of people that believe in this town.”

“I’m glad that I came back here to raise my kids.”

“The level of connection between residents, neighbors, nonprofits and borough is excellent here… Most of the great projects in town are all because of collaboration.”

We are pleased to announce the winner of the 2016 Strongest Town Contest: Carlisle, PA