Congratulations to the City of Conway, which was recently named one of just 20 finalists nationwide for the prestigious 2026 All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League.
Conway has been working hard to earn this recognition, according to Barbara Jo Blain, Mayor, City of Conway.
“For the past decade, the City of Conway has made it a priority to celebrate multicultural and diverse events while continuing to expand facilities, playgrounds and programming that serve children and adults with additional needs. Being named a finalist is an honor, and we look forward to sharing our story on a national stage,” said Mayor Blain said.
Mary Catherine Hyman, Deputy City Administrator, City of Conway, added, “This is a BIG moment for Conway. Being named a finalist for the All-America City Award reflects what makes Conway different, a community shaped by resilience and creativity, all rooted in a strong sense of belonging. It is the result of collaboration between our residents, local partners, and City team working intentionally to build trust, strengthen connections, and create lasting impact.”
Among the recent enhancements to the City of Conway, the award-winning Riverfront and Downtown Master Plan was launched in 2022 as a long-range blueprint designed to guide Conway’s growth while protecting what makes the city distinct. At its core, the plan focuses on strengthening the connection between Main Street and the Waccamaw River, turning the riverfront into a more active, accessible asset rather than just a scenic backdrop. It outlines improvements to walkability, public gathering spaces, traffic flow, and redevelopment opportunities, all aimed at supporting local businesses and encouraging more foot traffic. Just as importantly, the plan prioritizes preserving Conway’s historic character while accommodating growth, ensuring that new development complements the city’s identity.
New "Conway 250" Logo Unveiled
To commemorate the milestone of becoming one of the finalist for All-American City, Conway officials have released a special “Conway 250” All-America City Finalist logo, symbolizing Conway’s rich history, strong community spirit, and commitment to shaping the future.
The three dates on the logo, 1732, 1776 and 2026, position Conway within a broader American story.
- 1732: This points to Conway’s founding era (originally Kingston). It signals deep historical roots—long before the United States existed—reinforcing authenticity and longevity.
- 1776: This is an anchor to American independence. Including it ties Conway’s local history to the national origin story, essentially saying the city’s identity is intertwined with the country’s founding values.
- 2026: This marks the present milestone—the 250th anniversary of the United States (America 250). It positions Conway as part of the national celebration and, more importantly, as a community still actively contributing to the American story today.
About All-American Cities & The Award
City of Conway representatives will travel to Denver, Colorado, June 26–28, where finalist communities will present their work to a panel of nationally recognized civic leaders. The event brings together residents, nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders to share ideas, participate in workshops, and highlight the initiatives that strengthen local democracy. The event will conclude with a ceremony announcing the 2026 All-America Cities.
“This year's All-America City finalists remind us that the strength of democracy depends on engaged residents who are invested in shaping the future of the places they call home. As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, these communities are proving that civic health is improved block by block, through trust, belonging, and the collective power of people working together,” said Doug Linkhart, President, National Civic League.
For more than 75 years, the All-America City Award has recognized communities that lead through civic engagement, collaboration, and innovation. Conway’s selection as a finalist highlights the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connections between residents, local organizations, and government while fostering a shared vision for continued growth.
The 2026 finalists include: Bowling Green-Warren County, Kentucky; Chelsea, Massachusetts; Conway, South Carolina; Franklin, Tennessee; Grand Island, Nebraska; Harlingen, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Jenks, Oklahoma; Monrovia, California; Montgomery, Alabama; Morrisville, North Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; North Charleston, South Carolina; Opa-locka, Florida; River Forest, Illinois; Riviera Beach, Florida; Roanoke, Virginia; Stow, Ohio; Wichita, Kansas; and Woodburn, Oregon.
Finalists were selected through a competitive, expert-led review process evaluating each community across six key areas: shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. City leaders are not aware of any previous selection of Conway as an All-America City finalist, and no city in Horry County has ever been named an All-America City winner.
