In June of 2002, Tuscaloosa was awarded the All America City designation by the National Civic League which is a non-profit, non-partisian organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy by transforming democratic institutions. NCL fosters innovative community building and political reform, assists local governments, and recognizes collaborative community achievement. NCL accomplishes its mission through technical assistance, training, publishing, research, and the All-America City Awards, America's original and most prestigious community recognition program.

You can read more about the National Civic League here and see the press release from June 15, 2002 which recognized the Tuscaloosa and Northport area as a recipient of the All America City award here.