2006 All American City

For those of you who have visited Robert and I, you are already aware of how much we love Marietta - now here's proof positive that it's true! Marietta really is a great place to live!

The National Civic League crowned the city of Marietta one of the 10 best communities in the nation as a 2006 All-America City, the oldest and most respected community recognition award in the country. Nearly 600 communities began the application process which recognizes exemplary civic excellence, honoring communities of all sizes in which citizens, government, businesses and volunteer organizations work together to address critical local issues. Winners in previous years have been honored at the White House.
“The city is honored to win the All-America City award because only four other Georgia communities have won in the award’s 57-year history,” Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway said. “It means the work we’re doing is among the best in the country, and it’s great that others recognize it, too.”
In its application, Marietta demonstrated how three unique projects were solving challenges through community partnerships.

• The first was Marietta’s efforts to reduce crime and stabilize deteriorating neighborhoods by creating M-STAR. The citywide program combines community policing and computer analysis of crime trends with accountability of city staff and public involvement. M-STAR has resulted in many successes, the most notable being a reduction of crime.

• The Marietta Revitalization Program was the second initiative submitted to judges. Its goal is to save the city from decline and create a stronger sense of community by balancing the city’s housing stock, stabilizing school enrollments, creating affordable workforce housing and revitalizing neighborhoods. The city has made substantial progress toward increasing the percentage of homeowners while reducing substandard rental units.

• Judges required a third program to benefit children, and the city explained how Marietta Reads, a citywide effort to foster reading and literacy, has increased student test scores and book circulation.

“Everyone in Marietta should be proud, because winning the award is the result of the entire community working together every day,” Marietta City Manager Bill Bruton said. “We appreciate the community’s work for the great progress we’ve made the last three years."

Whether it be shopping, antiques, dining or events on the square - there's something for everyone here! Some of our favorites are:

• Alchemy boutique (the greatest jewelry!)
  
• L Michelle (fantastic shoes)
• Willie Rae's (ever have a fish taco? - wonderful!)
• Crystal's on the Square (the best bar on the square, plus live music!)
• La Famiglia Italian Ristorante (authentic, family run restaurant)
  
• Darwin's Blues (don't miss this one!)
• Nik's Back Porch (Tuesday jams)
• AJ's Poor Boys (best po' boys outside New Orleans city limits)