By Marvin Miller, AIB President

I often get asked why a city should enter the America in Bloom program. It is as if the questioner is asking what the payback will be for the city. And while cities differ in their approaches, I often think of a few key words in my responses.

Certainly, volunteerism has to be at the top of the list. In community after community, we are told that our America in Bloom program really has inspired citizens to turn out, to roll up their sleeves, and to contribute countless hours for the public good. In some cities, this has evolved into a standing volunteer corps that can be called upon to help in many different venues for many different activities, even beyond those involving the America in Bloom efforts. Volunteer efforts often involve youth, as schools sometimes challenge students, and youth groups frequently challenge members, to contribute a certain minimum number of hours toward community improvement efforts. And the youth often inspire adults to volunteer as well. Recorded efforts include not only the planting and maintenance of flowers and plants, but the building and restoration of entire parks, the collection of litter, the painting of decaying structures, and the like. In some communities, youth groups have helped to close generation gaps, as they have turned into senior citizen volunteer corps to help the elderly with garden and home maintenance issues.

Transformation also occurs. Sometimes the recommendations which our judges provide offer enough impetus to alter the attitudes and the fortunes of citizens and cities alike. It is amazing, but the power of the outside visitors’ comments often provides the stimulus needed, and America in Bloom is proud to say we have often been a meaningful change-agent in this regard. We can site examples where suggestions have led to buildings being demolished and/or rebuilt, remodeled, or rehabilitated to provide housing for new residents and visitors. An armory turned into a theater, a train station transformed into an art gallery, warehouses turned into condominiums, riverfronts turned into historic educational trails, and vacant lands or abandoned lots turned into parks are just some of the examples of the transformative power of America in Bloom judges’ recommendations in action.

A big benefit for many cities from America in Bloom involvement has to be rejuvenation. Cities that plant trees, flowers, shrubs, turf, and other groundcovers really can change the whole perspective of townspeople and visitors alike. The city literally looks to have rolled out the welcome mat. Visitors immediately notice the vibrancy radiating from the city, its businesses, and its residents. Tourism increases. The tax base improves due to increased sales tax revenues. People socialize more. Crime is reduced. Spirits improve as other psychological and sociological benefits of greening accrue. Students remember more and do better in school when exposed to green spaces. People are generally happier. Businesses and residents invest more in the community, as they aspire to even loftier visions of what the city could become.

Certainly, when adopted by a city, America in Bloom can become truly inspirational. While we have often seen results from a single AIB interaction, we have seen tremendous growth when a city has institutionalized the America in Bloom program over time with a sustained effort. This is when America in Bloom really shines. Cities have seen measureable improvements in property values as green spaces are developed, as properties are rehabilitated, and as citizens unify for the common good. Economic development results, as businesses are attracted, as residential turnover stabilizes, as wages rise, and as the average citizen truly bonds with his city. This is when pride becomes entrenched and residents call a city home.

At America in Bloom, we often talk about pride. We even say we’re all about “planting pride in our communities.” We certainly welcome your support!