ACWORTH - Although Mayor Tommy Allegood said he already feels Acworth is one of the best cities in America, the National Civic League may officially give his city that title in June.

Acworth is the only city in Georgia to be selected an All-America City finalist. City officials learned Tuesday that the northern Cobb County city was in the running for the high honor.

"If you think about the scope of this and that of all the cities in the nation, 27 are picked and we're one of them, that's huge," Allegood said. "No other city has the type of programs we have, and we've definitely made our mark as a city and community that gives."

Allegood will travel with a group of about 25 city delegates to Kansas City, Mo., on June 16, where they will "pitch" the city to a selection committee of 10 people. On June 18, the committee will select 10 of the 27 finalists as All-America cities.

City Manager Brian Bulthuis said the three-day trip to Missouri will be funded solely through donations. More than $5,000 has already been raised from the community in just two days, Bulthuis said.

Only five cities in Georgia have ever earned the title of All-American City. Marietta was named in 2006. Atlanta, Savannah, Toccoa and all of DeKalb County are the other Georgia titleholders.

Bulthuis said when Acworth officials applied in March for the title, they were asked to submit three city programs that bring the community together. City staff chose Horizon Field, which is the baseball and softball field specially designed to serve children with special needs; the Expanding Horizons program, which funds trips for students, many who have never traveled outside of the city limits, on educational trips through donations by local businesses and residents; and the Acworth Achievers program, which offers after-school opportunities for students.

"It's not just the government that makes Acworth so special - it's the churches, the schools, the businesses, everyone coming together," Allegood said. "This award really stresses the importance of an entire community coming together to make it better, and we certainly do that. I'm not surprised at all we're chosen, and I fully expect us to come back with the award."