LEWISTON – The city’s All-America status depends on a slimmer, punchier application this year.

Lewiston officials are hoping they’ll be invited back to California in June to compete again for status of All-America City. The city was an also-ran last year.

“But we talked with some of the cities that won last year and looked at what they’ve done and changed things a little,” said Dot Perham-Whittier, Lewiston’s community relations coordinator.

The National Civic League, which created the award, says it demonstrates national recognition for hard work and civic pride. The group typically names 10 cities as All America Cities each year. They claim each city gets a public relations boost with the status, resulting in more tourism and new business investment.

Lewiston took a group of 27 city staffers, councilors, members of the community and community youth to compete for All-America honors in Anaheim, Calif., last year. The group presented a 20-minute show on the city’s problems and how they were solved.

Last year’s application focused on new Somali immigrants, youth involvement and economic development.

Perham-Wittier said this year’s program uses Lots to Gardens, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and the city’s low-income tax preparation program as points of civic pride.

It doesn’t stop there, however.

“We talked about many more things in our application, in short sentences and bullet points,” she said. The goal is to capture a broader picture of Lewiston as community.

“Last year’s application was more of a narrative, and we learned the judges like bullet points better,” she said.

The city submitted its application on March 22 and expects to hear back from the National Civic League on April 16.

If Lewiston is invited back, a smaller group of between 13 and 15 will represent the city. Delegates will include Mayor Larry Gilbert, Councilor Norm Rousseau, city staffers, youth council members and community members.