(Photo By Flickr User Jimmy Emerson, DVM)

In an contest sponsored by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL), the City of Peoria beat out over 200 city halls to win the #ELGLCityHall National Championship. This online contest pitted city halls from all over the country in a bracket-style competition. Participants were asked to vote, leave comments and take selfies in front of their City Halls for extra votes. Cities across the United States competed for the title of “Best City Hall”, with comments from people around the world supporting Peoria’s history and architecture.

Peoria’s City Hall has long been a favorite location for local artists and camera clubs. In 2010, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Inc. published a book on the structure, which has been acknowledged by Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the nomination form for the contest, Communications Specialist Stacy Peterson noted city hall’s combination of “historic opulence, lavish artwork and municipal government.”

Peoria beat out Vancouver, Washington in the title bout with 59% of the vote. A total of 68,000 votes, 2,100 comments and 400 selfies were posted between the two cities in the final week. A photo album dedicated to the City Hall Selfies can be found on the City of Peoria’s Facebook page.

Mayor Jim Ardis stated,

“Winning the title of this competition is an acknowledgement of not only the civic pride in our community, but also the hard work and dedication of city leaders and residents who have enjoyed this building for the last 118 years. City Hall has stood the test of time. Some of the businesses who helped construct the building are still in business today and it’s incredible to see the show of support from around the world.”

An open house, complete with tours of the building, will be held in the near future.

Peoria was paired against city halls from Kenmore, WA, Kansas City, MO, Kannapolis, NC, and Effingham, IL.

In the Final Four, Peoria beat Pasadena, CA, by less than 200 votes.

(Information courtesy of peoriagov.org)