For the seventh time, Roanoke received an All-America City award from the National Civic League. Roanoke is the only city in the nation to win the award seven times.

Roanoke and 15 other localities were recognized for efforts to improve early literacy among children from low-income families. Roanoke's"Star City Reads" plan is a partnership among city government, city schools and other community organizations such as the Roanoke Symphony.