Communities across America have long struggled with systemic issues, such as education disparities, income inequality, access to healthcare, diversity and inclusion, and inequalities in economic opportunity. When these issues are addressed, they are generally addressed in silos without the benefit of a comprehensive framework for proactive intra-community collaboration.

In 2013, Communities of Excellence 2026 was formed as a nonprofit organization with the purpose of helping communities work together using a Baldrige-based, community-centric framework. The goal is to achieve communities of excellence across America by the 250th anniversary of our country in 2026. To date, three learning collaboratives, involving 18 communities across the United States, have been established.

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