Lodi named America's favorite small town for 2026

Lodi is getting national recognition, being crowned as America's favorite small town by one major publication.

Parade and Steller announced Monday that Lodi was the community to win the national "America's Favorite Small Towns 2026" competition.

"This win belongs to the people of Lodi, our residents, small business owners, hospitality partners and everyone who voted and rallied their friends, families and coworkers," Wes Rhea, of Visit Lodi, said in a statement.

Communities across the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West were named as finalists for the national award, with Lodi and Bend, Oregon, being the two from the West. 

The small towns competition is part of Parade and Steller's effort to mark America's 250th birthday.

More than 300 towns were nominated for the award.