After the two cities made the quarterfinals of the America’s Best Communities competition last year, they’re opening this year by moving on to the semifinals.

Ken Baldwin, general manager of Frontier Communications’ Everett branch, announced at the Tulalip Resort Casino Jan. 13 that the Darrington-Arlington team would be one of 15 teams nationwide to meet in Durham, N.C., April 26-27. This summit is set to winnow the teams down to eight, who will receive $100,000 each and meet again next year to determine the contest’s three finalists.

Out of 350 entrants, 50 were selected as quarterfinalists and awarded $50,000 each in seed money last year. The top three communities at the end of the contest will share a total of $6 million in grand prize money. The winning community will be awarded $3 million, with $2 million for second place and $1 million for third.

“Great communities don’t just happen,” said Baldwin, who noted that the contest’s financial prizes are intended to support the development of economic opportunities in small towns and rural communities within the 27 states served by Frontier. “These communities came together with common goals, but no real project manager, to create plans for revitalization. Their partnership has been inspiring.”

Arlington and Darrington’s plan was launched in the wake of the 2014 Oso slide, and lays out a strategy for sustainable development that maintains the Stillaguamish Valley’s identity and quality of life.

The Darrington-Arlington team identified five goals for the first round of competition; healthy main streets, natural resources, tourism development, broadband access and healthy youth. The past six months have seen private citizens, businesses and educators outlining tasks to accomplish those goals.

Mark Everett, owner of Arlington Velo on Olympic Avenue, also chairs the “Healthy Main Street” committee for the Darrington-Arlington team.

“I am so excited that all the time planning events and making strategies for our towns is advancing to the next level,” Everett said. “We will be moving forward with even more confidence and our efforts will encourage growth for existing business. New businesses we are looking for will now have even stronger reasons to invest in Arlington and Darrington.”

Baldwin praised Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring for what he didn’t do, which was submit his own city for the contest. By stepping aside, Baldwin believes Marysville gave Arlington and Darrington a better shot at winning.

“They’re certainly the only team in this area that made it this far,” Baldwin said, adding that Washington State University and the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County have helped guide the Darrington-Arlington team through the process. “If you read their plans, they outline concise, measurable objectives that anyone can understand.”

Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert likewise credited her team’s advancements through the contest to their effective teamwork, which Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin expanded upon.

“There’s been no scrambling, only directed movement, always forward,” Rankin said. “Our valley has suffered so much, but we’ve shown the whole country what this little valley can do.”

Tolbert added: “America’s Best Communities competition could not have appeared at a better time, as we emerge from the shock and sadness of the tragedy that struck our communities. To move to the next round will strengthen the foundation of relationships and resolve within our communities.”

The Downtown Arlington Business Association found itself tasked with an errand that contributed to this cause over the weekend.

On Jan. 9, DABA President Mike Britt received last-minute notice that he needed to film three videos of the community, in support of the contest. He and his volunteers were able to wrangle together groups at Aerospace Manufacturing Tech and Post Middle School that day, but needed the next day to film an additional segment in downtown Arlington, ultimately enlisting the aid of the Stilly Diner.

“Congratulations, you’ve made it,” Baldwin said. “You have plenty more work to do, though.”