List of Keys to the City in the United States

The Great Seal of the United States.

This is a list of Keys to the City awarded in the United States.

Alabama

Alabaster

• October 12, 2015: Bobby Joe Seales, local historian
• October 15, 2018: Mayo Taylor, first African-American city council member

Bay Minette

• 1984: Lyn Glenn, daughter of astronaut and politician John Glenn
• December 21, 2018: Kirk Jay, singer that competed on The Voice

Birmingham

• October 3, 1980: Mercer Ellington, musician and son of Duke Ellington

Boaz

• June 14, 2019: Richard Glazier, sawmill owner

Brewton

• November 2021: William Lee Golden and The Goldens, country musicians

Cullman

• November 10, 2017: Roy Drinkard, developer and Marine

Gadsden

• 1984: John Glenn, astronaut and politician

Hoover

• July 13, 2016: Paul Reinhardt, USS Alabama commander
• February 18, 2019: Ajah Robinson, Anthonia Anwah, and Aiyana Hines, three high schoolers who aided an injured woman during the fallout of the Killing of Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr.
• January 21, 2020: Foster Dudley, fourth-grade student

Huntsville

• July 12, 2013: Jase Robertson, star of reality TV series Duck Dynasty
• June 28, 2015: Microwave Dave, North Alabama musician and music educator
• September 28, 2016: Dennis L. Via, US Army General

Mobile

• February 5, 2013: Captain Munnerlyn, NFL player for the Carolina Panthers
• Spring 2013: A. J. McCarron and C.J. Mosley, XFL and NFL football players
• July 12, 2016: Jaquiski Tartt, NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers
• September 20, 2017: Nicolas Cage, actor
• November 14, 2022: Daniel K. Wims, president of Alabama A&M University, and Thomas Hudson, president of Jackson State University
• February 18, 2023: Latisha D. Scott, actor. Love and Marriage Huntsville.

Mountain Brook

• September 23, 2019: Kevin Alexander, local dentist
• January 18, 2022: Rodney Davis, local chef and tavern employee

Orange Beach

• October 5, 2023: Jason Aldean, country musician

Phenix City

• 1984: Lyn Glenn, daughter of astronaut and politician John Glenn

Scottsboro

• 1984: John Glenn, astronaut and politician
• October 24, 2022: Gary Stewart, town council member

Selma

• May 5, 2023: Daryl D. Thomas, accountant

Tallassee

• January 22, 2018: Derrick Ansley, defensive back football coach

Troy

• April 19, 2016: DeMarcus Ware, NFL player for the Denver Broncos

Alaska

Homer

• 2012: Vicki Sarber, pageant contestant and Mrs. America 2012

Kodiak

• July 30, 2012: Pitbull, rapper

Palmer

• May 7, 2021: Captain Matt Seakup, Captain Chris Brunner, and Sergeant Andy Reynolds, members of the 176th Wing in the Alaska Air National Guard

Wasilla

• September 22, 2011: Landon Swank, illusionist

California

Anaheim

• February 1940: Connie Mack, baseball catcher, manager, and team owner

Antioch

• December 12, 2022: Bianca Palomera, restaurant worker who lost an eye in an attack after defending a disabled customer

Artesia

• Unknown date: Nithyananda, Hindu guru

Bakersfield

• October 29, 1988: Pelé, soccer player
• July 30, 2012: John and Joe Lanni, restaurateurs

Beverly Hills

• September 2, 2010: Entertainment mogul family The Kardashian–Jenner family and radio host Larry King were awarded the key to the city of Beverly Hills, the award date falling (by design) on a day designated by the city's famous zip code, 90210.
• October 18, 2022: Charles Aronberg, former mayor and physician

Blythe

• April 3, 2019: Andrew Cancio, boxer

Burbank

• August 22, 2017: Adam Schiff, state representative
• May 2021: Mickey DePalo, local community worker

Clearlake

• December 21, 2022: Andrew White, retired local police chief

Coachella

• April 11, 2019: Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Mexican norteño band
• April 22, 2023: Becky G, singer and actress

Coalinga

• December 6, 2018: Nathan Vosburg, outgoing mayor of Coalinga

Compton

• 2014: Dr. Dre, rapper and record producer
• February 13, 2016: Kendrick Lamar, rapper and songwriter

Corona

• March 12, 2010: Scarlett's Magic, a Savannah cat owned by the Draper family and recognized Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Tallest Cat

Coronado

• July 1, 2020: Donna Salof, community worker and philanthropist

Cypress

• 1994: Tiger Woods, golfer
• January 20, 2016: Dan Ta, youth money management educator

Daly City

• July 22, 2022: Jo Koy, comedian

Danville

• January 16, 2009: Chesley B. Sullenberger III, fighter pilot, diplomat, and saver of US Airways Flight 1549

Desert Hot Springs

• June 20, 2023: DannyLux, Latin musician

Diamond Bar

• January 24, 2016: Alex Morgan, soccer player

Elk Grove

• June 18, 2014: Kyle Larson, race car driver
• December 10, 2014: Jim Cooper, city council member
• November 6, 2015: Lance Briggs, football player for the Chicago Bears
• May 28, 2016: Josephine Finley Prince, local centenarian
• August 27, 2016: Elizabeth Pinkerton, educator, author, and local historian
• May 14, 2017: Ann Pinto, local centenarian
• May 24, 2017: Leo Fassler, community member
• August 26, 2017: Donald Ralph, Air Force commander
• August 26, 2017: Karissa Trinchera, Special Olympics swimmer
• August 26, 2017: Mathilde Mukantabana, Rwandan ambassador to the US
• August 26, 2017: Roy Herburger, news reporter
• December 26, 2017: Bertha Weber Kraus, local centenarian
• March 8, 2018: Joseph Sieber, local centenarian
• May 16, 2018: Samuel Rinelli, local centenarian
• May 17, 2018: Jamie Whitmore, paracyclist
• June 2, 2018: Emma Virginia Fife, local centenarian
• July 15, 2018: Chalmers Gage, local centenarian
• December 28, 2018: Lydia Christina Wacker, local centenarian
• February 27, 2019: Joey Hand, racing driver
• July 29, 2019: Maureen Gertrude Gabriel, local centenarian
• October 3, 2022: Candido Montalbano, local centenarian

Indio

• 2011: Bob Ladiin, honorary mayor
• 2013: Alexander Haagan III, owner of the Empire Polo Club
• 2008 & 2015: Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic appendant body

Inglewood

• February 12, 2022: Issa Rae, actress and writer
• February 16, 2022: Stan Kroenke, businessman and owner of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
• June 18, 2023: D Smoke, rapper
• October 17, 2023: Becky G, singer

Lancaster

• April 30, 2015: Matt Anderson, Gateway Teacher of the Year 2015

La Puente

• November 16, 1962: John F. Kennedy, US President

Long Beach

• February 27, 1983: HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom.
• March 2018: Carmen Perez, community worker
• December 13, 2022: NAACP Long Beach branch president Naomi Rainey-Pierson and local newspaper editor and columnist Rich Archbold

Los Angeles

• October 1984: Sally Ride, astronaut
• 2006: Twenty-seven Victoria's Secret Angels – including Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Selita Ebanks, and Izabel Goulart – were presented with a key to Hollywood by honorary mayor Johnny Grant in honor of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show being held in Los Angeles for the first time.
• August 7, 2009: Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Mark Waters and Jessica Tuchinsky, stars and producers of the 2009 film (500) Days of Summer, were awarded the key to Los Angeles for the film's inventive use of L.A. locations.
• 2012: Rapper Lil' Kim received the key to the city before a performance in front of 50,000 at a LA Pride festival, for "being a champion for her LGBT fans".
• May 11, 2013: 5th Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad
• September 23, 2016: Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully was awarded the key to the city during a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium.
• May 23, 2021: Musician Lady Gaga was awarded the key and May 23 was declared as "Born This Way Day", part of a celebration of the tenth anniversary of Born This Way and its cultural impact. A street painting with the Daniel Quasar's version of the gay flag (which includes trans and queer people of color) featuring the album's title was also unveiled on Robertson Boulevard as a tribute to the album, and how it has inspired the LGBT community over the years.
• October 1, 2022: Los Angeles Dodgers Announcer Jaime Jarrín was awarded the Key to the City of Los Angeles in a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium on the day they extended their franchise record to 110 wins in a season.

Oakland

• 1979: Musical group The Jackson 5
• October 27, 2022: Widow of Huey P. Newton and former member of the Black Panther Party Fredrika Newton, Michelin-starred chef James Syhabout, author Tommy Orange, musician D'wayne Wiggins, and singer Goapele
• November 2022: Mistah F.A.B., rapper

Richmond

• c. 1984-96: James Brown, musician

Ridgecrest

• July 22, 2022: Doug Lueck, community worker

Sacramento

• September 11, 2015: Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, for actions taken to stop the 2015 Thalys train attack.
• 2017: Chance the Rapper, rapper
• June 2023: Arik Armstead, NFL player

San Bernardino

• January 20, 2024: Jayden Daniels, football player and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner

San Diego

• August 28, 1965: Rock band The Beatles were presented with the key to the city by four teenage girls. The presentation was the idea of Susan Clark, a local fan who petitioned Mayor Frank Curran with the idea.
• July 2, 2021: Andra Day, singer/songwriter and actress
• May 23, 2023: Lincoln Hornets, high school football team

San Francisco

• 1916: Russian-born American businessman, candy-maker and inventor Sam Born was awarded the key to city for inventing a machine that mechanically inserted sticks into lollipops. Later, he went on to found the Just Born candy company in New York.
• August 9, 1941: Hollywood actor Edward Arnold
• 1960: Four Soviet sailors Junior Sergeant Askhat Ziganshin, Private Philip Poplavsky, Private Anatoly Kryuchkovsky, Private Ivan Fedotov
• 1962: Sailor Kenichi Horie
• 1963: Hong Kong music composter/violinist Yin Zizhong
• October 30, 1965: Italian writer and scholar Uguccione Ranieri di Sorbello was presented the key by mayor John F. Shelley.
• December 12, 1966: Israeli Ambassador to the US Avraham Harman was presented the key by mayor John F. Shelley.
• Late 1970s: Sylvester, singer/songwriter
• February 5, 1986: Gbenga Sonuga (now Oba Gbenga Sonuga, Fadesewa The First of Simawa), Director for Arts and Culture in Lagos, was presented the key by Mayor Dianne Feinstein on a culture exchange trip to San Francisco in 1986.
• 1992: Gladys Hansen, city archivist
• November 3, 2010: The San Francisco Giants were awarded the key to the city for winning the 2010 World Series.
• 2011: Tony Bennett, singer
• June 26, 2012: San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain was given the key to the city in commemoration of the perfect game he pitched on June 13, 2012.
• September 29, 2012: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was given the key to the city at the San Francisco Bay Area, which is home to the third-largest Burmese community in the USA.
• October 31, 2012: The San Francisco Giants were awarded the key to city of San Francisco for winning the 2012 World Series.
• May 21, 2013: Stephen Curry, professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
• November 15, 2013: Child cancer patient Batkid is given the key to the city by mayor Ed Lee as part of an event put on by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• February 12, 2014: Gavin Newsom, state governor
• October 31, 2014: The San Francisco Giants were awarded the key to city of San Francisco by Mayor Ed Lee for winning the 2014 World Series.
• October 14, 2015: The Golden State Warriors were awarded the key to city of San Francisco by Mayor Ed Lee for winning the 2015 NBA Championship.
• November 2, 2017: Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach (head of government) of Ireland

Santa Cruz

• February 12, 2014: Gavin Newsom, state governor

Seaside

• February 16, 2022: Helen Rucker, community activist

Stockton

• May 22 2010: Dallas Braden, Oakland Athletics Pitcher who threw a perfect game on May 9 2010.
• November 16, 2015: God was given the key to the city by Stockton mayor Anthony Silva.
• December 3, 2022: Nate Diaz, mixed martial artist
• May 18, 2023: Stan and Denise Smart, parents of murdered college student Kristin Smart

Vallejo

• October 21, 2023: E-40, rapper

Watts

• May 24, 2019: Rapper, Grammy Award winner, and Watts native Jay Rock received the key to the city from council member Joe Buscaino.

West Covina

• November 17, 2015: The cast and crew of television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend were awarded with the key to the city of West Covina, the onsite shooting location heavily satirized in the show. A replica of the key was used as a central prop in a season 1 episode and was featured in the protagonist's office afterwards. It currently is on display in the office of series co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna.

West Hollywood

• May 23, 2018: Stormy Daniels, pornographic film actress
• May 31, 2023: Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, gay activist group

Connecticut

Ansonia

• December 16, 2013: Arkeel Newsome and Tom Brockett, local high school football player and coach from Ansonia High School
• May 28, 2017: Tierney Lawlor, basketball player for Ansonia High School and the University of Connecticut
• October 19, 2022: Arthur Solis, local soccer coach for Emmett O'Brien Technical High School

Bridgeport

• November 2011: Michael Jai White, actor
• February 2016: Marc Anthony, singer/songwriter and actor
• 2018 & 2023: Kevin Hart, comedian and actor
• October 2018: Sheena Graham, state Teacher of the Year 2019
• February 2019: Andre Gray, inventor
• November 2020: 50 Cent, rapper and actor
• 2021: REO Speedwagon, rock band
• 2021: Styx, rock band
• March 2021: Tenisi Davis, actor and activist
• September 2, 2021: The Skinny Boys, hip-hop group
• Unknown date: University of Bridgeport women’s soccer team
• 2022: Stevie Nicks, singer/songwriter and producer
• 2022: Dave Matthews, singer/songwriter and musician
• November 17, 2022: Sofia Depassier, Miss Universo Chile 2022
• Unknown date: Loretta Long, actress
• Unknown date: United States Marine Band, band of the US Marine Corps

Danbury

• June 2014: Nancy Sudik, director of the Danbury Music Center
• November 16, 2021: Glover Teixeira, mixed martial artist

Hartford

• May 2, 2011: Michael Wilson, theatrical artistic director
• August 10, 2013: Christopher Martin, Jamaican singer/songwriter
• February 15, 2014: John Leguizamo, comedian and actor
• June 10, 2014: Darko Tresnjak, artistic director, recipient of a 2014 Tony Award

Middletown

• May 29, 2009: Joseph W. Waz, Jr., business executive and native son

Milford

• August 23, 2019: Enes Kanter Freedom, NBA basketball player for the Boston Celtics

New Britain

• August 3, 2013: Ryszard Schnepf, Polish ambassador to the U.S.

New Haven

• December 30, 2019: Local police chief Anthony Duff, WNBA basketball player Bria Holmes, local teacher Malcolm Welfare, community worker Clarence Boyd, journalist and media mogul Veronica Douglas-Givan, entertainment chef Gordon Ramsay as well as, political activist George Mention, columnist James Walker, realtor Roberta Hoskie, local high school guidance supervisor Cynthia Beaver, and doctor Tamiko Jackson McArthur

North Haven

• October 28, 2022: Kostyantyn and Olga Yermakov, Ukrainian married couple and refugees

Delaware

Wilmington

• May 4, 1945: James Phillip Connor, U.S. Army sergeant
• April 3, 2009: The Fon of Bamunka

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

• 1951: Douglas MacArthur, American General of the Army
• 1961: Peter Ustinov, British, actor, writer and director
• 2008: Alexander Ovechkin, Russian ice hockey player
• 2009: Mark Ein, American businessman
• 2011: Lamont Peterson, American boxer
• 2011: Raheem DeVaughn, American singer
• 2016: Bryce Harper, American baseball player
• 2017: Dave Chappelle, stand-up comedian
• 2024: Darrell Green, Football player

Florida

Bradenton

• Philip Givens

Cape Coral

• December 13, 2015: Jessica Lynch, Prisoner of War, Private First Class (2001 - 2003), was honored and presented with the key to the city of Cape Coral, Florida by Mayor Marni Sawicki at a private dinner held at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library with both special and surprise guests in attendance. This was a private event closed to both the public and media.

Clearwater

• Philip Givens
• George Hill
• 17 January 2012: Frank Crum
• 30 October 2013: Robert Engelman, Film Producer for Alcon Entertainment

Coral Gables

• 31 August 2018: Jesús Permuy, architect and Cuban community leader. Presented by Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli during a ceremony in the office of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Other participants in the presentation ceremony were Ros-Lehtinen, former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, and former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado.

Doral

• September 15, 2013: Henrique Capriles Radonski, Venezuelan opposition leader

Dunedin

• July 18, 2013: Lari White, country music artist

Fort Lauderdale

• August 30, 2023: Lionel Messi, soccer player

Fort Myers

• July 11, 2014: Sammy Watkins, American football wide receiver and Fort Myers native.

Gainesville

• October 27, 2023: Laura Jane Grace, musician

Key West

• December 20, 1955: Ethel Waters, singer and actress, was presented with the key to the city on the set of Carib Gold, a film in which she starred.
• December 28, 1955: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, received the key to the city during a 12-day vacation in Key West.
• May 22, 1956: Estes Kefauver, U.S. Senator, was given the key to the city while campaigning to be nominated the Democratic presidential candidate.
• February 23, 1957: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, received the key to the city and was made honorary chairman of the board of county commissioners.
• July 14, 2004: Rosie O'Donnell, comedian and LGBT rights activist, was given the key to the city during the inaugural voyage of her cruise line, R Family Vacations.

Lakeland

• February 11, 1976: John McKay received the key to the city upon his appointment as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Miami

• 1976: 1st 1 Millionth Passenger ever thru the Port of Miami presented Key to the City of Miami to Deborah Manika.
• 1981: Musical group The Jacksons received keys to the city of Miami.
• 2004: The mayors of Miami-Dade County and the city officially welcomed Shaquille O'Neal and presented him with the keys to the city before a press conference was held in the American Airlines Arena.
• August 9, 2004: Rap Superstar Lil' Kim was awarded the key to the city of Miami (her place of residence at the time) for her contributions to the world of Hip Hop.
• December 6, 2006: Superstar Shakira was awarded the key to the city of Miami for playing 5 shows in AmericanAirlines Arena in one tour, a record she still owns till date.
• August 19, 2009: Miami Commissioner Tomás Regalado presented Armando Perez (aka Pitbull) with the key to the city during a morning ceremony.
• April 13, 2013: Mayor Matti Bower presented the Key to pop singer Adam Lambert for "being brave enough to be openly gay on American Idol."
• July 8, 2013: María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader
• August 20, 2013: José Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council
• September 15, 2013: Henrique Capriles Radonski, Venezuelan opposition leader
• October 29, 2018: Trevor Noah receives key to city and official city proclamation declaring October 29, 2018 Trevor Noah Day.
• August 27, 2019: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Natalie Martinez.
• November 15, 2019: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Jonathan Davis
• January 12, 2020: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and were named honorary police officers of the Miami Police Department
• September 28, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Conor McGregor.
• October 6, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to Teresa Murphy.
• October 6, 2021: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to the 2018 Miami Dade County Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year Rudy Diaz.
• May 6, 2023: Mayor Francis Suarez presented the Key to the City of Miami to the Nelk boys (Kyle, Steiny and Bradley Martyn).

North Miami

• November 19, 2012: Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, socialites, businesswomen, and models
• June 11, 2013: Gregory Toussaint, Pastor

Ocala

• 2 March 2007: John Travolta, American Actor
• 2 March 2007: Kelly Preston, American Actress
• 2017: A Day to Remember
• 25 September 2020: Juanita Perry Cunningham, City resident, educator and civic activist

Orlando

• 8 October 1998: Backstreet Boys
• 8 January 2018: 2017 UCF Knights football team
• 22 September 2023: Brightline founder Wes Edens

Pensacola

• 15 November 2016: Addison Russell, Professional Baseball Player for the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs.

Sarasota

• April 25, 2013: Paul Thorpe, Sarasota citizen and founding memember of the Downtown Association of Sarasota
• September 11, 2013: Diana Ross, singer and actress

St. Petersburg

• 1972: Philip Givens

Tallahassee

• November 14, 2018: Joshua Quick, awarded key to the city by Mayor Gillum for confronting and attempting to stop a shooter at a yoga studio.
• January 9, 2023: DJ DEMP, awarded the key to the city by Mayor John E. Dailey for Outstanding Service to the City of Tallahassee.

Tampa

• January 28, 2003: Jon Gruden, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, received the key to the city following the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII victory.
• April 10, 2023: Mayor Jane Castor bestowed the key to the city to Taylor Swift in honor of her upcoming performances for The Eras Tour. Swift was also named Honorary Mayor and many public places were lit up red, in tribute to Swift’s Red album.

Georgia

Franklin Springs

• 2007: The Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue, received the key to the city of Franklin Springs after visiting the city and cutting the ribbon to the city's new Public Safety and City Hall buildings; the original buildings were destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan.

Milton

• 2007: The original Governor's Commission for the City of Milton (Ron Wallace, Brandon Beach, Gregory Mishkin, Dan Phalan and Cecil Pruitt) was awarded the key to the city of Milton in recognition of their work in the creation of the city. They were also presented a proclamation that officially declares December 1 as "Commissioning Day" in honor of their achievements and recognizes the five men as the "Founding Fathers" of the city.

Dawsonville

• November 9, 2020: 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott received the key to the city of Dawsonville, Georgia as a way to celebrate the 24 year old Dawsonville native's first championship at the highest level of motorsports.

Taylorsville

• April 28, 2023: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was presented with the key to the town of Taylorsville, GA in honor of three sold out nights of The Eras Tour at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Hawaii

Honolulu

• 12 December 2014: Michelle Wie, American Golfer.

Illinois

Chicago

• December 30, 1871: Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia received the "Freedom of the City of Chicago".
• June 26, 1933: Residents of the Midget Village at the Century of Progress World's Fair were presented with a key to the City of Chicago by Mayor Edward Joseph Kelly.
• August 17, 1970: As part of Chicago's Lakefront Festival, Mayor Richard J. Daley awarded a key to the City of Chicago to Edward Stein, who had emerged from the Chicago River dressed as Neptune to lead a parade.
• May 1985: Jean McFadden, leader of the Glasgow District Council was presented a key to the City of Chicago by Joel Hall as part of Glasgow's Mayfest
• April 21, 1988: Michael Jackson was awarded the Key to the city by Eugene Sawyer.
• March 20, 1990: Audrey Hepburn was presented with a key to the City of Chicago by Mayor Richard M. Daley.
• October 12, 1990: Sophia Loren was presented with a key to the City of Chicago by Mayor Richard M. Daley.
• 1996: The famous Lebanese Arab singer Najwa Karam was presented with the Key to the City of Chicago.

North Chicago

• July 11, 2011: Shawn Marion, basketball player with the Dallas Mavericks, was awarded the key to the city following the Mavericks' victory at the 2011 NBA Finals.

Springfield

• March 11, 2015: Mayor J. Michael Houston awarded the Key to the city to Cobra Commander from G.I. Joe in honor of the G.I. JoeCon convention taking place the following month.

Bensenville

• June 22, 2018: Village President Frank DeSimone, Village Manager Evan K. Summers, and Chief of Police Frank Kosman, presented Keys to the Village to Cónsul General Billy Adolfo José Muñoz Miranda and Vice Cónsul Brenda Paz de Ghassemi from the Consulate General of Guatemala.

Indiana

Gary

• June 11, 2003: Artist Michael Jackson received keys to the city of Gary from Mayor Scott King.

Indianapolis

• July 17, 2015: Reggie Wayne, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts NFL football team receives a key to the city of Indianapolis

Salem

• November 11, 1999: Disability advocate Gary Gambino received the key to the city of Salem from Mayor Douglas Campbell.

South Bend

• 2012: Comedian Jerry Seinfeld received the key to the city from Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

Evansville

• April 23, 2009: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was presented with the key to Evansville as thanks for choosing Evansville as the opening night her 2009-2010 Fearless Tour.

Terre Haute

• September 27, 2024: America's Got Talent season 19 winner Richard Goodall received the key to the city from Chief of Staff to the Mayor Jesse Tohill.

Iowa

Des Moines

• 21 October 2006: Bill Bryson, Author

Kansas

Lyons

• April 2022: Marshall Christmann, received the Key to the city for 20 plus years of philanthropic contributions to people of Lyons, Kansas, and for numerous negotiations between governmental agencies for those same citizens, Presented by Mayor Dustin Schultz.

Kentucky

Bowling Green

• August 26, 2004: Dionne Warwick, singer, received the key to the city prior to her appearance at an Athena Cage concert.

Louisville

• 1975: Helen Humes, musician, received the key to the city for her extensive musical career.
• 1990s: Frederick Cease, soldier, received the key to the city for his extensive military service.
• July, 2000: Nancy Johnson Barker, singer, received the key to the city after the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Music Weekend Festival.
• 2002: Ivor Chodkowski, farmer, received the key to the city for working to start a farmer's market in Louisville's "food desert."
• September 24, 2002: Montgomery Gentry, musicians, received the key to the city for their musical career.
• January 2010: Sam Leist, lawyer, received the key to the city for his career in public service.
• March 12, 2016: Bryson Tiller, singer, received the key to the city by the city's mayor, Greg Fischer, as well as a holiday on March 12, called "Bryson Tiller Day." This all occurred at his T R A P S O U L concert.
• April 5, 2016: Awadeya Mahmoud, human rights worker, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, upon her receiving the International Women of Courage Award.
• June 29, 2016: John Rabun, social worker, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, for his work as the head of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
• January 10, 2017: Bob Beatty, American football Coach, received the key to the city by Greg Fischer, after winning Trinity High School's 24th state football title.

Williamsburg

• January 16, 2019: Nick Wilson, public defender, was awarded the key to the city after winning Survivor: David vs. Goliath.

Louisiana

New Orleans

• November 21, 2006: Kentucky-New Orleans Architecture Studio was awarded the key to the city of New Orleans for its work on restoration and re-design efforts of Mickey Markey Park in Bywater.
• April 26, 2007: The Harris County Hospital District was awarded the key to the city in recognition of its efforts to provide health care to Hurricane Katrina evacuees at its Astrodome Clinic in September 2005.
• June 2008: Atlanta native, R&B Singer Usher awarded the key to the city for his effort and dedication to help rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
• September 25, 2011: Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason was granted the key to the city for his blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the Saints' first home game after Hurricane Katrina.
• September 17, 2018: August 21, 2018: Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the key to the city for their philanthropy work and impact on popular culture.
• May 20, 2019: Jesseca Dupart was awarded the key to the city to recognize the philanthropy and business she had contributed to in the area.
• November 2, 2024: Lil Wayne, during the Lil WeezyAna Fest, received a key to the city from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

Maine

Portland

• March, 2003: Dr Gerry McKenna, President of the University of Ulster, in recognition of promoting research and economic linkages between Northern Ireland and Maine
• July 13, 2008: moe., a band from upstate New York, was presented the key to the city in recognition of a two-day fundraising concert they organised for the Preble Street Resource Center.
• June 13, 2014: Evander Holyfield, American Boxer
• November 4, 2023: Twisted Roots, Rock band

Maryland

Baltimore

• September 10, 2012: Keys to the city were awarded to eight athletes who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics: swimmers Michael Phelps(Key revoked 2014) and Katie Ledecky, rower David Banks, windsurfer Farrah Hall, cyclist Bobby Lea, field hockey player Katie O'Donnell, kayaker Scott Parsons, and modern pentathlete Suzanne Stettinius.
• July 24, 2019: Gervonta Davis ,three days before his homecoming fight with Ricardo Nunez – his fifth 130-pound world title defense – he was presented the keys to the city by then mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young in a ceremony at City Hall.
• July 19, 2023: Angel Reese, college basketball player, was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Brandon Scott.

Pocomoke City

• Ray Lewis, NFL Hall of Famer.

Massachusetts

Plaque from the Key to the City given to Joseph L. Wyckoff for working with the Legislature to petition the annexation of Mount Tom and Smith's Ferry for the city of Holyoke

Boston

• August 8, 2023: Employee Rose Conley received a key to the city from Mayor Michelle Wu for "holding it down like no one's ever held it down before"

Brockton

• September 29, 1980: Boxer Marvin Hagler was crowned World Middleweight Champion of September 27, and received the key to the city on his return to his hometown.

Dedham

• July 1961: Connie Hines received the Key to the Town after being cast on Mister Ed.

Holyoke

• July 21, 1909: Mayor Nathan P. Avery awarded Joseph Lewis Wyckoff the Key to the city, "through whose militant energy the boundaries of their city were so extended by the Legislature of 1909 as to include within them not only himself but the whole of the ancient hamlet known as Smith's Ferry."
• April 27, 2018: Mayor Alex B. Morse presented Carmen Yulín Cruz the Key to the city to honor that "in such a time of despair [she] provided a beacon of hope and opportunity for Puerto Ricans".

Worcester

• July 8, 2017: Mayor of Worcester Joseph Petty presented Shatta Wale with the key to the city, in recognition of his contributions to the arts and for honoring the city of Worcester, Massachusetts with his presence."

Michigan

Albion

• 1960s: Ann Landers received the key to the city of Albion upon her visit to Starr Commonwealth for Boys.

Detroit

• October 13, 1963: In honor of (the since past) holiday “Paper Boy Day” Jerry Gresham at age 16 was the youngest person to receive the key to the city of Detroit by then mayor Cavanagh.
• September 26, 1974: Stevie Wonder, renowned Motown recording artist was awarded a key to the city by then Mayor Coleman Young.
• August 1975: Horace Jackson, filmmaker, was honored with a key to the city for his film Deliver Us From Evil with Detroit City Council member Emma Henderson stating "Mr. Jackson has produced a film the entire family can enjoy" and recognized him one of the pioneers of Black films in the sixties and seventies.
• 1980: Saddam Hussein, Iraqi President at that time, was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Coleman Young, for having donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a local church.
• January 31, 2006: Detroit native Jerome Bettis was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick days before his Super Bowl win.
• January 2, 2007: Steve Yzerman received the key to the city after his retirement and having his jersey retired.
• January 27, 2010: Elmo received the key to the city from Mayor David Bing during a visit with kids at Children's Hospital of Michigan.
• October 22, 2014: Berry Gordy received the key to the city from Mayor Mike Duggan for his work of Motown
• April 1, 2017: Big Sean received the key to the city from Mayor Mike Duggan for setting up a foundation called "Mogul Prep" that teaches kids all the behind the scenes jobs available in the music industry.
• June 15, 2018: Jackson 5 members, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon & Michael were honored with keys to the city at the Detroit Music Weekend festival.
• February 29, 2020: Members of the Detroit Youth Choir received keys to the city.
• February 26, 2023: DJ Leo Alton received a key to the city for his charitable work with the Detroit Community.

Flint

• 1989: Lois M. Craig received the key to the city of Flint.
• June 10, 2007: American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones received a proclamation and key to the city from Mayor Don Williamson.

Jackson

• 2023: Pastor James Hines and businessman and philanthropist Al Glick of Alro Steel received keys to the city from Mayor Daniel Mahoney. Glick received the award posthumously.

Kalamazoo

• December 17, 2018: Kalamazoo native Julian Ravi Cosmin Borst receive the key to the city of Kalamazoo from former Mayor Bobby J Hopewell, for the three gold medals he won in the national games of the Special Olympics.
• November 11, 2019 Longtime members of the Kalamazoo City Commission, Bobby Hopewell and Don Cooney, had their final meeting as members of the commission Monday night and received keys to the city during proclamations to honor them by new Mayor David Anderson

Sault Sainte Marie

• July 22, 2007 Kiss (band) received the key to the city of Sault Ste Marie.

Traverse City

• 2005: Traverse City native Carter Oosterhouse received a key to the city from Mayor Linda Smyka.

Missouri

Jefferson City

• July 16, 2022: Rock band Buckcherry was awarded the Key to the city by Mayor Carrie Tergin.

• Muralist Ray Harvey receives Hannibal, MO key to the city on November 7th, 2023 recognizing his work in Hannibal concerning 25 completed murals.

Nevada

Fernley

• August 2012: Jacob Dalton, American Olympic Gymnast (2012).

Las Vegas

• 1999: Lebanese recording artist Fairuz received the key to the city of Las Vegas
• October 25, 2003: Artist Michael Jackson received keys to the city of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman.
• 2012: Canadian, business person, Elise Diker received the key to the city of Las Vegas gifted by her husband & international philanthropist, Mark Diker and Mayor Oscar Goodman in honor of her passion and love for the city.
• 2012: Lebanese recording artist Nancy Ajram received the key to the city of Las Vegas.
• 2012: Legendary Reggae Group Black Uhuru (Ducky Simpson) was honored with the key to the city of Las Vegas and August 31 was officially declared Black Uhuru Day in Las Vegas.
• 2014: On October 24, Small business owner, HIV/AIDS Activist & Trevor Project Supervisor saving over 200 GLBTQ lives from suicide Bobby A Townsend-Valenzuela) was honored, and received the key to the State of Nevada and the key to the City of Las Vegas
• 2014: On November 5, American singer Britney Spears was honored, and received the key to the city of Las Vegas.
• 2015: Professional baseball players Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant received keys to the city of Las Vegas
• 2016: Professional DJ, record producer, radio personality, and record label executive DJ Khaled received keys to the city of Las Vegas
• 2016: Property Brothers' Jonathan and Drew Scott earn receive keys to the city of Las Vegas after their contributions towards charity
• 2017: On September 3, Ultralight Team members and creators of Bats & Butterflies LV, Anthony C. Flores and Isaiah J. LaBelle received keys to the city of Las Vegas
• 2018: On July 6, UFC president Dana White received keys to the city of Las Vegas
• April 30, 2019: Panic! at the Disco vocalist Brendon Urie received the key to the city of Las Vegas for his accomplishments in music.
• September 6, 2019: Pop rock band Imagine Dragons received the key to Las Vegas in honor of their musical accomplishment and charity work towards fighting pediatric cancer with the Tyler Robinson Foundation.
• May 2, 2019: James Holzhauer was awarded a key to the Las Vegas Strip for his success on Jeopardy! and donations to children's charity organizations and other nonprofit organizations in the Las Vegas area.
• April 16, 2022: Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend promoter Tom Ingram was presented with a ceremonial key to Las Vegas at The Orleans Hotel & Casino
• April 22, 2022: RuPaul received the keys to the city for his unprecedented career in showbusiness and for making RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! one of the hottest shows on the Las Vegas Strip. The day was also proclaimed RuPaul Day.
• June 8, 2022: Katy Perry was awarded the keys for Las Vegas Strip in the honor of her residency "PLAY".
• July 5, 2022: Australia's Thunder from Down Under received the keys to the city after 20 years of their Las Vegas Residency.
• June 22, 2023: Anetra received the keys to the city for outstandingly representing Las Vegas drag queens on RuPaul's Drag Race's fifteenth season. Making June 22 Anetra day.
• October 17, 2023: Usher, musician
• March 2, 2024: U2 received a key to the Las Vegas Strip prior to the final show of their U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere concert residency.
• October 30, 2024: Justin Woo and Lydia Ansel of Vegas Justice League received a Key to The Las Vegas Strip by Sheriff Kevin McMahill and Commissioner Michael Naft

New Jersey

Atlantic City

• c. 1927-1930: Arthur A. Quinn, state senator and union leader
• June 21, 2013: Mallory Hagan, winner of Miss America 2013
• July 20, 2019: Ronny Colson American Grammy Award winning music producer
• July 20, 2019: Luke Witherspoon III, American Music Producer, Philanthropist.

Camden County

• 2000: Britney Spears

Englewood

• 2019: Juwann Winfree, American football player

Hoboken

• October 30, 1947: Frank Sinatra, American Singer and Actor.
• July 6, 1998: Aaron Rosa, drummer of the rock band Palisades.

Jersey City

• March 17, 1961: Brendan Behan, Irish playwright and author, received the keys to Jersey City from Mayor Charles Witkowski.
• April 27, 2023: Dan Hurley University of Connecticut men's basketball coach

Newark

• 2016: Professor Don Jacob, Martial Artist, Grandmaster

Paterson

• April 15, 2012: Victor Cruz (American football) of the New York Giants was awarded the key to the city of Paterson for his role in the Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots.
• August 28, 2015: Rapper Fetty Wap was given the key to the city of his hometown Paterson, New Jersey by Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres.
• June 1, 2018: US Senator Cory Booker was given the key to the city of Paterson by Mayor Jane Williams-Warren for his service to the state of New Jersey.
• May 25, 2022: Mayor Andre Sayegh presented Felisa Van Liew, Principal of Public School No. 2, with Paterson's Key to the City

New York

Buffalo

• November 6, 1981: To symbolize the city’s appreciation for Triumph’s music and loyalty to Buffalo, Mayor James D. Griffin presented the Key and certificate of commemoration to members Rik Emmett and Gil Moore. In exchange, the band gifted Mayor Griffin with an official Allied Forces tour jacket.
• May 19, 2009: Terrell Owens received the key to the city of Buffalo with the provisions that he catch a minimum of 10 touchdown passes for the Buffalo Bills and lead the team into the NFL Playoffs. He caught 5 touchdowns and the Bills did not make the playoffs.
• November 6, 2014: Terry Pegula received the key to the city of Buffalo, as a result of his purchase of the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Bandits professional sports teams and his construction of the HarborCenter complex.

New York

• June 27, 1702: Viscount Cornbury was presented the "Freedom of the City".
• September 1735: Andrew Hamilton received the "Freedom of the City" for his defence of John Peter Zenger.
• February 25, 1902: Prince Henry of Prussia was presented the Freedom of the City during a visit to New York.
• 1927: The aviator Charles Lindbergh was awarded the key to the city following his record-breaking non-stop flight from New York to Paris.

Keys to New York City 1991

• 1930-1931: Albert Einstein was given the keys to the city by Mayor Jimmy Walker.

• 1969: Irish Civil Rights Activist Bernadette Devlin received honorary keys to the city in 1969 from Mayor Lindsay whilst on tour in America to raise money for the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland. As the tour came to a close Devlin became disenfranchised with Irish Americans who struggled to see the parallel of the civil rights movement in the U.S. with that in Ireland. The following year she gave the key to friend and fellow activist Eamon McCann who presented it to Robert Bay of the Black Panthers on her behalf as a show of solidarity.
• 1972: Musical group The Jackson 5 received keys to the city of New York from Deputy Mayor Edward Hamilton.
• June 10, 1991: Richard Cheney, Colin Powell, Norman Schwarzkopf after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan as part of Welcome Home celebration for Desert Storm forces.
• February 5, 2008: The New York Giants players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their victory at Super Bowl XLII. Presentation took place at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan.
• February 9, 2009: Chesley B. Sullenberger III received the key to the city for safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after mid-air faults from a bird collision, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. The First Officer of the Flight, Jeffrey B. Skiles, and flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh and Donna Dent also received keys to the city.
• May 8, 2009: Captain Richard Phillips and crewman William Rios received keys to the city in recognition of their heroism aboard the Maersk Alabama during the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates.
• November 6, 2009: The New York Yankees players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their 2009 World Series victory.
• October 14, 2010: Ralph Lauren received a key for his philanthropic and economic contributions to the city.
• November 18, 2011: Regis Philbin received a key to the city to honor his twenty-eight year contribution to New York media.
• February 7, 2012: The New York Giants players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their victory at Super Bowl XLVI. Presentation took place at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan.
• July 10, 2015: The United States Women's National Soccer Team players and coaches received keys to the city in recognition of their 2015 Women's World Cup victory. The parade was organized on short notice and was the first ticker-tape parade in New York City to honor female athletes since Olympic Athletes in 1984.
• January 9, 2016: Ray Pfeifer FDNY Firefighter receives the Key to the City of New York for his work to help secure health care for over 80,000 9/11/01 first responders. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was signed into law on December 18, 2015
• March 2, 2016: Rapper Foxy Brown was honored by Mayor Bill de Blasio and awarded the Key to the city.
• June 11, 2017: Rapper Fabolous and the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat were awarded keys to the city by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• June 26, 2017: Rapper Nicki Minaj was honored by the Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and awarded the Key to the city for her outstanding career achievements in music.
• December 27, 2021: Musician, poet, and author Patti Smith was awarded Key to the city by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye performed st the ceremony.
• August 8, 2022: LL Cool J was awarded the Key to the city during the Rock the Bells festival in Queens.
• April 14, 2023: Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber was awarded the Key to the city by Eric Adams for his contributions of music in Broadway shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Bad Cinderella
• June 8, 2023: Robert De Niro, actor, awarded the Key to the City during the annual Tribeca Festival.
• July 16, 2023: Valerie Simpson, musician, was awarded the Key to the City at the 22nd St. Albans Jazz and Rhythm & Blues Festival.
• September 15, 2023: Sean "Diddy" Combs was awarded the Key to the City by Eric Adams; the key would later be rescinded on June 16, 2024, due to sexual misconduct allegations against Combs.

Oyster Bay

• October 19, 2023: Billy Joel, musician from Oyster Bay

Rochester

• June 25, 1968: Borussia Dortmund, a German professional association football team.
• June 17, 1973: Pelé, Brazilian professional footballer
• June 3, 2013: The Rochester Knighthawks, a professional lacrosse team
• April 23, 2016: Beverly Bond, producer, writer, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and celebrity DJ, received a key to the city for her contribution to the African American community by empowering and positively impacting the lives of young Black girls through her organization-Black Girls Rock!
• March 19, 2019: John P. Schreiber received the Key to the City of Rochester, N.Y. for his 30 years of dedicated service to the city, culminating as Fire Chief or "Car 1". Under his watch, Rochester became an ISO Class 1 city for fire protection, making the Rochester Fire Department one of the best in the country.

Binghamton

• August 12, 2007: Dusan Vemic, a professional tennis player on the ATP world tour was given a key to the city in recognition of his fair play and contribution to the sport.
• September 28, 2016: Albert Fiori, Doug Kumpon, Ed Staff, Fred Teribury, and Chris White were all given a key to the city in recognition of saving the life of a person trapped inside a burning vehicle.
• November 22, 2021: John Hughes, Jr, owner of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies was given a key to the city in recognition of stopping the Minor League Baseball team from relocating in 2015 and working with Major League Baseball, the New York Mets and elected officials from the State of New York assuring affiliated Minor League Baseball in Binghamton, NY for decades to come.

North Carolina

Boone

• January 21, 1980: Special Olympics North Carolina

• July 5, 1983: The Motor Maids

Charlotte

• Stephen Curry, professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and fellow Charlottean received the Key to the city from Mayor Vi Lyles in 2022.

Hickory

• November 19, 2021: Sheri Everts, Chancellor of Appalachian State University.

High Point

• Billy Quick, a High Point native and a Special Olympics athlete and ambassador.
• October 13, 2017: Kathy Ireland, American model and actress, turned author and entrepreneur; received the key from High Point mayor Bill Bencini.
• December 3, 2023: Danny and Dolly Jennings were given a Key to the City from High Point Mayor Jay Wagner. This was in honor of all they have done for High Point. They are owners of Bicycle Toy and Hobby Sales.
• June 16, 2024:Fantasia Barrino was given a key to the city in honor of her music career

Huntersville

• March 15, 2021: Two teenagers, Owen and Walker, were awarded keys to the city for alerting authorities to the 2020 Colonial Pipeline oil spill.

Wilmington

• June 20, 2013: Stephen King, author, was awarded the Key to the City at an advance screening of the CBS series Under the Dome, based on a novel by King.

Ohio

Akron

• May 28, 2016: Mark Mothersbaugh, artist and Devo founder, was awarded the key to the city during a ceremony at the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Columbus

• May 26, 2005: Fatty Koo, singers songwriter Music group

Toledo

• 1896: Guy G. Major Mayor of Toledo Presented with all brass key to the city.
• 1962: Glass Key to the City of Toledo, Don Constantino de la Cruz-Sanchez, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Toledo (Spain, Europe).
• May 13, 2010: Crystal Bowersox, singer-songwriter and actress, was given the key to the city after reaching the finals of American Idol.
• August 28, 2022: Larry Fuller, jazz pianist from Toledo, Ohio, was given the glass key to the city “For Excellence in Jazz Music and Headlining the Inaugural Glass City Jazz Festival”.

Cincinnati

• 1974: Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President and Spiritual head of BAPS
• 1987: Todd Hobbs, Mark Hobbs, Kevin Hodge, Teddy Hodge, Scott Castellenas, and Chris Hudson, local citizens who saved 11 children from a fire.
• 1988: Nam June Paik, sculptor, at the unveiling of Metrobot on "Robot Day"
• 2015: Cate Blanchett, Australian Actress.
• 2015: Rooney Mara, American Actress.
• 2015: Christine Vachon, American Film Producer.
• 2015: Sir Elton John CBE, British Singer.
• 2015: Lionel Richie, American Singer.
• 2015: Jennifer Hudson, American Actress and Singer.
• 2015: Carl Hilding Severinsen, American Musician and Bandleader on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
• 2015: Drew Lachey, American Singer.
• 2015: Nick Lachey, American Singer.
• 2016: Okyeame Kwame, Ghanaian Musician.
• 2018: Jack White, American Musician.
• 2019: Rose Lavelle, American Soccer Player.
• 2023: Richard (Dick) Rosenthal, American Philanthropist
• 2024: John F. Barrett, Chairman President & CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group.

Cleveland

• 1968: B.B. King, American blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer
• 1969: Carl B. Stokes, American Politician, Civil Rights Leader, First African American Mayor of a Major U.S.City
• Pelé, Brazilian soccer player.
• 1974: Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President and Spiritual head of BAPS
• June 16, 2011: Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Betty White, the stars of the television series Hot in Cleveland.
• November 5, 2011: Aretha Franklin, American singer.
• July 17, 2015: Mickey Bey, IBF lightweight boxing champion.

Dayton

• 2023: Dr. Derrick L. Foward, American Civil Rights Activist. Awarded the Key to the city for his Civil and Human Rights work throughout Nation, the State of Ohio and the City of Dayton.

  

  Dayton Mayor Jeffery J. Mims, Jr. Presents Dayton NAACP President Dr Derrick L. Foward With a Key to the City on May 3, 2023

• 2023: Edwin C. Moses, Olympian.

Dayton Mayor Jeffery J. Mims, Jr. Presents Olympian Edwin C. Moses a Key to the City of Dayton

• 2023: Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States of America.
• 2021: Jeff Cooper, Public Health Official.
• 2021: Michael Dohn, Public Health Official.
• 2021: Terra Williams, Public Health Official.
• 2015: David McCullough, Author of "The Wright Brothers."
• 1964: Martin Luther King, Jr., American Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Activist.

Warren

• August 2, 2009: Dave Grohl, American Musician.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

• June 13, 2022: Russell Westbrook, American basketball player, received a key to the city from Mayor David Holt.
• May 14, 2019: Kristin Chenoweth, American actress and singer.

Tulsa

• March 18, 2010: Robert Meachem, NFL Football Player.
• June 27, 2017: Iesha-LaShay Phillips received a key to the city of Tulsa, OK for addressing societal issues and trying to better her city. Mayor Bynum also declared June 27 "Iesha Phillips Day" in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• October 8, 2022: Employees of Saint Francis Health System collectively received a single key to the city for their services to the community.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

• 1993: The Who

• December 15, 2022: Gillie Da King And Wallo

• January 11, 2024: Marcus Morris Sr., American basketball player and philanthropist.

Pittsburgh

• September 20, 2013: mayor Luke Ravenstahl presented the Key to the City of Pittsburgh to rapper Mac Miller and received official city proclamation declaring September 20 Mac Miller Day.

Rhode Island

Central Falls

• June 7, 2014: Central Falls mayor James Diossa presented the Key to the city to actor Alec Baldwin in recognition of his financial support of the city's public library.

Pawtucket

• January 15, 2016: Rep. Carlos E. Tobon and Mayor Don Grebien presented recording artist Jon B. with a state citation and a key to the City of Pawtucket

Providence

• December 9, 1921: Italian commander Armando Diaz was presented with a "solid gold" Key to the city by mayor Joseph H. Gainer.
• (ca. 1980s): Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. presented the Key to the city to Joe Mangone
• 1992: Mayor Buddy Cianci presented the Key to the city to telephone operator Rose P. Brock, for her work updating the City Hall computer systems.
• June 20, 2005: Mayor David Cicilline presented the Key to the city to Mark J. Lerman, artistic director of Providence's Perishable Theatre
• April 21, 2021: Mayor Jorge Elorza presented the Key to the city to NCAA official Michael Stephens "following his illustrious selection as an official in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Division I championship game"
• May 17, 2022: Mayor Jorge Elorza presented the Key to the city to Providence College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley
• November 30, 2022: Mayor Elorza presented World Series MVP Jeremy Peña with the Key to the City

Woonsocket

• May 12, 2017: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt presented MMA athlete Andre Soukhamthath with the Key to the City of Woonsocket.

South Carolina

Columbia

• November 9, 1973: Muhammad Ali then NABF Heavyweight Champion received the key to the City of Columbia from then Mayor John T Campbell in Ali's next two bouts he would go on to beat Joe Frazier & George Foreman.
• August 21, 2018: Beyoncé and Jay-Z received the key to the city of Columbia, SC for their philanthropy work and impact on popular culture. Mayor Steve Benjamin also declared August 21 "Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Sean Carter Day" in the city.
• February 5, 2019: Angell Conwell, television actress and native of nearby Orangeburg.
• November 13, 2023: A'ja Wilson, WNBA forward

Tennessee

Dayton

• July 21, 1960: John T. Scopes was given the key to the city on the 35th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, in which he had been found guilty of teaching evolution in a Tennessee school.

Elizabethton

• June 21, 2013: Jason Witten, American football player

Knoxville

• September 17, 2021: Bianca Blair was handed the key to the city by Mayor Glenn Thomas Jacobs during her homecoming ceremony on WWE Smackdown.

Memphis

• February 15, 2011: Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura received the key to the city of Memphis for his supertournament victory at the 2011 Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee.

• June 27, 2023: Drake received the key to Memphis in recognition of his frequent references to Memphis in his songs.

Nashville

• 1967: Daniel Sharpe Malekebu, Malawian doctor, missionary, and anti-colonial activist.
• 1984: John Glenn, American Astronaut and United States Senator.
• 1991: Jean Stafford, Australian country music artist.

Oak Ridge

• July 2016: Katsumi Watanabe and Shinchiro Ito

• June 29, 2022: Louise “Tiddle” Thomas

Texas

President McKinley Key to the City

Arlington

• March 30, 2023: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was presented with the key to Arlington in honor of The Eras Tour.

Austin

• May 3, 1901: President William McKinley received the key to Austin, Texas from Mayor R.F White.
• April 11, 2008: His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was presented with the Key to the City of Austin by Mayor Will Wynn of Austin upon his arrival in the city.

Beaumont

• November 17, 2005: Johnny and Edgar Winter were inducted to the Southeast Texas Walk of fame at Ford Park in their hometown of Beaumont, Texas for their contribution to music and career accomplishments. They were awarded the key to the city by the Mayor and County Judge.
• June 4, 2015: Mayor Becky Ames awarded Beaumont native Layla Nejad the key to the city - alongside her Texas 4000 for Cancer team after cycling to City Hall during a stop on the 70-day charity cycling trip from Austin, Tx to Anchorage, AK - for her role in helping expand the route to stop in Southeast Texas to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Dallas

• December 13, 2009: M. K. Asante was awarded the key to the city of Dallas for his work as an author, filmmaker, and professor.
• February 6, 2011: Michael Vick, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was awarded the key to the city of Dallas by Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway; this proved controversial, as Vick had previously served time in prison for his involvement with an illegal dog-fighting ring.
• November 21, 2018: Dirk Nowitzki, basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks, was awarded the key to the city of Dallas by Mayor Mike Rawlings for his professional achievements in his 20 seasons with the organization, as well as his humanitarian contributions.

Denison

• 1952: Presidential candidate General Dwight D. Eisenhower received the key to his birthplace city from Mayor Alfred Cecil "Mike" Casey.

El Paso

• February 10, 2012: Gabriel Iglesias was presented with several awards by the city of El Paso, Texas, including the key to the city and the Beacon of H.O.P.E Award from the nonprofit organization Operation H.O.P.E.
• September 13, 2018: Recording R&B artist and El Pasoan Khalid earned the key to El Paso, Texas from Mayor Donald "Dee" Margo.

Fort Worth

• November 9, 2023: The Texas Rangers were awarded the key to the city at Billy Bob's Texas by Mayor Mattie Parker to commemorate their winning of the 2023 World Series.

Houston

• September 22, 2019: The Texas India Forum hosted Howdy Modi, a community event in honour of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The event was attended by over 50,000 people and several American politicians, including President Donald Trump, making it the largest gathering for an invited foreign leader visiting the United States other than the Pope. At the event, Modi was presented with the Key to the City of Houston by Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Irving

• July 19, 2013: Mike and Bob Bryan, twin brothers and professional tennis players
• August 20, 2017: Mahant Swami Maharaj, Hindu swami and 6th Spiritual leader of BAPS.

Mansfield

• June 6, 2013: Tony Kanaan, race car driver

Missouri City, TX

• March 2, 2015 Johnnie Moutra III (Johnny Long), nationally known for co-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live at his home & winning the grand prize on ABC's hit reality TV show "Here Come The Newlyweds," was awarded key to the city by Mayor Allen Owen for the national recognition he continues to bring to the city.
• February 10, 2018: Missouri City native rapper Travis Scott was awarded the key by Mayor Allen Owen as a part of the city's annual Black History Month Celebration of Culture and Music.

North Richland Hills

• February 11, 2023: Gabriel Cespedes, detective

Sugar Land

• March 18, 2018: His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was presented with a Key to the City of Sugar Land by Mayor Zimmerman in recognition of his 60 years of commitment to improving the quality of life for some of the world's most vulnerable populations.

Utah

West Valley City

• July 27, 2011: Halaevalu Mata'aho 'Ahome'e, HM The Queen Mother of Tonga

Ogden

• June 15, 2013: Damian Lillard, basketball player

Kaysville City

• May 31, 2017: Lincoln and Dan Markham, YouTube stars

City of Moab

• September 17, 2022: Kevin Costner was given the key to the city by Mayor Joette Langianese

Virginia

Roanoke

• May 4, 2016: George Takei was given the Key to the city by Mayor David A. Bowers

Washington

Seattle

• 1968: Seattle officials planned to give musician Jimi Hendrix the keys to the city, but canceled the event.
• In 1984, Seattle mayor Charles Royer stated that the city does not award keys, but instead gifted comedian Bob Hope a quiche with the design of the Space Needle.

Bremerton

• September 2006: MxPx was given the keys to the city of Bremerton by Mayor Cary Bozeman.

Kent

• August 2020: YouTuber Justin "nothinbutlag" was given the keys to the city of Kent by Mayor Dana Ralph for helping the city increase their social media following.

Spokane

• June 9, 1948: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, stopped at Spokane while campaigning for re-election, and was given the key to the city.
• 1980: Ted Nugent, Rock musician, stopped in Spokane during a concert tour, and was given the key to the city by then-mayor Ron Bair.

Wisconsin

Green Bay

• January 4, 2004: Arizona Cardinals receiver Nate Poole was presented the key to the city from Mayor Jim Schmitt for catching a late touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers' hated rival, the Minnesota Vikings, in the final game of the regular season, which allowed the Packers to make the playoffs that season. After the presentation, Poole was invited to attend the Packers' playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.
• August 10, 2016: Rock band Kiss played at the Resch Center on the Freedom to Rock Tour. During the encore, they were presented the key to the city by Mayor Jim Schmitt.

Wausau

• July 2007: Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic received the key to the city after a concert performance at the Wisconsin Valley Fair.