"Finalist cities" refers to the cities or locations that have been shortlisted or selected as contenders in a competition or selection process. Full definition
The nationwide contest awards $ 100,000 to one winning city, and $ 25,000 each to four other finalist cities, to build an off - leash dog park in their community. (petbusiness.com)
If they go with more than one city, I do think the other four finalist cities above have a strong chance of being included. (inc.com)
Amazon's search for a second headquarters has been a pageant of finalist cities doing everything they can to woo the company and the good jobs and huge construction projects it would bring. (nytimes.com)