National Planning Excellence, Leadership, and Achievement Awards

APA annually recognizes the best and most innovative work of planners through its National Planning Awards. This honor recognizes the best plans, projects, and people for their work in creating communities of lasting value.

Award Categories: The National Planning Awards recognize achievement in more than 20 distinct aspects of planning and planning leadership. Examples of award categories include the Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan, Best Practice, Grassroots Initiative, Public Outreach, Planning Advocate, andProfessional Planner.

Judging: The National Planning Awards jury determines the winners during a two-part judging process. The jury is appointed by APA’s president and includes individuals that represent many aspects of the planning profession.

Recognition:  Award recipients are recognized during a special luncheon at APA’s National Planning Conference. Recipients receive a personalized award sculpture and certificate, featured in an award video, and profiled in Planning magazine and on APA’s website.