Lehigh valley award Instructions

• Land Development: These projects demonstrate excellence in site planning and design. They may include residential, commercial, industrial, office, or institutional developments that integrate thoughtful site layout, building placement, project context, access and circulation, pedestrian accommodations, landscaping and sustainable development practices.
• Revitalization: These projects support the renewal and reinvestment in established or underutilized areas throughout the Lehigh Valley. Eligible efforts include redevelopment, building rehabilitation, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, infill development, streetscape enhancements, new or improved parking facilities and other revitalization or placemaking initiatives.
• Open Space: Projects in this category prioritize the preservation of natural landscapes and the creation of outdoor amenities that enhance community life. This includes land conservation, park and greenway development, trail systems, natural resource stewardship, and the integration of cultural and recreational spaces.
• Environment: Environmental projects advance the restoration, protection, or innovative use of natural systems and resources. These may include habitat restoration, green infrastructure (e.g., green roofs, permeable pavement), stormwater management innovations, renewable energy systems, and sustainable site or building practices that promote resilience.
• Transportation: Projects in this category improve mobility, safety and access, while demonstrating excellence in planning, design and construction. Eligible efforts include road and bridge improvements, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, transit enhancements, and traffic calming or multimodal connectivity initiatives.
• Community: These projects, led by nonprofits, private organizations or public-private partnerships, enrich the social and cultural fabric of the Lehigh Valley. They may include community gardens, housing initiatives, inclusive public spaces, cultural landmarks, or other projects that foster a sense of belonging for all people.
• Plan, Map or Ordinance: Projects in this category help local governments achieve their unique municipal vision, as well as strong communication and/or collaboration with neighboring municipalities. These projects may include comprehensive plans, zoning or subdivision and land development ordinance updates, official maps, capital improvement plans, or any document adopted by the governing body that encourages effective planning.

• Design: Projects must reflect excellence in planning, design and implementation. Evaluation will consider overall quality, contextual fit, innovation, environmental sensitivity and long-term sustainability.
• Process: The project's planning and development process will be assessed, including community engagement, collaboration, funding strategy, stakeholder involvement and successful alignment with community goals.
• Impact: Projects should demonstrate measurable and meaningful benefits to the community. This can include environmental protection, economic development, mobility improvements, placemaking, job creation, cultural vitality, or enhancement of community identity and quality of life.

• Project Name
• Physical Address of Project (if applicable)
• Municipality(ies) Impacted by the Project
• Project Start and Completion Dates
• Primary Contact Name and Information
• Brief Summary of the Project
• List of Project Partners
• Project Description (1,000 words or less) that addresses the project's benefits and improvements/impact, measurable results or outcomes, project timeline and milestones, and community involvement or outreach efforts.
• Up to five project photos
• Project Location Map

Eligible individuals typically exemplify one or more of the criteria below:

• Vision in Land Use Planning: Nominees should demonstrate clear vision, initiative, and sustained leadership in advancing sound, forward-looking planning, either within one community or across the region. This includes contributions that strengthen the understanding and practice of planning principles and that have measurably shaped how communities plan for the future.
• Collaboration and Community Engagement: Nominees should demonstrate effective collaboration with residents, stakeholders, municipalities, agencies, and other organizations to achieve lasting results. Nominations should illustrate how the nominee built partnerships, fostered public participation, and worked across sectors to advance shared goals.
• Demonstrable Impact: Nominees should show measurable contributions to the community through planning. Examples may include plans and policies adopted, partnerships formed, educational programs established, or measurable increases in community awareness and engagement.
• Innovation: Nominees should demonstrate originality and creativity in addressing planning, conservation, or development challenges. This may include refining established techniques, introducing new approaches, or applying creative, forward-thinking solutions to complex regional issues.
• Applicability and Long-Term Value: Nominees should show that their work offers lasting value and can inform or be applied by other jurisdictions, projects, or areas of planning interest. Preference is given to efforts with durable, long-term benefits for the region and its communities.

Please submit a statement (1,000 words or less) that addresses how the nominee exhibits the criteria for this award. Statements should be submitted through the nomination form below - any submissions sent through other channels will not be included for consideration.