Minnesota Planning Awards

The Chapter's Planning Awards Program recognizes individuals, organizations and communities for outstanding contributions to planning in their area. Any Chapter member may nominate plans, projects, programs, individuals, or organizations to several categories.  The Awards Committee evaluates nominees based on originality and innovation, engagement, implementation and effectiveness, quality, and promotion of planning.

APA Minnesota 2025 Award Winners

Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award

City of Bloomington, Alejandra Pelinka, Director of Creative Placemaking

Bloomington Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan

Comprehensive Plan or Small Area Plan Award

City of Winona, HKGI

2045 Comprehensive Plan

Planning Excellence Award

Metro Transit, Ramsey & Washington Counties, Kimley- Horn, & HNTB

METRO Gold Line Planning & Implementation

Outstanding Student Award

Morgan Bliss, Theodore Jessup, Christine Hokkala- Kuhns, Andrew Peterson

Building Community Resourcefulness Through Engagement in Morton, MN

President's Award

Sam McKinney

Peg and Otto Schmidt Planner of the Year Award

Emily Goellner

Lifetime Achievement Award

Cindy Gray