Planning Awards
2024 Planning Awards
The APA-Minnesota Chapter Planning Awards provide an exciting opportunity to give credit to outstanding projects and people who have contributed to the planning profession over the last year. The award process provides an opportunity to share the exciting work you and your co-workers and partners have completed with our planning peers.
It’s time to celebrate the great work we do here in Minnesota!
The conference is in person at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington, MN Sept 19-20, 2024.
The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024.
All nominations are due by Friday, May 17, 2024
Link to submission form here.
A glance at last years award recipients.....
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to John Shardlow, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner! John was nominated by numerous colleagues for this prestigious award after almost 40 years working with cities around Minnesota. John has guided over 100 communities in the preparation, adoption, and implementation of plans. Congratulations, John! We are so lucky to have you here in Minnesota.
2023 Planner of the Year, Peg and Otto Schmid Award
Congratulations to Sean Walther, Planner of the Year! Sean leads the Planning Department for the City of St Louis Park and has worked diligently to make St Louis Park one of the coolest, up-and-coming cities in Minnesota. Sean is an advocate of good planning. Thanks for your hard work, Sean!
2023 Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award
The University of Minnesota Libraries was recognized for their amazing work on the Mapping Prejudice Project, which identified racial covenants on properties throughout the Twin Cities.
2023 Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award
The University of Minnesota Libraries was recognized for their amazing work on the Mapping Prejudice Project, which identified racial covenants on properties throughout the Twin Cities.
2023 Comprehensive or Small Area Plan Award
The City of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department received this award for their Equity-Based Strategic System Plan. Thank you for your hard work on promoting equitable outcomes for all!
2023 Resilience and Sustainability Award
This award was jointly presented to Kimley-Horn and Associates and Hennepin County for their work on the Hennepin County Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Strategy. Both Kimley-Horn and the County are working hard to promote sustainability and make Minnesota a better place to live. Thanks for your work!
2023 Planning Excellence Award
City of Rochester (Unified Development Code)
2023 President’s Award for Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Leila Bunge and Patrick Boylan. They received the President's Award this year after their continued work on the Spring Seminar and ongoing mobile tours. Both Patrick and Leila have been working diligently on NPC24 and finding excellent mobile tour options for you all.