1000 Friends of Iowa Announces 2026 Excellence in planning Awards
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1000 Friends of Iowa is accepting nominations for its 2026 Excellence in Planning Awards,recognizing outstanding achievements in urban and rural planning throughout the state. The awards program celebrates innovative projects and leadership that contribute to vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities. Nominations,which carry a $25 fee,can be submitted by anyone – individuals,organizations,or project teams – through the 1000 Friends of Iowa website. the deadline for submissions is December 2025, with winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2026, during the state legislative session.
Award Categories
The 2026 Excellence in Planning Awards will recognize projects and leadership in the following categories:
* Renovated Civic and Commercial Projects: Recognizing the successful revitalization of existing civic and commercial spaces.
* Mixed-Use Development: Celebrating projects that effectively integrate residential, commercial, and other uses.
* Renewable Energy: Honoring initiatives that promote the development and implementation of renewable energy sources.
* Residential Development: Recognizing innovative and well-planned residential projects.
* stormwater Management: awarding projects that demonstrate effective and sustainable stormwater management practices.
* Transportation/Complete Streets: Celebrating projects that prioritize safe and accessible transportation for all modes,including walking,biking,and public transit. Complete Streets are designed to be safe and accessible for all users.
* Placemaking/Greenspace: Recognizing projects that create vibrant public spaces and enhance community identity through greenspace development. Placemaking focuses on transforming public spaces into community hubs.
* Brownfield Revitalization: Honoring projects that successfully remediate and redevelop contaminated brownfield sites.Brownfields are properties whose expansion or redevelopment might potentially be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
* Innovative Leadership: Recognizing individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership in planning and community development.
Nomination and Selection Process
Anyone may nominate a project or individual, or self-nominate, by submitting the required fee and information through the 1000 Friends of Iowa portal.An independent jury of planning professionals will review all submissions and select the winners based on criteria such as innovation, impact, community engagement, and sustainability.
Awards Ceremony
The award winners will be formally recognized at a ceremony held in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2026. This event will take place during the state legislative session, providing an opportunity to showcase exemplary planning projects to policymakers and the public.
Key Takeaways
* Deadline: Submissions are due in December 2025.
* fee: A $25 nomination fee applies.
* Eligibility: Open to individuals, organizations, and project teams.
* Recognition: winners will be honored at a ceremony in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda.
* Focus: Awards recognize excellence in a broad range of planning disciplines.
1000 Friends of Iowa’s Excellence in Planning Awards play a vital role in promoting best practices and inspiring continued innovation in planning across the state. By recognizing outstanding achievements, the program contributes to building stronger, more resilient, and more livable communities for all Iowans.