By Carlina Rose, Environmental Planner January 14, 2025
APA California — Northern has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2025 Awards Program, which highlights excellence in the planning profession across the Northern Section. The program recognizes innovative projects, distinguished professionals, and community contributors whose work advances the field of planning.
Applications accepted from January 5, 2025, through February 15, 2025.
Honoring Excellence in Planning
Each year, the Northern Awards Program celebrates the most outstanding planning achievements in the region. The program not only elevates local winners but also positions them for recognition at the Chapter and National levels of the APA Awards. This program provides an incredible opportunity to spotlight innovative ideas and projects that are making a real difference in our communities.
Updated Categories and Criteria
Applicants are encouraged to review the updated award categories and criteria for the 2025 awards. These include:
- Northern Special Recognition Awards
- State-Eligible Awards
The updated policies and award descriptions are available online. Applicants should carefully review this information before completing the online application form. An example application can be found here.
Important Dates
The timeline for the awards process is as follows:
- Application Window: January 5 – February 15, 2025
- Jury Deliberations: March 9 – March 23, 2025
- Winner Notifications: March 24, 2025
- State Awards Application Window – April 15 – May 16, 2025
- Awards Gala: May 15, 2025 (Location TBD)
Call for Jury Volunteers
The Awards Program is seeking volunteers to serve on the 2025 Awards Jury. Jurors will evaluate some of the region’s most exceptional planning projects and collaborate to select the winners. Interested individuals from both the public and private sectors are encouraged to email awards@norcalapa.org by February 14, 2025.
Awards Gala
The APA California — Northern Awards Gala is scheduled for May 15, 2025, offering an evening of celebration and recognition for this year’s winners. Event location details will be announced soon.
For questions, contact Awards Program Co-Directors Carlina Rose and Danae Hall at awards@norcalapa.org.