Celebrating vision and impact in Northern California
By Carlina Rose and Kim Walton, Awards Program Co-directors, April 20, 2026
Every year, planners across Northern California see planning challenges as opportunities to do great work—advancing housing, improving transit, building climate resilience, and strengthening communities. The Planning Awards recognize the projects and leaders who seize those opportunities and execute at the highest level.
This year, we received over 30 nominations showcasing the full spectrum of planning practice: policy frameworks, community engagement, innovative design, and implementation that stuck. The jury’s task was never easy; the caliber of work submitted made it harder. What emerged are the winners who raised the bar on what’s possible.
Elizabeth “Libby” Tyler, FAICP, Northern Director, bestowed the following Special Recognition awards:
| Awards Category | Organization | Project | Award: Excellence | Merit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, and UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge | The Implications of Freeway Siting in California | Excellence |
| Communications Initiative and Outreach | City of Berkeley, Planning and Development Department | Corridors Zoning Update | Excellence |
| Communications Initiative and Outreach | Association of Bay Area Governments | Welcome Home! Resources | Merit |
| Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan | City of San Carlos Community Development Department | San Carlos Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Streetscape Master Plan | Merit |
| Implementation | City of Oakland, BART, Alameda County, Laney College, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Association of Bay Area Governments, Alameda County Transportation Commission, Caltrans, Oakland Housing Authority, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, Strada Investment Group | Lake Merritt Station Area Plan Implementation | Merit |
| Planning Agency Award (public sector) | City of Martinez Planning Division | City of Martinez Planning Division | Excellence |
| Planning Excellence | Caltrans District 4, Division of Transportation Planning | Vision 980 | Excellence |
| Planning Excellence | City and County of San Francisco, Planning Department | Family Zoning Plan | Merit |
| Resilience and Sustainability | PlaceWorks and California State Parks, Santa Cruz District | Big Basin Redwoods State Park Facilities Management Plan | Excellence |
| Resilience and Sustainability | City of Marina, Community Development Department, Planning & Development Services | City of Marina Local Coastal Program (LCP) Coastal Hazards and Sea Level Rise Update | Merit |
| Transportation Planning | West Contra Costa Transportation Commission | Richmond Parkway Transportation Plan | Excellence |
| Transportation Planning | City of Santa Cruz, Public Works Department | Santa Cruz Rail Trail Segment 7 | Merit |
| Urban Design | BART, City of Berkeley, Berkeley Housing Authority, BRIDGE Housing, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, Insight Housing, AvalonBay Communities | North Berkeley BART Transit-Oriented Development | Excellence |
| Urban Design | San Francisco Planning Department | San Francisco Design Standards | Merit |
The Northern Board would like to extend a huge thank you to our panel of jurors for taking the time to review each application thoroughly and for engaging in thoughtful deliberation.
City of Scotts Valley
City of San Jose
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Mineta Transportation Institute
City of Berkeley
Important Reminder
Deadline to apply: May 15, 2026
The APA California chapter awards application window is open now! Section-level winners are encouraged to apply.
Awards Gala
Join us in celebration, tentatively scheduled on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for an unforgettable evening as we honor the outstanding achievements in planning at the 2026 Northern Awards Gala! We’ll proudly recognize exceptional planning projects and professionals within our community who have made significant contributions to the field.
What to Expect: Light refreshments and an afterparty hosted by the Young and Emerging Planners Group (YEP). Additional details TBD.
Call for Gala Volunteers
The Awards Committee is looking for enthusiastic individuals to help with various tasks, including event setup, guest check-in, and general assistance throughout the evening. Please reach out to Awards Program Co-directors Carlina Rose and Kim Walton at [email protected] to express your interest by Monday, August 31, 2026.