Entries shall be judged according to the following criteria:  

Opportunity and Empowerment Award  

1. Results. How was the need for increased and sustained employment opportunities, quality  education, and access to affordable housing or housing choice and mobility among low‐and  moderate‐income residents addressed and documented? How were these efforts cost effective?  Include the beginning and end date, detailed cost and funding data, and information about when  the results were implemented. Information must be included describing how the nominated effort  has exceeded any minimum requirements imposed by the source or sources of grants, loans, or  other funding, whether government or private, obtained and used by the program, project, or  effort.  
2. Transferability. Is your entry replicable in other neighborhood or community contexts? How does  the entry serve as an example for other localities working to address challenges inherent in the  neighborhood or community? How does the program provide useful prescriptive measures for other communities similarly situated? How does the submission explicitly demonstrate that the  project overcame these challenges to implement a successful program?  
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
3. Planning. What was the role of planners and the planning process in achieving results? How did the  submission relate to existing plans? What role did planners play in achieving the results? How was  the planning process important to subsequent implementation? How involved in the plan were  specific groups and individuals from private, nonprofit, and public perspectives, particularly those who may have been left out of similar efforts in the past? Was there a collaborative effort between  public and private entities? 
4. Innovation. What innovative, forward‐looking approaches were used to address various  communitywide needs?  

Comprehensive Plan Award

1. Originality and innovation. How does the entry present a visionary approach or innovative concept  to address needs? How did the planning process in this context broaden accepted planning  principles within the context of the situation?  
2. Implementation. What steps have been taken to build momentum and public support for following  and implementing the plan?
3. Effectiveness. How does the entry address the need or problem that prompted its initiation? How  have the results made a difference in the lives of the people affected? An entry should convey the  level of effectiveness it can have over time. 
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Engagement. How various public interests involved and what were was the extent of that involvement? Competitive entries demonstrate a strong effort to solicit input from those who  historically have been left out of the planning process. How was public and private support  obtained? Role of planners. What was the role, significance and participation of planners? What is the connection between the effort’s success and increased awareness in the community of planners  and planning?

Implementation Award (Large and Small Jurisdictions):  

1. Originality and innovation. How does the entry present a visionary approach or innovative concept  to address needs? How did the planning process in this context broaden accepted planning  principles within the context of the situation? 
2. Overcoming challenges. What steps have been taken to build momentum and public support?  What were the funding challenges or support for this effort? What were the political changes, if  any, that affected, for better or worse, the effort’s long‐term funding?
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
3. Effectiveness. What is the level of consistency of this implementation effort since its start? How  was the need or problem addressed that prompted its initiation? How have the results made a  difference in the lives of the people affected? What is the level of effectiveness the entry can have  over time?  
4. Participation. How were various public interests involved and the extent of that involvement? How  was public and private support obtained? What was the role, significance, and participation of  planners?  

Resilience and Sustainability Award

1. Originality and innovation. Identify how the strategy builds upon best practices and identifies innovative approaches for addressing a community’s specific needs or reducing its risks. How does the initiative improve recovery efforts if a disaster does strike, or address cascading disasters or stresses (i.e. landslides result from excessive rains, public health emergencies create economic stress)?
2. Economic Impacts. Describe how the strategy represents realizable and practical actions, leveraging multiple funding sources and partnerships to deliver co-benefits for diverse populations. How will the effort lessen the financial impact disasters or economic downturns can have on communities?  
3. Effectiveness and results. Demonstrate how the initiative has strengthened the resiliency of the community. Identify what benchmarks were used to determine success and be explicit about how the results have made a difference in the lives of people affected. How has this initiative increased resident understanding and awareness about potential disasters, as well as the roles and responsibilities of individual community members, along with the community as a whole, in helping to mitigate the severity of potential disasters? How has this initiative positioned the community for a stronger, more resilient future?
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Integration. Describe how the strategy integrates or augments existing planning efforts within the community, county, or region such as corresponding comprehensive or master plans or other related initiatives. Explain how the effort or initiative can be adapted or applied by other jurisdictions and supports the broader needs of the community and surrounding region. 
5. Engagement. Describe how the strategy used an inclusive planning process and engages diverse partners and stakeholders, and/or breaks down institutional or structural barriers to facilitate decision making so all community members’ voices are represented. Describe what steps were taken to build momentum and support for your entry. Explain how planners helped facilitate outcomes that gained support for planning practices.

Economic Planning and Development Award  

1. Originality and innovation. Does the entry presents a visionary approach or innovative concept to  address specific needs? How were the planning principles observed, especially in consideration of  the effects on other public objectives? 
2. Implementation. What steps have been taken to build momentum and public support? How does  the entry have potential application for others and how will use of the components and  methodology further the cause of good planning? 
3. Effectiveness and results. How does the entry address the need or problem that prompted its  initiation? How have the results made a difference in the lives of the people affected? What level of  effectiveness can the entry have over time?
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Integration. How was the entry integrated into other planning efforts such as a corresponding  comprehensive or master plan or other related initiatives? How will the entry help further the  cause of good planning and support the broader needs of the community and surrounding region?  
5. Engagement. How were various public interests involved and the extent of that involvement? How  was public and private support obtained? What was the role, significance, and participation of  planners and any outcomes in terms of helping gain public support of planning?  

Transportation Planning Award

1. Planning and innovation. What are the critical transportation elements which lessen or mitigate  adverse impacts from development and everyday living? What was the role of planning or planners  involved in the development process?  
2. Effectiveness and results. How does the entry address the need or problem that prompted its  initiation? How have the results made a difference in the lives of the people affected? What level of  effectiveness can the entry have over time?
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
3. Compatibility. How does transportation planning integrate into community planning? How does the entry connect to both environment and the economy?  
4. Engagement. What was the public education and participation process? How was support  generated? 

Best Practices Award

1. Originality and innovation. Does the entry presents a visionary approach or innovative concept to  address specific needs? How were the planning principles observed, especially in consideration of  the effects on other public objectives?  
2. Implementation and Transferability. What steps were taken to build momentum and public  support for your entry? How does the entry have potential application for others and how will use  of the components and methodology further the cause of good planning?  
3. Effectiveness and results. How does the entry address the need or problem that prompted its  initiation? How have the results made a difference in the lives of the people affected? What level of  effectiveness can the entry have over time?
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Participation. How were various public interests involved and the extent of that involvement,  including those who historically have been left out of the planning process? How was public and  private support obtained? What was the role, significance, and participation of planners? What is  the connection between the effort’s success and increased awareness in the community of planners  and planning.  

Grassroots Initiative Award

1. Effectiveness and results. State how your entry addressed the need or problem in a visionary or  innovative manner that prompted its initiation, within a budget not exceeding $25,000. Be explicit  about how the results have made a difference in the lives of the people affected. Convey the level  of effectiveness your entry can have over time. 
2. Collaboration. Describe the level of collaboration between leadership and competing interests.  Explain how those affected were brought into the planning process for this initiative.
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are only optional for chapter level awards.  
3. Education. Establish that your entry has encouraged community leaders to revise their opinions  about varied uses and broad applications of the planning process. State the influence your entry  has had on public awareness beyond those immediately affected.  

 Public Outreach Award

1. Originality and transferability. How does the program use new ideas or combines tools to address  a demonstrated need for planning information or education within the community? How does the  entry have potential application for others and how use of the components and methodology  would further the cause of good planning.  
2. Effectiveness and results. State how your entry addressed the need or problem that prompted its  initiation. Be explicit about how the results make a difference in the lives of the people affected  now and in the future. Show how your entry has increased the understanding of planning principles  and the planning process. Provide measurable results if possible or as appropriate.  
3. Participation. Explain how various public interests were involved and how your entry obtained  public and private support. Competitive entries demonstrate a strong effort to solicit input from  those who historically have been left out of the planning process. Clarify the role, significance, and  participation of planners. Demonstrate the connection between the effort’s success and increased  awareness in the community of planners and planning.  

Urban Design Award

1. Originality and innovation. Document how your entry presents a visionary approach or innovative  concept to address needs. Explain how the use of the planning process in this context broadened  accepted planning principles within the context of the situation.
2. Compatibility. Demonstrate how your entry integrates and supports the overall planning goals of  the neighborhood or community. 
3. Effectiveness and results. Describe how your entry has made a difference in the lives of the people  affected. Convey the level of effectiveness your entry can have over time.
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Engagement. Explain how various public interests were involved and the extent of that  involvement. Describe the level of collaboration between leadership and competing interests.  Explain how those affected were brought into the planning process for this initiative. 

Planning Advocate Award

1. Support of planning and planners. Illustrate how the nominee’s work has increased the  understanding of the planning process. Indicate how the nominee has shown a clear understanding  of, and support for, the role of planners in public life.  
2. Effectiveness and results. Describe the extent that the nominee has been effective in formulating  and implementing plans and ideas in support of good planning. Identify the level of influence and  effectiveness achieved by the nominee within different segments of the community.  

Communications Initiative Award

1. Support of planning and planners. Describe how your entry has built support for planning and  increased understanding of the planning process. Describe why this effort was undertaken and the  desired outcomes.  
2. Originality and innovation. Describe how your entry engaged audiences in planning using  innovative or unique communication approaches.  
3. Effectiveness and results. State how your entry achieved its desired outcomes. Convey the level of  effectiveness your entry can have over time.  

Hard‐Won Victories Award

1. Challenges or barriers. What obstacles, whether physical, natural, social, or a combination thereof, were faced and addressed by the nominated effort? What is the extent of these challenges or other  adversarial conditions, and what steps were undertaken to meet the difficult circumstances?  
2. Available resources. What resources were available and how were these resources (financial,  personnel, consultants, etc.) managed, leveraged, and deployed?  
3. Progress and positive effects. What are the lasting effects the effort has had (or is likely to have) on  planning in the community? Has the effort removed or mitigated the barriers and obstacles? How  has or will the effort shape the future in the community or locale? What influence has the  nominated effort had on community leaders and their views about the value and effectiveness of planning?  

Advancing Diversity and Social Change in Honor of Paul Davidoff Award

1. Social and Economic. Describe how the nominee addresses the needs of at‐risk individuals or  populations that society typically overlooks. How have the nominee’s efforts advanced or sustained  sound, ethical, and inclusionary planning within the planning field, within a specific community, or  in society at large?  
2. Effectiveness & Results. Specify how your nominee has had a positive impact on the lives of those  he/she/it was intended to help. Indicate how these efforts have touched a wider audience, helped  increase diversity and inclusiveness within the planning field, or in helping support diverse  populations.  

Planning Landmark and Planning Pioneer Awards

The following criteria will be used in evaluating Planning Landmark and Pioneer awards: 

Planning Landmark 

1. Historical Significance: What is the nomination’s historical significance in terms of at least one of the following: being a pioneering work or a documented first; being historically significant, unique, and outstanding; having initiated a new direction in planning that has had a lasting effect or other impact; or having impact on planning, cities, or regions during a broad range of time, space, or both time and space? Nominated landmarks contributions must be at least 25 years old as of the submittal deadline. 
2. State significance: What effect or impact did the nominated landmark have on planning in the Northern Section? What is the nominated landmark’s importance and influence in helping create communities or other places of lasting value in the Northern Section? 

Planning Pioneer 

1. Historical Significance: What are the nominated individual’s innovations or new models that directly influenced the future of planning in the Section? How have the nominated individual’s innovations or new models significantly and positively redirected planning practice, education, theory, or organization? Nominated individual’s contributions must be at least 25 years old as of the submittal deadline. 
2. State significance: What effect or impact did the nominated individual have on planning in the Northern Section? 

Planning Firm Award

1. Quality. Demonstrate consistent quality of the firm’s work and its recognition by the general public  or those who practice or sponsor planning, teach planning, or develop communities. Elements of  quality include graphic design, content, evidence of implementation by clients. 
2. Influence. Detail the firm’s positive influence on the direction and professional advancement of  planning, for example promoting new technologies, collaboration among other design disciplines,  innovations in practice, and advances in the art and science of planning. Identify the number of  planners on staff.  
3. Outreach and Engagement. Demonstrate the firm’s efforts and skills in engaging stakeholders and  resolving community conflicts with positive outcomes. Demonstrate responsiveness to the client  and the various elements of the community in the planning process and willingness to incorporate  ideas and suggestions from the community.
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.
4. Ethical Practice. Explain how the firm consistently upholds and champions the highest standards of  ethics in terms of the public trust and guiding and educating its staff on the importance of ethics.

Planning Agency Award

1. Quality. Demonstrate consistent quality of the agency’s work. Describe how the agency’s program  of work has elevated awareness about planning and built community support for planning. Describe  the number of staff, their various roles, and if any members have specific certifications.
2. Outreach and Engagement. Demonstrate the agency’s efforts and skills in engaging community  members, business leaders and other stakeholders, and in resolving community conflicts with  positive outcomes. Describe efforts undertaken to engage community members, especially those  often overlooked, in planning processes.  
3. Innovation. Describe how the agency has addressed concerns or issues within the community in a visionary or innovative manner. Specify how planning principles have been observed, especially in  consideration of the agency’s effects on other public objectives.
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards.  
4. Implementation. Describe the program of work that has resulted in identified and meaningful  outcomes that raise the quality of life for all citizens. Demonstrate the connection between  planning and implementation with tools such as capital budgets.  

Emerging Planning and Design Firm Award

1. Quality. Demonstrate consistent quality of the firm’s work and its recognition by the general public  or those who practice or sponsor planning, teach planning, or develop communities. Elements of  quality include graphic design, content, evidence of implementation by clients.
2. Influence. Detail the firm’s positive influence on the direction and professional advancement of  planning, for example promoting new technologies, collaboration among other design disciplines,  innovations in practice, and advances in the art and science of planning. Identify the number of  planners on staff and if any members hold specific certifications. 
3. Outreach and Engagement. Demonstrate the firm’s efforts and skills in engaging stakeholders and  resolving community conflicts with positive outcomes. Demonstrate responsiveness to the client  and the various elements of the community in the planning process and willingness to incorporate  ideas and suggestions from the community.
   Optional Criteria. Please note these criteria are mandatory for State Level Application. They are  only optional for chapter level awards. 
4. Ethical Practice. Explain how the firm consistently upholds and champions the highest standards of  ethics in terms of the public trust and guiding and educating its staff on the importance of ethics.  

Academic Award  

1. Purpose: What was the purpose of the project? What was learned or accomplished by the  students? Research and Resources: Please detail what and how research was completed to prepare  for producing the final product? What resources were available to the students to prepare the  paper or document?  
2. Challenges: Please describe the challenges the student(s) face during the project.  
3. Results: What was the basis for the paper or the project? What was the final outcome? How was  the final product used?