Building Tomorrow Today Award
Statement about the award
Recognizes implementation as the final step in the planning process, where a plan catalyzes a project, and seeks to highlight the role of current planners and public agencies in the implementation process. The award focuses on current planning and honors projects where good planning practices and process improvements are leading to on-the-ground change. Eligible projects will demonstrate the on-the-ground results of plans, programs, policies, or studies.
Qualifying projects
- Recently constructed (within the last 3 years) or in-progress developments
- Approved site plans
- Streetscape improvements
- Natural resource enhancement projects
- Implementation of master plans or area plans
- Innovative funding or implementation strategies
- Successful public-private partnerships
- Creative problem-solving by current planners results in project approvals and realization
- Current planning process improvements, such as development code updates, excellent or innovative customer service, System Development Charge reform, or permitting requirements by individuals or organizations.
- Indigenous planning programs or projects
- Other projects that are not listed but otherwise meet the criteria
Who is eligible
- Any organization may apply. While the award is intended for public agencies, private agencies may nominate and apply on behalf of a public agency. Up to two awards will be granted.
- Plans for small jurisdictions
- Plans for a small city: Fewer than 24,999 people.
- Plans for a small county: Fewer than 59,999 people
- Plans for large jurisdictions
- Plans for a Large city: More than 25,000 people
- Plans for a Large county: More than 60,000 people
- Plans for small jurisdictions
- Nominees must be members of the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Proposed criteria
The nominated project must demonstrate how it meets the following criteria. Applications should use the questions below as a guide for narrative responses.
- Implements community vision and plan (40 points): Nomination describes how the project exemplifies a locally adopted plan.
- How was the plan's vision achieved during or by implementing the project?
- How was the plan used effectively to guide the implementation process?
- Does it respond to community feedback or input received through a public process?
- Provides relevant community benefits (30 points): The nomination describes how the project addresses real and current community needs and issues.
- How does the project equitably benefit the community as a whole?
- How does the project enhance the community's resiliency or sustainability?
- How does the project address an unmet need in the community?
- Features creativity in achieving a successful outcome (20 points): The nomination highlights the innovative individuals, ideas, and solutions that contributed to the project's success.
- How did the local planning staff and/or city leaders influence or bring the project to fruition? How did they respond to problems and issues along the way?
- What innovative partnerships, funding, or implementation strategies contributed to the project’s success?
- Emphasizes relevance to current planning throughout Oregon (10 points): The nomination is for a development project, recently completed or currently underway, that highlights the importance of current planning, demonstrates how projects contribute to statewide planning goals, and showcases how they can encourage future projects.
- Is the project in progress or recently completed (within 3 years)?
- What is the project outcome or deliverable, and how does it relate to a development project in the local jurisdiction?
- Does the project have lessons learned or relevance to statewide goals or interests that other jurisdictions may find valuable? Has it catalyzed additional development locally? Does the project serve as an example of sound planning and effective implementation?