Past Award Winners

“For the past decade and beyond, the New York Upstate Chapter has recognized planning achievement through the Professional Awards Program and has had the wonderful opportunity to learn more about the work of our colleagues and communities throughout the State,” said Sarah Gatti, Chapter Vice President and Chapter Awards Chair. “We look forward to once again showcasing the best in planning across Upstate New York and continuing to raise the profile of our important work creating great communities for all.”

The Chapter considers applications in the following categories:

• Comprehensive Planning

• Best Practice

• Grassroots Initiative

• Implementation

• Public Outreach

• Great Places in Upstate NY

  • Streets

  • Neighborhoods

  • Public Spaces

• Distinguished Leadership

  • Michael J. Krasner Professional Planner Award

  • Upstate Fellow

  • Elected Official

  • Citizen Planner

  • Planner Emeritus

The Chapter also considers student projects. Projects completed by students shall be submitted to the appropriate category and the applicant will be required to indicate if students completed the project. These projects do not compete against the professional award in the category; instead the Chapter seeks to recognize student projects alongside professional projects of the same type.

2024 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

11 projects and four distinguished leaders were recognized at the 2024 Professional Awards Program. 

2023 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

11 projects and two distinguished leaders were recognized at the 2023 Professional Awards Program.

2022 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

11 projects and two distinguished leaders were recognized at the 2022 Professional Awards Program.

2021 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

Seven projects were selected for this year’s Professional Awards Program from across the Upstate New York region. Awardees ranged from student projects to best practices. Learn more here.

2020 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

At the Annual Virtual Conference, the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized 12 winners at its 2020 Professional Awards Program. Honorees included best practices, comprehensive planning, implementation, great places, and a professional planner.

2019 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

At its Annual Conference, the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized 16 winners at its 2019 Professional Awards Program. The honorees include professional planners, an elected official, best planning practices, plan implementation, and comprehensive planning.

2018 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In October, at the Annual Conference held in Ithaca, New York, the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized a series of projects and one individual in its 2018 Professional Awards Program.

2017 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

We recognized six projects and two individuals for outstanding contributions to planning including:  Best Practice, Implementation, Public Outreach, Great Places in Upstate NY, Outstanding Student Project, and Distinguished Leadership.

2016 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

2015 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

At the Fall Planners' Day Event held in Syracuse on September 18th thirteen individuals and organizations were presented with awards for their outstanding planning projects

2014 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2014, the awards were handed out in Rochester, NY on Thursday, September 18th. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York.

2013 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2013, the awards were handed out in Schenectady, NY on Thursday, September 26th. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York.

2012 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2012, the awards were handed out in Corning, NY on Thursday, September 20th. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York.

2011 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2011, the awards were handed out in Utica, NY on Thursday, September 28th. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York. 2011 NY Upstate Chapter Awards Commitee

2010 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2010, the awards were handed out in Niagara Falls, NY on Thursday, September 23rd. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York. Click 2010 Awards List for a listing of 2010 award winners.

2009 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards

In 2009, the awards were handed out in Albany, NY on Thursday, October 1st. Each of the plans, projects, and individuals honored with an award has made significant contributions toward improving the quality of life for people throughout Upstate New York. Click 2009 Awards List for a listing of the 2009 award winners.