The APA California Awards Program encourages quality in planning and increases the public’s awareness of the planning profession by recognizing outstanding achievement in the planning field. The program honors innovative plans and projects, distinguished APA members, lay contributors to planning and achievements of local APA California Sections.
APA California Planning Awards are presented annually at the APA California Conference in two categories: Awards of Excellence and Awards of Merit. Additionally, Scholastic Awards are given to students by the California Planning Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-deductible arm of APA California, and Historic Planning Landmark Awards are given to historical projects.
APA California is honored to recognize the outstanding planners, projects and planning efforts throughout the state.
APA California Awards Program Policies
APA California 2018 Awards Application
APA California award categories
Opportunity and Empowerment
Comprehensive Planning: Large Jurisdiction (pop. 100,000+)
Comprehensive Planning: Small Jurisdiction (pop. less than 100,000)
Implementation: Large Jurisdiction (pop. 100,000+)
Implementation: Small Jurisdiction (pop. less than 100,000)
Innovation in Green Community Planning
Economic Planning and Development
Transportation Planning
Best Practices
Grassroots Initiative
Public Outreach
Urban Design
Planning Advocate
Planning Firm (private sector)
Planning Agency (public sector)
Emerging Planning and Design Firm
Advancing Diversity and Social Change
Academic
Communications Initiative
Hard-Won Victory
Planning Landmark
Planning Pioneer
Distinguished Service
Distinguished Contribution
Section Activity
Planner Emeritus Network (PEN)
For questions on the Awards Program, please contact:
State Awards Coordinator (North)
Chris Pahule
Office of Planning & Environmental Review
827 7th Street, Rm. 225
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-4447
pahulec@saccounty.net
State Awards Coordinator (South)
Andre Sahakian, AICP
City of Beverly Hills
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
(310) 285-1127
andre.sahakian@gmail.com
Vice President for Administration
Sung H. Kwon, AICP, MCRP, MBA
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
(415) 815-8292 (w)
sunghkwon@gmail.com
Student scholarship Awards
Each year the California Planning Foundation (CPF) invites planning students to compete for a number of scholarships. Scholarships are offered to students enrolled in eligible planning programs in California (both accredited and non-accredited programs). The scholarship awards are recognized at a special student awards luncheon, hosted by CPF, and held separate from the State Awards luncheon during the conference. Scholarship information is available on the CPF website.