Complete Story
06/28/2026
Call for 2026 APA-IL Awards Program Nominations!
The APA-IL is now accepting nominations for our 2026 Awards Program! Each year, the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association recognizes the best in planning across Illinois, celebrating those that exemplify tremendous planning efforts and outstanding achievements in innovation.
Submit your project or person in one of two categories:
Project Awards Category
- Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan
- Strategic Plan
- Best Practice
- Advancing Diversity and Social Change
- "Make No Little Plans"
- Student Project
Service Awards Category
- Planning Advocate
- Distinguished Service or Contribution
- Emerging Planner
- Lifetime Achievement
- Most Valuable Planner
View the 2026 Awards Program guide here for all the details.
Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, July 27, 2026.
(the deadline will not be extended)
PROJECT NOMINATIONS PAYMENT:
Payment is on application submission form. There is no fee for Student Project and Service Nominations.
FAQ:
Where do I get all the program details?
Download the 2026 APA-IL Awards Program guide (.pdf) for this year's details and instructions.
Can I submit a project that hasn't been finalized?
There is no eligibility criteria that mandates a plan's approval or a letter of support from the organization that the plan is for. However, we encourage you to thoroughly review the criteria that will be used to evaluate each of the nominations. Not having either could affect the jury's scoring of the plan.
Can I submit a Service Award nomination as a non-member?
Yes. APA-IL's policy changed and now any interested parties can submit a service award nomination.
Can I mail you a paper copy of my nomination?
No. All submissions must be submitted online. Hard-copy submissions will NOT be accepted.
Where and when will a winner be recognized?
Award winners will be honored in conjunction with the State Conference,. An Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held on September 30, 2026. Conference attendance is not required.
Questions?
Contact Paula Freeze at admin@ilapa.org
