New York Upstate APA Chapter Awards
The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association recognizes great planning each year at its Annual Conference. Learn more about the program including how to submit an application here.
2026 Professional Award Recipients
Congratulations to our Award Recipients who were honored at our 2026 Conference in Albany this year in October.
Distinguished Leadership
Michael J. Krasner Professional Planner Award - Dr. Ernest Sternberg
Planner Emeritus - Christopher Round, AICP
Citizen Planner - Nancy Rogan
Best Practice
Gold - Town of Plattsburgh CHAMP Local Law
Silver - City of Albany Preliminary EV Curbside Charging Site Analysis
Student - Daylight District
Comprehensive Planning
Gold - Hudson 2035
Silver - City of Corning Comprehensive Plan Update
Community Plan
Gold - NYS Canals Amenities Planning Initiative
Silver - Inner Loop North Mobility and Development Strategy
Grassroots Initiatives
Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition Walk Audit and Participatory Asset Mapping Project
Great Places
Great Space - Ithaca Farmers Market Improvement Project
Great Street- Deco District
Public Outreach
Gold - Clean Mobility Buffalo
Silver - North Tonawanda LWRP
Student - Nineteenth Street Revitalization Study for Watervliet
"For more than a decade, the New York Upstate Chapter has honored planning achievements through the Professional Awards Program, offering us the chance to learn about the outstanding work of our colleagues and communities across the state," said Sarah Gatti, Chapter Vice President and Chair of the Chapter Awards Committee. "We look forward to once again celebrating the best in planning from Upstate New York and continuing to highlight the vital role we play in building strong, thriving communities for everyone."
2025 Award Recipients
Award recipients at the Annual Conference Awards Program October 2025 in Rochester.
Past Award Winners
2025 NY Upstate Chapter Professional Awards
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.
