Each year, APA Orange Section recognizes and celebrates outstanding planning work throughout Orange County. The Planning Awards honors innovative plans and projects, distinguished individuals, and other contributions to the planning profession. If you know of a plan, project or individual who is deserving of recognition, we encourage you to apply.

 

In addition, APA Orange Section acknowledges the importance of the Planning Awards to be evaluated fairly, equitably, and objectively by a diverse group of peers. If you would like to give back to the Orange County Planning industry, have diverse experience in Planning and are available, we encourage you to apply for the Awards Jury. 

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The 2026 APA Orange Section Awards call for nominations and Jury Applications period is now open!

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Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

All nominations must complete the 2026 Awards Application Form and be submitted via Dropbox. Please review the instructions carefully so your nomination is properly filed. 

We are seeking applications that demonstrate the power of great planning. If you've been involved with or are aware of a recent noteworthy project or activity, please consider submitting a nomination.

Awards categories include (but are not limited to) the following:

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• Academic

• Resilience & Sustainability 

• Opportunity & Empowerment

• Urban Design

• Transportation

• Advancing Diversity and Social Change

• Grassroots Initiatives

• Advancing Diversity

• Planning Pioneer

• Planning Advocate

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The 2026 Orange Section Award winners will be invited to proceed to the Statewide competition. Please note that in order to be eligible for a Chapter award, nominees must first submit an application to the Orange Section and receive an award of excellence or merit at the Section level. 

 

Recipients are recognized at the annual awards event held this Fall. Details of this event will be provided in early Summer 2026.

For potential jury candidates, the Awards Committee is seeking dedicated, thoughtful professionals to serve as jurors for the 2026 Orange Section Awards Program. As a juror, you’ll review submissions highlighting innovative plans, impactful projects, and meaningful contributions to the profession. We encourage planners from a variety of backgrounds and specialties to participate. You must be available on April 10 for jury deliberations.  

 

For any questions on the 2026 Orange Section Planning Awards, nomination process, awards jury selection, please contact Awards Co-Chair, Stephanie Blanco, at awards.ocapa@gmail.com.