Small Town and Rural Planning Division Planning Awards

The Small Town and Rural (STaR) Planning Division invites nominations for its Division Planning Awards to recognize outstanding individuals and projects for their contribution to planning excellence in small town and rural communities. The program is open to any individual, organization, or consulting firm involved in planning for small town and rural areas.

DEADLINE: CLOSED for 2026

The categories are:

Vernon Deines Award for Comprehensive Plan or Special Project Plan
Given to an outstanding comprehensive plan or special project plan that addressed the development of a neighborhood, community, county, or region.
John Keller Award for Planning Initiative
Given to an outstanding initiative or program in public education, workshops, ordinances, or enforcement that promotes planning in small towns and rural areas.
James A. Segedy Award for Student Project
Given to an outstanding project by a graduate or undergraduate class or individual that addresses a planning issue facing small town or rural areas.
Carol Thomas award for small town and rural planner
Given to an individual in public service, academia, or the private sector who has made an outstanding contribution to planning in their community.

Nominated plans, projects, programs, and studies must have been completed within two years of the nomination submittal date. For Comprehensive Plans and Special Project Plans prepared by consultants, the award recipient shall be the client for whom the planning activity was conducted.

For more information, contact Vice-Chair for Programs Mary Howard at mthdwh8000@yahoo.com.