Awards Nomination
Each year Downtown New Jersey recognizes New Jersey’s best downtown projects, programs, and leaders. Winning submissions are considered models worthy of emulation. They will be promoted on Downtown New Jersey’s website and recognized at an in-person luncheon ceremony at the NJ Downtown Conference on December 5, 2024 in Montclair.
The nomination deadline is October 31, 2024.
Award Categories
- Built Projects: New Construction, Renovation of Existing Structures, Mixed Use and Streetscape Projects, Creative Placemaking Projects
- Tools of the Trade: Planning Documents, Design Manuals, Strategic Plans, Wayfinding Plans, Marketing Plans, Creative Placemaking Initiatives
- Individuals of Excellence Award: Individuals demonstrating leadership and dedication to downtown economic development
Award Criteria
Built Projects:
- Project completed within the last 2 years.
- Improves the streetscape or visual appearance of the commercial business district.
- Preserves or enhances the character of the downtown environment.
- Contributes to the economic vitality of the downtown or commercial district.
- Advances the diversity, equity, & inclusion goals of the community.
- Generates pride in the community.
- Draws people to the area.
- Demonstrates a coordinated effort by various segments of the community to implement the project.
Tools of the Trade:
- Implemented/adopted within the last 2 years.
(New or drastically re-imagined initiatives only. Please don’t submit a nomination for an initiative you have been running for years.) - Is innovative and unique, and/or sets a new high standard in management practices.
- Contributes to the economic vitality of the downtown or commercial district.
- Generates pride in the community.
- Advances the diversity, equity, & inclusion goals of the community.
- Draws people to the area.
- Demonstrates a coordinated effort by various segments of the community to implement the project.
Individuals of Excellence:
- Demonstrated leadership in promoting downtown redevelopment and enhancement of the downtown environment.
Submission Requirements
Submissions must include:
- A one-paragraph summary of the Project, Tool, or Individual with quotes from local leaders for press releases (250 word max).
- A narrative description of the Project/Tool or the special attributes of the Individual (two pages maximum, PDF file format preferred). The narrative should thoroughly address the award criteria as described above.
- For Projects and Tools of the Trade: Project/Tool Name, Address/Location, Month & Year Completed, Cost, Funding Sources, List of Partners
- A maximum of 10 photos in hi resolution JPEG format. No PowerPoints please.
- Electronic versions of relevant brochures, excerpts of planning documents, or other printed materials in support of the nomination (Max of 5 documents of no more than 100MB. PDF or JPEG file formats preferred).
The nomination deadline is October 31, 2024.
Questions? Contact Natalie Pineiro at info(at)downtownnj.com or 201.472.0356