THE IMPACT AWARDS

The key part of the celebrations is honoring 6 regional developments/projects with an IMPACT Award from one of six distinct categories. Neither the magnitude of capital investment nor physical size is a limiting factor for consideration: 

• • Housing and Communities Award
    Celebrating Excellence in Residential Development and Community Building. Submission Requirements: Honorees must demonstrate leadership in the planning, design, financing, or construction of housing that promotes healthy, equitable, and thriving communities. Submissions should include:
    • Evidence of addressing housing accessibility and attainability in both affordable and market rate product.
    • Impact on community well-being, including social cohesion, health outcomes, or economic opportunity.
    • Innovative financing, development, or design strategies that expanded access to housing.
    • Community engagement practices incorporated during project planning and delivery.
    • Data showcasing project outcomes (occupancy rates, affordability levels, resident feedback, etc.).

• Real Estate Finance and Investment Award
  Recognizing Leadership in Capital Markets and Investment Strategies.
  Submission Requirements: Honorees must show how their project, transaction, or investment initiative advanced the efficient connection of capital to real estate, promoting land use innovation and economic value creation. Submissions should include:
  • Project financing structure and capital stack innovation.
  • Economic performance metrics (e.g., return on investment, job creation, market resilience).
  • Risk management strategies used in volatile or evolving market conditions.
  • Collaboration between financiers, developers, and users of capital.
  • Case studies/specific examples illustrating successful financing of transformative real estate developments.
• Sustainability and Economic Impact Award
  Honoring Projects that Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance Excellence.
  Submission Requirements: Honorees must show how sustainability principles were embedded in the creation, financing, design, or management of the built environment. Submissions should include:
  • Environmental stewardship strategies (e.g., carbon reduction, green infrastructure, adaptive reuse).
  • Governance and social equity practices incorporated into development or operations.
  • Measurable performance indicators (e.g., energy savings, certifications like LEED, WELL, resilience ratings).
  • Economic performance data, projections, or analysis demonstrating that sustainable practices enhanced or are expected to enhance value post occupancy/stabilization.
  • Community or tenant engagement strategies related to sustainability goals.
• Innovation in Development Practice Award
  Showcasing Breakthrough Approaches in Real Estate Development.
  Submission Requirements: Honorees must present case studies or projects that illustrate new ideas, technologies, or methodologies that advanced real estate development. Submissions should include:
  • Description of the innovation (e.g., modular construction, technology integration, new project delivery methods).
  • How the innovation improved project outcomes (speed, cost, quality, user experience, sustainability).
  • Lessons learned that can be applied to other projects.
  • Collaboration across disciplines (developer, architect, contractor, financier) to realize innovation.
  • Visual documentation (photos, plans, diagrams) showcasing the innovation in action.
• Shaping Successful Cities and Regions Award
  Advancing Strategic Growth, Policy, and Infrastructure Initiatives.
  Submission Requirements: Honorees must demonstrate how they contributed to shaping dynamic, resilient, and inclusive cities or regions through planning, policy, or major development initiatives. Submissions should include:
  • Regional or metropolitan-level strategies for growth, resilience, and equity.
  • Impact on infrastructure, mobility, land use planning, or regional housing supply.
  • Collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Metrics or studies showing improved economic vitality, livability, sustainability, or equity outcomes.
  • Demonstrated scalability or replicability of strategies across regions.
• The Next Big Idea:
• Innovative Ideas that can positively impact the region’s quality of the built environment
  Submissions do not have to be completed projects!
  • We seek innovative developments that can positively impact the way in which planning and development are conducted, construction affordability, financing or other aspects of development.
    • What would make our region more resilient?
    • More enjoyable?