The 8th Impact Awards
THE EVENT
The Impact Awards return for their 8th edition in April 2, 2026 at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, celebrating the visionary projects, people, and partnerships that shape the built environment of Dallas-Fort Worth.
In a refreshed format, the 2026 Impact Awards will spotlight outstanding real estate projects across a newly aligned set of categories, honoring outstanding achievements in real estate development that exemplify innovation, sustainability, equity, and community impact—core tenets of the Urban Land Institute’s global content pillars. In addition, three distinct individuals will be celebrated with our People Awards, recognizing and honoring their contribution to our community and industry.
As with years prior, proceeds of this event support ULI Dallas-Fort Worth in furthering the ULI mission via our education programs and volunteer outreach to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in our local communities and worldwide. These efforts include our local UrbanPlan and UP4PO (Urban Plan for Public Officials) programs, Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) for municipalities and communities, our Building Industry Leaders career mentoring program offered in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Clubs in Dallas and Fort Worth, and programs like RE:Generation and Pathways to Inclusion.
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:
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- 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.).
- Housing and Communities Award
- 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?
- 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.