^{Aerial Shot of Galveston, Creative Commons: Larry Syverson}

GALVESTON — The Galveston Planning Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Planning and Design Awards, recognizing projects that have contributed to the city’s growth, design and quality of life.

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 1 for projects completed in the City of Galveston on or after Jan. 1, 2021. Winners will be recognized during October as part of the American Planning Association’s National Community Planning Month.

The awards program, established in 2019, honors projects that demonstrate innovation, community investment and responsible development.

Awards will be presented in eight categories: beautification, development, environmental, historic preservation, investment, participation, planning and redevelopment.

Eligible nominations are open to planners, residents, developers, builders, architects, community groups, design professionals, local governments, students and other interested parties. Projects involving a current Planning Commission member with a direct professional, financial, ownership, design, consulting or construction interest are not eligible.

Projects will be evaluated on several criteria, including their impact on quality of life, originality, overall planning and design, implementation and public engagement.

Each nomination must include the project’s name and address, the names of the organizations or individuals who would accept the award, the applicable award category or categories, a description explaining how the project meets the evaluation criteria and photographs.

Nominations should be submitted by email to planning@galvestontx.gov no later than Sept. 1. Award recipients will be invited to attend a ceremony recognizing this year’s winners.