HUD Seeking Nominations for 2020 HUD Secretary’s Opportunity and Empowerment Award

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the American Planning Association (APA), later this month will begin accepting nominations for its annual HUD Secretary’s Opportunity and Empowerment Award, which recognizes community planning efforts that have improved the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents.

Award submissions should demonstrate the ways in which a nominee’s efforts have overcome adversity within the community, created or preserved affordable housing options, improved job opportunities, and reduced homelessness and poverty. The award may be granted to a community, specific plan, program, or project that has measurably improved the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. Nominations should include only projects that have been implemented or completed for a minimum of three years and demonstrate collaborative private and public partnerships.

The winner will be selected on the basis of planning, results, innovation, equity, and transferability.

Entries will be accepted between August 21 and September 6, 2019, at 5:00 pm (CDT). The award will be presented at APA’s National Planning Conference, April 25-28, 2020, in Houston, Texas. For more information about specific eligibility requirements and to apply, click here.