All submissions are reviewed by a national jury of industry leaders described below. Finalists and winners are heavily recognized in ULI Philadelphia communications as well as the Annual Awards event, which will be held on June 15, 2023. ULI Awards for Excellence celebrate the mission and lift-up high performing projects in the field.

ULI members and non-members are invited to submit applications. Private sector, public sector, and nonprofit projects are all eligible as well as all project types and sizes and land use policy initiatives. Projects must fall within the ULI Philadelphia footprint, which includes the Philadelphia metro, Central Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley, Southern New Jersey and the state of Delaware (full list of counties listed in the application). Each application will be evaluated by a panel of highly experienced ULI members who are leaders in the industry from across the country.

Jurors will evaluate program and project proposals based solely on information provided in the application. The jury is a national group generally unfamiliar with the Philadelphia region and site visits are not part of the review process. Please keep this in mind when completing your application, providing helpful neighborhood context and images. Awards will be given to projects that reflect the following selection priorities. Jury discretion will determine the final number of winners.

Individual Award nominations are evaluated by a regional jury comprised of members from ULI Philadelphia’s Awards Committee and ULI Philadelphia’s Advisory Board. Nominations will be evaluated based on the application information, supporting materials, and the jury’s regional knowledge.

1. Projects must have been substantially completed between January 1, 2018 – January 1, 2023.  “Substantially completed” means a single-phase project must be finished, occupied, and in operation; for multiple-phase projects, the first phase must be finished, occupied, and in operation. Programs, plans and policies must be implemented (must be initiated, adopted, be in use).
2. Projects and programs previously submitted can be resubmitted, even if selected as finalists in previous years.
3. Single applicants may apply for multiple projects.

Provide Context: Be mindful that the jurors are not local. Provide details to illustrate how the nominations fits into and impacts its surrounding community as well as relevant history of the site or neighborhood. A location map is required.

Focus on the description. The description should be direct and succinct, while covering as many of the selection criteria as applicable. Focus on what sets your nomination apart from others and describe the impact on its surrounding area. Provide metrics wherever possible; concrete numbers help the jury distinguish nominations from one another.

Good images are critical. Images are required for all submissions including projects, programs, and policies to use for Awards finalists announcements. Images should accurately represent the character and use of your nomination are instrumental in the jury’s decision-making process.

Once ULI Philadelphia receives your application you will be sent a link to upload your images. A minimum of two (2) and maximum of six (6) in JPG format (include at least one interior and exterior image).  No videos or other formats are accepted. A minimum of one (1) and maximum of two (2) locator map(s) and one (1) site plan are required in addition to images. Images must be submitted by the application deadline.

February 17: Application Period Opens
March 24: Applications due by 5:00 PM EST
April: Jury Review Period
May: Finalists Notified and Publicized
June 15: Winners Announced Live

Private Sector: $300
Public or Non-profit Sector: $150
Individual Award Nominees: Free

If your organization is experiencing a financial or procedural hardship, please reach out to Sigourney Young ([email protected]) to discuss fee waivers.