AWARD SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these instructions before beginning your online submission. Be sure that in order to qualify, the payment and entry FINAL deadline is Friday, June 6, 2025.
NOTE: You must be a member in good standing to submit an award entry.
Need inspiration? See previous year “Best Books” under Awards
Need guidance? Here are some tips:
- The system will not tell you that your photos have been uploaded until you hit the SUBMIT button.
- At this time the system does not allow you to save your entries. You will need to get out of the system and go back in.
- You have to upload everything all at once.
- Fill out all the boxes that you can, if there is an asterisk, it is required.
- Each box only allows the uploading of one document or photo – use the “other” boxes to add photos or documents you feel are pertinent.
By filling out this online form, you will have completed the submittal form with all of this information:
1) Project title: what is the name of the project, plan or study? (This title will appear in all publications.)
2) Image: this is of the project/study/plan – the system requires this…please upload your best hi-resolution photo that you would like included in the Best Book
3) 100-word description (This summary of your entry is used in the Best Book.)
4) Now fill out the boxes that comprise a “narrative” of your entry:
- Innovation– How the project used new ideas to solve problems or to carry out the project or program
- Community Impact – How the project improved economic, social, design, cultural assets of the community
- Funding– How the project leveraged funding and in-kind assistance
- Problem Solving– How the project used problem-solving to address unique local issues
- Applicability to Other Communities– Why this project or program could be transferred to other communities
- Other Things to Tell the Judges – A description of any other aspects (first of its kind, most successful, aspects not included above)
5) PowerPoint – Four slides with before and after photos* (from two different perspectives) and up to ten other slides* in PowerPoint format (*all photos please high-resolution image 300 dpi). IF you would rather upload high resolutions photos separately instead of in the PowerPoint, please upload under “other” (additional) boxes.
6) Documents – For a plan, study, marketing piece or other documents, provide the online link to the document or a summary of the document
7) Check one of the category boxes appropriate for your entry:
Annual Report – We want to recognize great communications about the positive impact of the CRA on a community, regardless of budget.
Capital Project/Infrastructure – Streetscapes, Landscaping, Parks, Wayfinding, Lighting, Stormwater, etc.
Creative Project Funding and Development Partnerships – Projects that combine multiple funding sources, partnerships, resources. Examples include incentives, loan and grant programs, land assemblage and/or disposition of land.
Innovative Blight Management Programs – Programs that aid in eliminating blight, improve quality of life through community policing initiatives, safety ambassador programs, enhanced code enforcement etc.
Out of the Box – Projects that do not fit into any other category can be nominated for this award. The committee reserves the right to place the submission into another category. (Marketing, events, economic development will not be accepted).
Outstanding Housing Project – Projects addressing affordable, workforce, low to moderate income, elderly, and market rate housing, with or without incentives or partnerships.
Outstanding New Building – New buildings constructed with or without incentives in redevelopment areas.
Outstanding Rehab, Renovation or Reuse – Buildings rehabilitated with or without incentives in redevelopment areas.
Planning Studies – Redevelopment, feasibility, blight findings, streetscapes, landscapes, market analysis/ business development, designs, zoning, historic preservation, etc.
- Small Project/Program – This award is for projects submitted in jurisdictions with less than 25,000 in population. In addition to being considered under one of the above categories for which you have submitted, your entry qualifies you to be considered as the best of all small project/program entries. (The Awards Committee reserves the right to place the submittal into another category.)
For help, contact Merrily Bennett, Association Services Coordinator, (850) 701-3677, mbennett@flcities.com.
