planning: Eligibility and Criteria - The Revitalization Award

Eligibility

Eligible projects or programs must be located in a revitalization area or be officially opted-in to the revitalization program, as designated by the Montgomery County Community Revitalization Program Manual. All projects and programs should make a demonstrable difference in the revitalization of a community. Nominations will be evaluated on design, impact, and process. Projects should show excellent design that is compatible with the community, such as building size and placement, street-level design, landscaping, and streetscaping. Possible impacts include the creation of jobs, new and diverse businesses, and homes; improvements to existing residences; crime reduction; or improved community image. Process factors include extent of cooperation, timing, cost, amount of funding leveraged, transparency, simplicity, and transferability. Projects and programs that were started before 2001 are not eligible. Eligibility is not contingent on the use of county revitalization funds or any other government funds.

• Projects. Eligible projects can include both public and private developments that are substantially completed. Examples include office, residential, commercial, institutional, and cultural buildings and community enhancement projects (streetscape, parks, parking lots, pedestrian amenities, traffic calming, lighting, etc.).

• Programs. Programs that consist of defined activities designed to encourage revitalization and that have been in operation for at least one year are eligible. Examples include Main Street programs, façade improvement programs, ongoing cultural events, police programs, job training programs, and similar activities.

Nomination Requirements

The deadline for nominations is the last Friday in April. The following information must be submitted with each nomination. Nominations are evaluated as submitted and are judged by an on-site visit. All entries become the property of the Montgomery County Planning Commission and are not returnable.

• The official name of the project or program, specific location, and municipality.

• Contact information for the person most responsible for the project or program (municipal official, land owner, developer, or nonprofit administrator, etc.) and for all other team members (engineer, architect, planner, landscape architect, program coordinator, and business owners, etc.). This information should include official name and address as well as a contact person’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address for each project or program team member.

• A detailed description of the project or program. This should include plans, photos, and drawings, if applicable.

• A detailed description of the impact the project or program has had on the community. This description should include as many quantifiable impacts as possible.

• A description of the process involved to create or approve the project or program. This description should explain costs and funding as well as public involvement in the project or program.