Future of Region Awards Expand To Include One Bay and Green Categories

The Future of the Region awards program, which recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the Tampa Bay region, has been expanded to include two new categories.

The new One Bay award will highlight projects that support the recommendations developed through the One Bay Regional Vision including:

• environmentally sustainable growth, protection of water resources, and energy conservation
• job creation through sustainable economic development practices that foster quality communities
• increased diversity in housing options for families and individuals
• compact and mixed-use development
• transit and transit-oriented development or
• preservation of open space and agricultural land.

The new “Going Green” category will honor projects and programs are environmentally sensitive initiatives.

The Future of the Region competition is open to individuals, private companies and the public sector. Awards are presented in six different categories, including community service, cultural/sports/recreation, development/infrastructure, natural resources/environment and public education.

Additionally, The Charles A. McIntosh, Jr. Award of Distinction (The McIntosh) is presented to the entry which touches each of the categories, provides excellence in the region, and exhibits distinction in regional visioning. The Herman Goldner Award for Regional Leadership is presented to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of regional cooperation, dedication to his/her community and notable achievement in encouraging future vision.

The awards program is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the Call for Entries will be available November 1, 2010. Deadline for entries is January 14, 2011 followed by the awards luncheon held each year in March. For more information, visit www.tbrpc.org.