LAMBDA ALPHA INTERNATIONAL
George Washington Chapter Awards Program
July 22, 2021
Introduction
The George Washington Chapter Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Awards Program recognizes the accomplishments of members and other individuals who have advanced the field of land economics through their achievements and service to their profession, the Greater Washington community, and the George Washington chapter. Winners of the awards will be considered for submission to the LAI International Awards program.
We encourage submission of nominations advancing the cause of land economics in the National Capital Region. The awards categories for this year’s program are:
- Chapter Member
- Outstanding Project (more than 200,000 SF)
- Outstanding Project (less than 200,000 SF)
- Outstanding Plan
The awards will be presented at the LAI GW Investiture Banquet in mid-October 2021.
Nominations
Nominations should be submitted to the Awards Chairman Patricia Nicoson for consideration by members of the Awards Committee at pnicoson@aol.com.
Nomination Deadline
Nominations for the Chapter Awards program are due on September 14, 2021.
Awards in each category will be made to a single individual or, in the case of projects or plans, to the principal members of the team.
CHAPTER MEMBER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Chapter Member Achievement Award will be based upon commitment to Lambda Alpha, to the nominee’s profession, and to land economics with respect to achievement in the private or public sectors, research, or education in a recognized field of land economics, including but not limited to: economics, architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, land use planning, urban planning, urban development and redevelopment, public administration, law, environmental design, historic preservation, zoning, real estate consulting, appraisal, and real estate development.
A member who receives the Chapter Member Award may be submitted to LAI as a nomination for the International Member of the Year award. This award is selected from Chapter nominations of Chapter Member of the Year honorees for the current or prior year by the International Awards Committee.
AWARD FOR A COMPREHENSIVE, AREA, OR GENERAL PLAN
This Award will be made for a comprehensive, area, or general plan that advances the science and art of planning.
Eligibility
The award is given for group achievement and may be made to a planning agency, planning team or firm, community group, or local authority.
Criteria
- Originality and innovation. Describe how the entry presents a visionary approach or innovative concept to address needs. Explain how the use of the planning process broadened the acceptance of planning principles.
- Quality. Explain how the plan is state-of-the-art in terms of presentation and methodology. Identify what makes this plan exceptional or stand out compared to other plans.
- Engagement. Explain how various stakeholder interests were involved and the extent of that involvement. Describe how the plan obtained public and private support.
- Implementation and Effectiveness. Address what steps were taken to build public support for implementing the plan. How does the plan address the need or problem that prompted its initiation? How has the plan made or will make a difference in the lives of the people affected?
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROJECT
Two Categories: More than 200,000 SF and Less than 200,000 SF
This award honors a project that demonstrates sound land economic and good planning principles in the preservation, development, or use of our land resources.
The nomination should demonstrate that it enhances the neighborhood and jurisdiction of the project. The submission should address the criteria for a plan submission (above) where appropriate.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PLAN OR PROJECT SUBMISSIONS
Any plan, project, program, tool, process, report, or ordinance nominated must have been published, implemented, or completed within three years of the date of submission. Published drafts of plans are not acceptable.
Format for Nominations
Submissions should include:
- Award category and Nomination
- Name of nominee
- Contact information for nominee
- Proposed Citation for Award
- Justification for nomination
(1-page maximum. Drawings, photos, and/or plans should be included for Projects or Plan nominations)
Submit Items 1-4 on a single page and the justification on a second page. Please send all nomination materials electronically to the email address below.
Patricia Nicoson
Awards Program Chair
Lambda Alpha International George Washington Chapter
Cell: 703-597-3221
LAIGW Member Wins International Award 2020
Christopher Leinberger is the recipient of the Lambda Alpha International 2020 Distinguished Educator Award. This award is presented to the person who has achieved excellence within the academic world in the field of land economics or one of its constituent disciplines. Chris has had an exemplary tenure as the Charles Bendit Distinguished Scholar & Research Professor; Chair, Center for Real Estate & Urban Analysis at George Washington University. The Award will be presented to Mr. Leinberger at the 2021 Land Economics Weekend in the 2022.
LAI GW Chapter Awards Program 2017
On October 18, 2017, the George Washington Chapter of Lambda Alpha International held at reception at the Sulgrave Club in Washington, DC to celebrate the investiture of new LAI members. The event also marked the reinstitution of a Chapter Awards program with awards given in two categories: Outstanding Plan and Outstanding Project. LAI GW is giving the Outstanding Planning award to the Planning and Zoning Department of the City of Alexandria because it found that the two submissions-North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan and Old Town North Small Area Plan, made by the department were outstanding examples of the urban planning process.
The North Potomac Yard Plan establishes a creative vision for the 70-acre former railyard as a transit-oriented, sustainable community with 7.5 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development.
The new Metrorail station serves as the economic catalyst for the area. The implementation of a grid of streets promotes walkability. The transportation strategy encourages a significant mode shift from autos to more sustainable transportation. It also includes a dedicated high-capacity bus rapid transit corridor (Metroway), local buses, car sharing, and bicycle infrastructure.
The strategies for sustainability which are included for all aspects of development are innovative and cutting edge. And include such goals as carbon neutrality. Diversity was another important objective-diversity in land use, housing opportunities, amenities, and community facilities are included to serve a variety of age groups, interests, and income levels.
The planning effort included a comprehensive community engagement program.
The Old Town North Small Area Plan took a 200-acre waterfront area which included a 20-acre decommissioned coal-fired power plant site and a brownfield site provides for a balanced mix of uses and includes an Arts district and Urban Design Standards and Guidelines to produce a high quality, sustainable built environment. The arts district provides incentive to create affordable arts spaces and promotes the city’s goals of social equity and economic diversity.
A 21-member advisory group guided the planning effort which included charrettes and community meetings, public hearings and online engagement.
The urban design guidelines are being effective. Projects are reviewed by an Urban Design Advisory Committee. Already the arts incentives are resulting in projects that seek to integrate arts uses. This gives Old Town North, a unique identity separate from Old Town.
LAI GW Chapter’s Outstanding Project, is given to The Wharf whose $2.5 billion first phase of includes 3 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development on a 24 acre, mile-long stretch of the District’s Southwest waterfront including more than 14 acres of parks and public spaces.
The Wharf, has transformed and will continue to transform the Southwest waterfront bringing the liveliness of mixed-use development to the area creating a world-class destination. It includes restaurants, shops, residences, hotels, businesses, music venues, places for events and numerous waterside activities. Planners have paid special attention to urban design and place making and sustainability.
The plan includes a new street grid, public parks, four public piers, spaces for events, docks for boaters, and kayak rentals and access to water taxis and jitneys enhancing access to the waterfront from around the region.
The comprehensive community engagement process included more than 730 community meetings during the eight-year entitlement process.
Finally, the District has a project that fully captures the amenity value of the Potomac River by reconnecting people to the waterfront.