Partners for Livable Communities honored eight individuals, organizations and communities for stewardship and innovation in the improvement of communities worldwide. These prestigious awards were presented by Washington, D.C.-based Partners for Livable Communities at its “Celebration of Vision and Community Spirit” formal dinner and awards program on Monday evening, December 7th, 2009 at The Fairfax Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The awards were presented by William K. Reilly, Senior Advisor, TPG Capital, LP & Former Administrator of the US Environm
ental Protection Agency. Richard C.D. Fleming, Chairman of Partners' Board and President of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Assoiation served as Host. Congressman Tom Periello of the 5th District of Virginia gave the keynote speech. View photos of the event here.
The “Celebration of Vision and Community Spirit” awards honor both innovative projects in communities and lifetimes of achievement for individuals that have made a true difference in their respective fields of activity. The honorees represent lifetimes of cultivating the arts, historic preservation, regionalism, smart planning practices and neighborhood development that bring life to struggling communities. All of the honorees have sought to build on their assets and improve the communities around them, an effort which Partners believes deserves to be lauded, with individual stories spread far and wide.
For thirty years, Partners has celebrated the leadership of individuals, institutions, and partnerships that have discovered unique assets that communities can build upon to become a more livable place. Formed by a diverse coalition around a principle that quality of life is a key resource for economic development, Partners follows three major tenents of livability. Partners firmly believes that the powers and skills of individual citizens are prime resources to build a better future. Second, both busines and the civic community have a common interest in ensuring equity and livability, beauty and heritage. Finally, Partners feels that important institutions can become fulcrums of change to reflect the needs of their communities.
A Celebration of Community Vision and Spirit Winter 2009 Honorees
(click on the award description to see more about the award and past recipients. Click on the Honoree to read a longer write-up of their award. Download the Full Program here )
Investors in America Award
Paul Brophy and Mary K. Reilly
For their contributions to social equity and upward mobility through innovative housing development and strategic planning.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Award
For her extensive career in strengthening the arts, community development, and historical and cultural preservation in New York City and around the world.
Rich Bradley and Ellen McCarthy
For their combined role in advancing a ‘renaissance’ in downtown Washington, D.C. through progressive urban planning techniques.
For his devotion and contributions to community vitality and sense of place through the preservation of vital buildings and spaces.
Founders Award for Civic Leadership
For his achievements in identifying and addressing regional issues through an influential career in community and business development.
Bridge Builders Award
Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard and MIT
For the Program’s promotion, creation and preservation of Islamic culture through architecture.
The Dance Institute of Washington
For the Institute’s success in cultivating self-esteem, discipline and the drive for excellence among youth in the Washington, D.C. community.
Entrepreneurial American Community Award
For the community’s entrepreneurial spirit in introducing and advancing major livability agendas to enhance the quality of life and competitiveness of the region.