General Submission Information

Q: How do I submit an application?
Applications must be completed and submitted through the online portal.

Completed Project | Next Big Idea

(Emailed applications will not be accepted.)

Q: Who is eligible to submit a project?
A: Both ULI members and non-members are welcome to submit applications.

Q: Is there an application fee to submit a project nomination?
A: No, there is no fee required to submit a project.

Q: How many submissions are allowed per project?
A: Only one entry submission is accepted for each project. To prevent duplicate entries, please coordinate with all project partners before submitting.

Q: How do I submit more than one project?
A: Each submission may only include a single, specific project, idea, or initiative. If you’d like to nominate multiple entries, each must be submitted separately.

Q: Can projects previously submitted reapply?
A: Yes, previously submitted projects may reapply—as long as the project has not already received an award and still meets the eligibility criteria of being completed between June 1, 2023 and June 1, 2025.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting applications?
A: Completed applications must be received by June 20, 2025.

Q: Can I preview what is required in the application without having to click through the online portal?
A: You can preview the full application in PDF format below.

Completed Project  | Next Big Idea

Please note: This PDF is available for applicants to plan their online application submission; however, only applications submitted online will be considered.

Q: Can I start the application now and come back to finish it later?
A: Once started, you have two weeks to complete an online application. You can start it, stop anytime, and come back later to finish. Your progress is automatically saved using a browser cookie, but you must resume using the same browser and device you started with. Otherwise, your saved work will not show up and you will need to start over with a new application.

Q: How will submissions be reviewed?
A: ULI staff will internally review submissions to ensure all relevant information has been collected before presenting applications to an esteemed panel of jurors comprised of local industry leaders.

Q: When will finalists and winners be announced?
A: Finalists will be announced in late July. Winners will be announced during the Impact Awards event on August 27, 2025, at PBS Studios (ACC Highland campus). Event registration opens June 13, 2025.

Award Categories

Q: What are the available award categories?
A: There are five categories:

• Most Influential Project

• Best Project Innovation

• Best Project Design

• Best Public Place

• Next Big Idea

View full category descriptions

Q: Can a project be considered in multiple categories?
A: Applicants must select their preferred category. However, projects may be placed in additional categories if deemed best suited for that entry.

Submission Criteria

Q: What are the criteria for submitting a completed project?
A. See here for submission criteria.

Q: What are the criteria for submitting a ‘Next Big Idea’?
A: See here for submission critera.

Q: Who can I contact for questions or assistance?
A: For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].