DRCOG 2023 Annual Awards
In fall of 2023, hundreds of people will gather from around the Denver region to celebrate the best of regional collaboration.
DRCOG's annual awards celebration will recognize the milestones and successes that have made the Denver region a great place to live, work and play. It will honor the individuals, plans, programs and projects that benefit residents today and have moved the region toward its vision for the future, outlined in Metro Vision.
DRCOG is accepting nominations for the Metro Vision Awards, John V. Christensen Memorial Award and Way to Go Awards through Friday, April 14.
Winners will be honored at a fall gala.
Metro Vision Awards
The Metro Vision Awards recognize excellence, innovation, collaboration and leadership in problem-solving among communities and their partners. The realization of the Denver region’s shared vision is through programs, projects and plans that bring business leaders, elected officials, community advocates and residents together to accomplish more than any partner could achieve alone. Successful nominations for Metro Vision Awards will demonstrate how the project, program or plan has:
- Embraced innovation in its creation and/or implementation.
- Serves as a model for other communities.
- Grew out of the vision and needs of the community.
DRCOG asks nominators to describe how the plan, program or project they're nominating embodies one or more of Metro Vision's five themes:
- Place: An efficient and predictable development pattern.
- Mobility: A connected multimodal region.
- Environment: A safe and resilient natural and built environment.
- Livability: Healthy, inclusive and livable communities.
- Vitality: A vibrant regional economy.
To submit a nomination:
- First, log in or create an account.
- Second, complete the nomination form. (You can upload up to five attachments.)
- Tip: You can save your nomination in-progress and return to it later, if you're not ready to select "Submit" right away. If you want to take your time preparing your application, be sure to return by Friday, April 14, to submit it.
Learn more about last year's winners.
John V. Christensen Memorial Award
John V. Christensen was an Arapahoe County commissioner and one of DRCOG’s co-founders. He demonstrated a personal commitment to working toward strong, representative local government. He promoted regional approaches to problem-solving, and encouraged his fellow elected officials to do so, as well. DRCOG has awarded the John V. Christensen Memorial Award since 1973. As one of the region's most prestigious awards, it recognizes individuals who promote cooperation and collaboration for the benefit of the region.
Watch a video about Ron Rakowsky, former mayor of Greenwood Village, Colorado, and the most recent winner of the John V. Christensen Memorial Award.
To submit a nomination:
- First, log in or create an account.
- Second, fill out the nomination form. (You can upload up to five attachments.)
- Tip: You can save your nomination in-progress and return to it later, if you're not ready to select "Submit" right away. If you want to take your time preparing your application, be sure to return by Friday, April 14, to submit it.
Way to Go Awards
Each year, Way to Go recognizes commuters and employers in the Denver region who choose commute options that reduce traffic congestion to improve air quality. Way to Go will honor three winners:
- Rising Star: A commuter who's new to sustainable commuting.
- Employer Champion: An organization that makes it easier for employees to choose sustainable travel modes for their commutes.
- Commuter of the Year: Someone who has made a year-round commitment to sustainable commuting practices.
To learn more or submit a nomination, visit the Way to Go website.
Nominations are due Friday, April 14.
