The William H. Bates Awards Program was established in 1980 by the Delaware County Planning Commission with the goal “to encourage developers and municipalities to cooperate in providing a more efficient use of land and public services for County residents.” This long-standing program initially recognized innovative land developments but has now been expanded with two new categories: Adaptive Reuse and Municipal Innovation and Investment. This is not a strict competition. It is meant to recognize applicants and municipalities who strive to improve the built environment and the overall life experience within Delaware County.
Nominations are open November 5 to February 27 and will be awarded in May 2026.
There are three categories:
1. Innovative land development: This award will be given to projects that demonstrate innovative land development in Delaware County. Examples include but are not limited to: mixed-use development that provides public amenities, public/private collaborations, exceptional designs, open space preservation projects.
2. Adaptive Reuse: This award will be given to projects that demonstrate creativity in the conversion or expansion of an existing structure for a new use. Examples include but are not limited to: rail trails, industrial redevelopment to residential or mixed-use properties, short-term pop-up projects.
3. Municipal Innovation and Investment: This award will be given to projects that demonstrate excellence in municipal investment. Examples include but are not limited to: new parks or trails, public amenities, services, creative stormwater solutions, and forward-thinking planning efforts.