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The LAURELS AWARDS celebrate the people and projects shaping our metro in inspiring ways.
Omaha by Design’s annual fundraiser and signature awards show brings together civic leaders, city builders, and community visionaries.

Please join Omaha by Design for the 25th Anniversary LAURELS AWARDS as we transform our block for a one night only celebration of innovation in the built environment.

Thursday, September 24th
6:00-9:00pm
11th & Jones St

Get Your Tickets!View the 2025 Laurels Awards Photo Gallery

Laurels Awards

Since the early 2000s, the LAURELS AWARDS have stood to recognize the people and projects shaping our metro in inspiring ways. Every year, nominations are submitted and winners selected by Omaha by Design’s Advisory Council. And every year, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable individuals and organizations who, together, are building a more vibrant, livable city for all.

Four volunteers in yellow shirts smiling

THE SPELLMAN CIVIC IMPACT AWARD

The Spellman Civic Impact Award honors an individual whose consistent contributions have strengthened the Omaha metro’s built environment and community life, making a lasting impact on our city.

2025: Ree & Jun Kaneko
2023: Connie Spellman

THE LAURELS AWARD

The Laurels Award, Omaha by Design’s highest honor, recognizes an individual, organization, or business for significant contributions in furthering people-centered urban design and policy.

2025: Dick & Mary Holland Campus
2024: Joslyn Art Museum
2023: Millwork Commons
2022: Gene Leahy Mall
2021: Laura & Michael Alley
2020: The Union for Contemporary Art
2019: Seventy Five North
2016: Mike Moylan
2015: Connie Spellman & Del Weber
2014: Richard Holland
2013: NuStyle Development Corporation
2012: The Mercer Family
2011: Midtown Crossing
2010: Mike McMeekin
2009: Jay Noddle
2008: Alden Aust
2007: Steve Jensen
2006: Mayor Mike Fahey
2005: Gary Gates
2004: Kathleen Jeffries
2003: Place Game Facilitators
2002: Bruce Lauritzen
2001: Bob Peters

ACCESS & MOBILITY AWARD

The Access & Mobility Award recognizes an individual, group, organization, or business that has worked to enhance the way we move around the city and how its neighborhoods connect to one another.

Nominees:

Girard Trail Connection
Heartland Bike Share Free Rides Program
North Saddle Creek Streetscape Improvements
Omaha Public Works Colored Pavement Policy

Past Recipients:

2025: Beltline Trail
2024: Baby Bob Bridge
2023: North Omaha Trail
2022: FIRST Ave Trail
2021: ORBT
2020: Curt Simon
2019: TravelSmart
2015: University of Nebraska - Omaha

ENVIRONMENT & OPEN SPACE AWARD

The Environment & Open Space Award recognizes an individual, group, organization, or business that has worked to preserve or enhance the metro’s natural setting, park system, or open spaces.

Nominees:

Boyd Park
Heartwood Park
Papillion City Park
Polina Gardens

Past Recipients:

2025: Adams Park
2024: Skate Ribbon at Heartland of America Park
2023: Hitchcock Park Expansion
2022: Zero-Emission Electric Bus
2021: Floating Bridge at Standing Bear Lake
2020: Sacred Seed Pop-Up
2019: South Omaha Trail
2015: City of Council Bluffs
2014: City of Omaha

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION AWARD

The Neighborhood Revitalization Award recognizes an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve or enhance a neighborhood within our region.

Nominees:

MLK Square
North Omaha Visitors Center
OurStory Small Houses
Sonny’s
South Omaha Mural Project

Past Recipients:

2025: EDGE District
2024: Dundee Bank Historic Renovations
2023: Hanscom + Georgia Row Affordable Housing
2022: Urban Core Strategic Plan
2021: Blackstone District
2020: Little Bohemia
2019: New North Makerhood
2014: Hanscom Park Neighborhood Association
2013: Bemis for Contemporary Art

URBANIST AWARD

The Urbanist Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to making our metro an even better place to live, work, and play.

Nominees:

Keenya Barnes-Heyward
Kelli Bello
Nicole Ebat
Mark McLaughlin
Matt Schafer

Past Young Urbanist Recipients:

2025: Crystal Sierra
2024: Jake Hoppe
2023: Stephen Osberg
2022: Cesar Garcia
2021: Kene Okigbo
2020: Meridith Dillon
2019: Manne Cook

Small candle in a glass holder placed on a hexagonal gold mirror next to Laurels Awards 2021 programs.