Awards and Recognition
Since its adoption in 1996, Landscapes has earned accolades from national, state and local organizations for its originality, approach and effectiveness in bringing growth and preservation together.
2023
Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association—2023 Award for Projects, Programs, and Practices
Recognition of Chester County's Open Space Protection Planning Program which has played an integral role in the countywide preservation of open space, farmland, and natural features.
TMACC Travel Demand Management (TDM) Member Award
Recognition of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, formed between Chester, Berks, and Montgomery Counties to reestablish passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia.
GVFTMA TDM Advocate — Diamond Level
Recognition of Chester County for implementing programs that promote commuting alternatives that improve the environment and quality of life for employees and the community.
2022
TMACC Travel Demand Management (TDM) Member Award
Recognition of Chester County for implementing programs that reduce single occupancy vehicle use and promote sustainability.
GVFTMA TDM Advocate
Recognition of Chester County for implementing programs that reduce single occupancy vehicle use and promote sustainability.
2019
Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association—2019 Award for Plans
Recognition of Landscapes3, Chester County's comprehensive plan that seeks to balance preservation and growth across the county's landscapes.
County Planning Division of APA and the National Association of County Planners — Award of Excellence in the Comprehensive Plan — Large Jurisdiction Category
Recognition of Landscapes3, Chester County's newly adopted comprehensive plan that seeks to balance preservation and growth across the county's landscapes in six goal areas: Preserve, Protect, Appreciate, Live, Prosper, and Connect.
National Association of Counties — Achievement Award in the Planning Category
Recognition of Landscapes3, Chester County's newly adopted comprehensive plan, as an innovative and effective county government program that strengthens services for residents.
GVFTMA — Planning Leadership Award
Recognition of Chester County's continued support of smart transportation investments which was further validated through the adoption of Landscapes3.
2018
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Regional Planning Award
Recognition for assisting with the Route 724 Initiative and completing the Route 724 Opportunity Sites Map.
GVFTMA Sustainability Award — Diamond Level (Highest level awarded)
Recognition of the County's diversity in transportation choices, including the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails, the Ride Guide and the Transportation Improvement inventory system.
2017
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Award for Planning Excellence for Best Practices — Commercial Landscapes
Chester County's Commercial Landscapes series is the recipient of the 2017 American Planning Association — Pennsylvania Chapter for Planning Excellence Award for Best Practices. The planning series highlights the importance of repurposing significant commercial areas in Chester County and realistic strategies, recommendations and best practices. The Planning Commission is honored to be recognized for this contemporary project. View Commercial Landscapes
2016
GVFTMA Sustainability Award — Diamond Level (Highest level awarded)
Recognition of the County's diversity in transportation choices, including the Chester Valley Trail and the shuttle service between West Chester and the Exton train station. Chester County is the first county to receive this distinction.
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Best Outreach Program
Recognition of the effective outreach achieved through the County's Pipeline Information Center that promotes pipeline safety through the sharing of information on proposed projects.
DVSGA Smart Policy = Smart Growth Award
Recognition of the County's commitment to Smart Growth practices by providing funding of municipal planning programs through the County Vision Partnership Program.
Preservation Pennsylvania Chairman's Award
Recognition of the exceptional leadership provided by the County to the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force in its efforts to plan regionally for a complex cultural landscape and provide municipal and public outreach about the importance of the battlefield and preservation opportunities.
2015
GVFTMA Sustainability Award — Silver Level
Recognition of the County's Public Transportation Plan, an element of Landscapes2.
2013
Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVFTMA) Sustainability Award — Bronze Level
Recognition of the County's sustainable transportation planning program.
2010
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Planning Excellence Award
Recognition of the County's public outreach process used in developing Landscapes2, Chester County's Comprehensive Plan.
2008
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Award for Planning Excellence for Best Practices — Trail and Path Planning: A Guide for Municipalities
Recognition of the guide's usefulness in facilitating trail and path planning at the municipal level.
2005
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Outstanding Planning Award for Open Space Planning
Recognition of the County's publication Guide for Municipalities to Protect Open Space.
2004
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Outstanding Planning Award for a Tool
Recognition of the County's assistance to municipalities with the publication of the Cluster Design Guide - A Practical Guide for Effective Cluster Subdivision Design.
2002
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Outstanding Planning Award for a Special Community Service
National Association of County Officials Achievement Award— Brandywine Battlefield Protection Strategies
Recognition at the national level for the effectiveness of strategies identified to save the battlefield.
2001
Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence for Innovative Planning
Recognition of Chester County's commitment to land stewardship and preservation initiatives through Taking Control of Your Land: A Land Stewardship Guidebook for Landowners.
Dallas A. Dollase Excellence in Planning Award
Recognition at the state level of Chester County's innovative planning and sound land use practices.
1999
American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Award — Outstanding Planning Award for a Project/Program/Tool
Recognition at the national professional planning level for Landscapes, the Vision Partnership Program, and the Community Planning Handbook as a national example of excellence in planning.
National Association of County Officials Achievement Award
Recognition at the national level for Chester County's historic preservation program for its effectiveness in protecting and sustaining resources in the county.
1998
National Association of County Officials Achievement Award
Recognition at the national level for Chester County's Landscapes plan for its innovative program which contributes to and enhances county government.
1997
Pennsylvania Chapter APA Outstanding Planning Award for Innovation
Recognition at the state level for Landscapes, the municipal grant program Vision Partnership Program, and the Community Planning Handbook as an example of excellence in planning.