East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan Receives APA Florida Award of Excellence
Gainesville, Fl— 6/26/2026 — The East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan has been selected to receive the 2026 Award of Excellence in the Neighborhood Planning category by the American Planning Association Florida Chapter (APA Florida), recognizing the project’s outstanding vision, community engagement, and commitment to creating a stronger, more vibrant future for the East University Avenue corridor.
The prestigious honor was announced by the APA Florida Executive Committee and the 2026 Awards Committee following a thorough review of nominations from across the state. The committee determined that the East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan exemplifies excellence in neighborhood planning and is deserving of this distinguished recognition.
“We are honored to receive this Award of Excellence from APA Florida,” said Pamela Davis, CEO- Gainesville Housing Authority. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our residents, community partners, local leaders, planning professionals, and stakeholders who worked collaboratively to develop a shared vision for the future of the East University Avenue community. Together, we have created a roadmap that promotes equitable growth, revitalization, housing opportunities, economic development, and enhanced quality of life.”
The project will be formally recognized during the 2026 Florida Planning Conference, held October 13–16, 2026, at the InterContinental Miami. The Awards Ceremony will take place during the Opening Plenary Session on Wednesday, October 14, at 8:30 a.m., where the East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan will be honored as a 2026 APA Florida Project Award winner.
The Choice Neighborhood Plan was developed through an extensive community-driven planning process designed to address neighborhood revitalization while preserving the area’s unique character and creating opportunities for current and future residents. The plan serves as a strategic framework for investment, redevelopment, transportation improvements, public spaces, and neighborhood resilience.
This statewide recognition underscores the importance of collaborative planning and highlights the East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan as a model for equitable, community-focused neighborhood revitalization.
For more information about the East University Avenue Choice Neighborhood Plan, please contact:
Malcolm Kiner
COO
Gainesville Housing Authority
352-727-2039