2025 NJ Downtown Conference & Excellence Awards
October 23, 2025 – Join us in Flemington for the 2025 NJ Downtown Conference & Excellence Awards where industry experts will provide insights about downtown management best practices.
NJ DOWNTOWN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Each year Downtown New Jersey recognizes New Jersey’s best downtown projects, programs, and leaders. Winning submissions are considered models worthy of emulation, and are promoted on Downtown New Jersey’s website and are recognized at an awards ceremony.
Now accepting nominations!
The Downtown New Jersey Excellence Awards celebrate the projects, programs, initiatives, and partnerships that are making a meaningful impact in downtowns across the state. This year’s awards will be especially significant, as Downtown New Jersey will recognize both the 2025 and 2026 award recipients during a special ceremony at the 2026 Downtown New Jersey Conference on October 27 in Princeton, NJ.
The Excellence Awards highlight the creativity, collaboration, and commitment that help New Jersey’s downtowns thrive—from transformative redevelopment and placemaking projects to innovative programs, events, business initiatives, and community partnerships.
Nominations are open through September 27. Submit a project and help us recognize the people and ideas shaping the future of New Jersey’s downtowns.
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2023 NJ Downtown Excellence Awards Announced
We’re please to announce the recipients of the 2023 Downtown Excellence Awards. Join us at the NJ Downtown Conference in Red Bank on October 19th to celebrate their achievements.
2022 Downtown Excellence Awards
May 24, 2022 – Downtown New Jersey celebrated those dedicated to making NJ’s downtowns vibrant.
2021 Placemaking Awards Announced
January 21, 2021 – Downtown New Jersey recognized achievement in downtown placemaking at an awards ceremony during the annual NJ Downtown Conference.
2019 Downtown Excellence Awards
October 18, 2019: Downtown New Jersey celebrated initiatives that have made a major or sustained impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey at an awards ceremony during its annual Downtown Conference at the Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield, NJ.
2018 Downtown Excellence Awards
November 2, 2018: Downtown New Jersey (DNJ) celebrated initiatives that have made a major or sustained impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey at an awards ceremony during its annual Downtown Conference at New Jersey City University School of Business on the Jersey City waterfront.
2017 Awards of Excellence Announced
October 12, 2017: Downtown New Jersey celebrated initiatives that have made a major or sustained impact on downtown economic development in New Jersey at an awards ceremony during its annual Downtown Conference at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.