Nominations sought for community awards

The Community Development Citizen Advisory Commission (CDCAC) Partnership Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to advancing community development, housing stability and quality of life for Oak Park residents. The awards celebrate the partnerships and leadership that strengthen Oak Park and improve outcomes particularly for low- and moderate-income households. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.

Award Categories

• Leadership Award: Recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing community development initiatives. Nominees should have shown vision, innovation, collaboration or advocacy that has resulted in meaningful improvements for Oak Park residents and neighborhoods.
• Community Partnership Award: Recognizes an individual or organization that has fostered strong partnerships and collaborative efforts to address community needs. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to bringing together stakeholders, resources and services to support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization or other community development goals.

Submit a nomination

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Awards celebrate the individuals, organizations, businesses and community groups that help make Oak Park a more welcoming, inclusive and connected community. Through cultural enrichment, accessibility, inclusion and community-building efforts, these awards recognize contributions that foster understanding, expand participation and strengthen a sense of belonging for all residents. The deadline to submit a nomination is Oct. 31.

Award Categories

• Diversity and Cultural Enrichment Award - This award recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, businesses or groups that help foster understanding, appreciation and celebration of the diverse cultures, identities and experiences that enrich the Oak Park community. This award honors efforts that promote cultural awareness, encourage cross-cultural connections and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive community.
• Accessibility and Inclusion Award - This award recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, businesses or groups that work to remove barriers and expand opportunities for participation in community life. This award honors efforts that improve accessibility, increase inclusion and help ensure all residents can fully enjoy, engage in and contribute to the Oak Park community.
• Belonging and Community Connection Award - This award recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations, businesses or groups that foster meaningful connections among residents and help create a community where people feel valued, respected and included. This award honors efforts that strengthen relationships, build understanding and create welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can participate and thrive.
  

  Click here for nomination requirements and online forms

Do you know a neighbor who’s transformed their parkway into a pollinator paradise? Or a local business that’s mastered the art of zero-waste? Now is the time to give them the spotlight they deserve. The Village’s Green Awards celebrate the individuals, businesses and organizations that demonstrate leadership in advancing climate action and resilience in alignment with Oak Park's community sustainability plan, Climate Ready Oak Park. 

Award Categories

• Native Gardens in the Neighborhood Award: In partnership with West Cook Wild Ones, this award will recognize homeowners increasing biodiversity in the Village by planting native gardens in their front yard or parkway. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 15.
• Green Home Award: In partnership with the Oak Park Climate Action Network, this award will recognize homeowners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability through improvements to their home in the form of energy efficiency, electrification or renewable energy. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.
• Climate Ready Award: This award recognizes community members, organizations, local businesses and collaborative projects and initiatives that demonstrate leadership in advancing equity-centered climate action, climate resilience and sustainability in alignment with Oak Park’s community climate and sustainability plan, Climate Ready Oak Park. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.

Click here for more information and online nomination forms

Nomination categories for Historic Preservation Awards include restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, additions/new construction and stewardship. Nominations need not be in a historic district, and interior work may be considered in conjunction with exterior work. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 9.

Submit a nomination

These awards celebrate the people and places that make Oak Park a stronger, more welcoming and more vibrant community. Through neighborhood leadership, volunteer service and property stewardship, the awards recognize contributions that enhance quality of life and inspire community pride. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.

Award Categories

• Cavalcade of Pride Awards - The Cavalcade of Pride Award celebrates properties that enhance the beauty, character and vibrancy of Oak Park. From thoughtfully maintained homes and attractive apartment buildings to welcoming storefronts and commercial spaces, these properties contribute to the sense of pride that residents and visitors experience throughout the community.
• Neighborhood Champion Award - This award recognizes and celebrates residents who go above and beyond to strengthen their neighborhoods and foster a sense of community. This award highlights individuals whose leadership, kindness, and dedication help make Oak Park's neighborhoods more connected, welcoming, and vibrant.
• Distinguished Volunteer Service Award - This award recognizes and celebrates individuals who generously dedicate their time and talents in service to Oak Park. This award honors volunteers whose commitment, leadership and contributions have strengthened local organizations, community initiatives, neighborhood efforts, or Village programs that benefit residents.
• Rising Star Award - This award recognizes and celebrates young people who exemplify leadership, service and community involvement. This award honors youth whose dedication and achievements demonstrate the potential to shape the future of Oak Park through continued growth, engagement and leadership.

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The Oak Park Public Health Department honors individuals whose work has advanced public health in Oak Park through leadership, community engagement or health equity through the Dr. William Fitzsimmons Public Health Award. The David Haennicke Award honors those who work to reduce stigma, prevent overdose, support recovery and promote education around substance use disorders. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.

Click here for more information and online nomination forms