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Nominations open for 2026 Colorado Downtown Excellence Awards
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 21, 2025//
COLORADO — Nominations are now open for the 2026 Colorado Downtown Excellence Awards, which honor projects and people advancing downtown initiatives across the state.
In Brief:
- Nominations open for the 2026 Colorado Downtown Excellence Awards
- Awards recognize projects, partnerships, and community leadership
- Winners will be featured during the IN THE GAME event in Grand Junction
- Submissions due Dec. 5, 2025, with projects completed by March 2026
Presented by Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI), the awards recognize creativity in overcoming challenges, innovative partnerships, and dedication to community development. Categories include Partnership, Place, Plans, Projects, Pop Up/Party (Event), and Person — Downtowner of the Year.
Award winners will be featured in video profiles highlighting their contributions to revitalizing Colorado’s downtowns and commercial districts. The program, which began in 2003, continues to evolve with categories that reflect current issues such as disruptive events, workforce housing strategies, and emerging leadership.
The Downtown Excellence Awards are a centerpiece of DCI’s annual IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event, set for April 1-3, 2026, in Grand Junction. The awards ceremony will take place April 2.
Projects nominated must be completed between Aug. 1, 2023, and March 30, 2026. Submissions are due by Dec. 5, 2025, and must include a DCI member as part of the project team. A $100 submission fee applies.
More information on award categories, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria is available at downtowncoloradoinc.org/governorsawards. Nominations may be submitted at bit.ly/NominateDTExcellence.
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