2026 Marvin Collins Planning Award

The Planning Department's South Greensboro Plan has been selected to receive a 2026 Marvin Collins Planning Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC).

The plan covers an eight-square-mile area in south Greensboro and was recognized for its innovative approach to engaging residents in shaping the future of a historically underserved community. Through interactive workshops, residents identified priorities for their neighborhoods and helped develop the plan, which City Council unanimously adopted in November 2025.

Building on the Randleman Road Corridor Plan and advancing the goals of GSO2040, Greensboro's comprehensive plan, the South Greensboro Plan provides recommendations to guide future growth and development. It reflects residents' priorities for a safer, more connected community with greater opportunities for prosperity.

"South Greensboro residents helped shape this plan around what matters to their neighborhoods and their future," said City Manager Nathaniel "Trey" Davis. "This award recognizes their contribution and the work we have done together. Our responsibility now is to carry that work forward so residents see progress in their community."

Named in honor of a former Orange County planning director, the Marvin Collins award recognizes projects and programs that address community needs through originality, innovation and transferability. The award was announced this week at the APA-NC North Carolina Annual Planning Conference Awards Luncheon in Cherokee.