The Metropolitan Planning Commission is now accepting nominations for their annual Excellence Awards program. This awards program, now in its 27th year, recognizes developers, designers and neighborhood activists who have made our community a better place in which to live.

This year, a new category has been added to recognize local developments for Environmental Conservation Achievement. This award may be given to an exemplary project that protects or enhances natural settings. Projects in this category will be evaluated for their conservation of environmental resources, reduction of sprawl and landscape restoration.

Other categories recognize Neighborhood/Civic Associations and Development Achievement including residential, commercial/industrial/office, historic restoration, renovation, and special use. More than one award may be presented in each category.

Nominations for the 2008 Excellence Awards will be accepted through Thursday, May 1. Nomination forms are available by calling MPC or online.

To be considered, the project or plan must be located in Knox County (excluding the Town of Farragut), and must have been completed after 2004. The project must be fully completed to be considered. Winners will be chosen by the Planning Commission and honored at a banquet in August.