The Frank F. Ferris Award for Planning Excellence

Frank F Ferris Award LogoThe Frank F. Ferris II Planning Award was created by the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission in 1995 to recognize and honor the lifelong dedication of Mr. Frank F. Ferris II to municipal, county, and regional planning activities. It is awarded annually to a local planning commission or planning committee whose efforts have contributed to the elevation of planning principles, greater awareness of the value of planning, and improved quality of life.

Frank F. Ferris II was a prominent lawyer and the City of Blue Ash's first mayor. Mr. Ferris' vision and dedication to community planning helped make Blue Ash one of Hamilton County's premier communities. He served as mayor from 1955-1957 and then from 1960-1965. He also served on the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission from 1956-1986.

Process
Every year in late winter in anticipation of the Planning Partnership's Annual Meeting, a call for nominations is made for Ferris awards. There are two categories of nominees - Development of a Plan and Implementation of a Plan. Nominees are evaluated on categories that include: Role of Local Planning Commissions or Committees, Effectiveness/Results, Public Participation, and Collaboration. Plans should have been completed within the last 12 months, be for an area in Hamilton County, and be related to the public sector.

Melvin D. Martin Award
In 2017 the Regional Planning Commission created a new category of award that was incorporated into the Ferris Award process. The Melvin D. Martin Award for Individuals was established to recognize significant, long term commitment of an individual to the field of planning in Hamilton County.

Past Winners Include:

  • 2019 - 2 Winners- City of Madeira (first ever citywide Comprehensive Plan) and Charles "Charlie" Fehr (Melvin D. Martin Leadership in Planning)
  • 2018 - Great Parks of Hamilton County (Comprehensive Master Plan)
  • 2017 - 2 Winners- Village of Silverton (Arts in Public Spaces Master Plan) and Robert "Bob" Polewski (Melvin D. Martin Stewart Leadership in Planning)
  • 2016 - 2 Winners- City of Montgomery (Gateway Redevelopment Area Master Plan) and Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation (Walnut Hills Reinvestment Plan)
  • 2015 - 2 Winners - Delhi Township (Plan the Pike) and City of Cincinnati (New Police District 3 Headquarters)
  • 2014 - 2 Winners - City of Deer Park (2035 Vision Plan) and Village of Evendale (Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan)
  • 2013 - Anderson Township (Downtown Anderson Plan)
  • 2012 - Plan Cincinnati - City of Cincinnati Planning Commission
  • 2011 - Village of Lincoln Heights & Model Group - Valley Homes Redevelopment
  • 2010 - Village of Greenhills (Comprehensive Plan Process and Citizen Participation)
  • 2009 - 2 Winners - Springdale (Tri-County Retail District Plan for Revitalization) and Price Hill Will (Glenway Market Study and Redevelopment Plan)
  • 2008 - Climate Protection Steering Committee (Green Cincinnati Plan)
  • 2007 - The North College Hill Planning Commission's Comprehensive Plan
  • 2006 - City of Montgomery, The Montgomery Road Corridor Design Guidelines
  • 2005 - Anderson Township Transportation Advisory Committee for Anderson Trails
  • 2004 - Springfield Township (The Winton Road Streetscape and Zoning Overlay Plan)
  • 2003 - Cincinnati Tomorrow (the Creative City Plan) and Greenhills Village Council (Dewitt Street Housing Redevelopment Project)
  • 2002 - Carthage Civic League (The Mills of Carthage)
  • 2001 - City of Madeira (Miami Avenue Street Beautification Plan)
  • 2000 - Riverfront Advisors (The Banks)
  • 1999 - Anderson Township (Anderson Trails Master Plan)
  • 1998 - Columbia Township (Wooster Corridor Land Use Plan)
  • 1997 - City of Forest Park (Kemper Meadows Business Plan)
  • 1996 - Sycamore Township (Comprehensive Planning Program)
  • 1995 - City of Blue Ash (Downtown Development)

For further information contact: 
Steve Johns   - Assistant Director 
(513) 946-4455