Nominations are officially open for the 2024 Urban Design Awards in Charlotte, and this time, the ethos is all about spotlighting unique and visionary urban design. The Charlotte Urban Design Awards, or "Urbies" as they're affectionately known, are seeking to elevate the conversation around city aesthetics and community spaces. Initiated by the Urban Design Center, they've put out an all-call to Charlotte's population over the next fortnight to select their favorites for the People’s Choice Award for Great Urban Design, according to the announcement from the City of Charlotte.

Last year's community-led category went to The Line, a canvas to publicly affirm what Charlotte residents potentially yearn to institutionally proclaim about their urban environment's growing tapestry. In contrast, this year's People's Choice Award aims to mirror, yet again, the community's pulse. Professionals in the urban design field will also deliberate on other categories such as Great New Development Near Transit and Great Suburban Design. A comprehensive list of categories can be found on the official Urban Design Awards announcement.

Those interested in participating can make their nominations through the People Make Cities blog. The city is hoping for a robust turn of nominations until the deadline on September 13. Following the close of the nomination period, a jury comprised of 10 urban design experts will set to work to sift through and adjudicate the entries before winners are heralded on November 7 at the Urban Design Awards ceremony.

Residents have a limited time to nominate the designers and planners who are transforming their city. For more information on how to participate and the award schedule, visit the People Make Cities blog, dedicated to engaging the community in urban development.