Congratulations to NAHRO’s 2026 Community Innovation Award Winners!
October 20, 2026 — On October 14, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) presented 193 Awards of Merit and 17 Awards of Excellence during the Community Innovation Awards reception at NAHRO’s 2026 National Conference and Exhibition in Denver, Colorado.
In a joint statement, NAHRO President Sean Gilbert and NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele said, “At the heart of it, housers are problem solvers. Behind each of these awards is a story of recognition, creativity and determination. Housers nationwide identified specific local challenges or opportunities, brainstormed solutions, then gathered the partners and resources they needed to implement them. We are honored to gather these success stories and celebrate the hardworking housers who created them. Congratulations to this year’s winners — we are proud to shine a light on your achievements!”
A full list of the 193 Awards of Merit- and 17 Awards of Excellence-winning programs is available in the 2026 Community Innovation Awards program on NAHRO’s website.
The 2026 Awards of Excellence winners are:
- UNM Work-Study Partnership
Albuquerque Housing Authority, NM - Cypress at Ardendale – Phase I
Housing Authority of East Baton Rouge Parish, LA - The Family Learning Centers Letters to Veterans
Housing Authority of the City of Harlingen, TX - Pearl Park, Jordan Downs Redevelopment
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, CA - Century Gateway Park, Jordan Downs Redevelopment
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, CA - Mobile Pet Wellness Clinic
Ventura Housing, CA - No Quiche, No Police!
Jamestown Housing Authority, RI - ‘From Eyesore to Eye Candy’ – Park Apartments Development
Lucas Metropolitan Housing, OH - Belmar Groves Rehabilitation
Metro West Housing Solutions, CO - New Jersey Housing Opportunities for Municipal Equity and Success (NJHOMES)
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, NJ - NOURISH (Nutrition Opportunity for Unity, Resources, Interaction & Senior Health) Program
Oakland Housing Authority, CA - SHIELD (Safe Housing Initiative for Emergency Life-Safety)
Opportunity Home, TX - Legacy Central: From Vacant Landmark to Vibrant Community Asset
Scott County Community Development Agency, MN - Washington County (MN) Emergency Housing Services Building
Washington County Community Development Agency, MN - YHC Youth Tech Center
Ypsilanti Housing Commission, MI - 36N – Transformation Is Here
Housing Authority of the City of Tulsa, OK
About the Community Innovation Awards Program
The NAHRO Community Innovation Awards Program (previously the NAHRO Award of Merit Program) gives national recognition to the achievement and innovation of NAHRO members; to provide additional opportunities to inform the public of best practices in housing and community development; and to create a resource bank of information on significant, innovative activities performed by housing and redevelopment agencies and community development departments. Since 1989, NAHRO has honored more than 6,000 programs.
The Awards of Merit applications are reviewed, evaluated and winners selected by regional juries. The Awards of Excellence are awarded to the best entries in each category from among the Award of Merit winners.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, which was established in 1933, is a membership organization of more than 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals throughout the United States. NAHRO members create and manage affordable housing for low- and middle-income families, and support vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for all. NAHRO members administer more than 3 million homes for more than 8 million people.