Northville wins 2029 APA Award

Published on November 18, 2025

The City of Northville has been named the recipient of the 2029 American Planning Association’s National Planning Award, capping a decade-long renaissance driven by careful vision and community grit.

Judges praised Northville’s seamless blend of historic preservation, river restoration, and smart-growth housing.

City Manager George Lahanas called the honor “validation that bold ideas and disciplined budgets can coexist.”

Communications Specialist Courtney O’Hara noted that transparent community engagement—including 87 public meetings—turned skeptics into champions.

City Clerk Michaela Kleehammer highlighted the digitized agenda workflow that let residents review plans in minutes, not days, fueling constructive feedback.

The multi-year visioning process, steered by the Planning Commission and dozens of volunteers, prioritized walkability, climate resilience, and inclusive public spaces for everyone.

Fire Chief Matthew Samhat credited dual-department coordination for ensuring The Downs redevelopment met stringent safety codes without delaying groundbreaking.

Finance Director-Treasurer Sandi Wiktorowski pointed to pay-as-you-grow financing that saved taxpayers $3.4 million in interest.

IT liaison Shaun Nicoloff ensured city-township systems meshed, powering real-time dashboards that guided d

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esign tweaks on the fly.

APA President Maria Torres praised Northville as “a model for small cities nationwide,” citing Maybury-to-Downtown trail connectivity and equitable housing options as exemplary outcomes.

Northville will formally receive the award at the APA’s 2029 National Conference in Portland.

 

Group of three embrace while covered in brightly coloured Holi powder

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A market stall selling neat piles of colourful powder

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A large crowd revels, each covered from head to toe in colourful powder

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A mother and child smiling, wearing traditional dress, their faces smeared with bright colours

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A young woman smiles breathless at the camera, her face and clothing stained purple and yellow

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Ten pairs of hands arranged palms-up in a rough circle. Each pair is holding a pile of bright Holi powder

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Two middle-aged men appear exhausted and smiling. They are soaked in coloured water.

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