The annual Create the Future Awards, hosted by the Downtown San Diego Partnership, showcased a glimpse of a bright future for Downtown San Diego. The awards ceremony recognized eleven of Downtown’s doers, helpers, and innovators who are leading the way in shaping the future of the city.
The awards program, presented by SDG&E, also had new awards introduced to honor those individuals who exemplified the Downtown Partnership’s mission of advancing an economically prosperous and culturally vibrant urban center. Along with the awards ceremony, attendees also received a sneak preview of key highlights from the Downtown Partnership’s 2021 Demographic Study, which will be available in April.
The recipients of the awards were chosen by the Downtown San Diego Partnership for their innovative ideas and actions that have paved the way for a brighter future in Downtown San Diego. Awards were given out in various categories sponsored by leading corporations. These categories included:
Government Elected Official of the Year Award presented to Nathan Fletcher, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair, for his continued efforts to lead the region’s COVID-19 response and innovative solutions for the unsheltered population.
Government Partner of the Year Award, presented to Christina Bibler, Director of Economic Development for the City of San Diego, for her support in advancing an economically prosperous and culturally vibrant Downtown.
Small Business of the Year Award, presented to Old Gallery Coffee House & Swami’s Café Downtown for their exceptional resilience in not only surviving pandemic-related challenges but also expanding their business due to the loyal support of the Downtown community.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, presented to David's Harp Foundation for their inspiring work to educate and empower homeless youth to achieve academic success through the arts.
Grow Urban Award, presented to Kilroy Realty Corporation’s 2100 Kettner for setting a new standard for sustainable real estate development for the region at large.
Cultural Vitality Award, presented to San Diego Symphony’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for elevating San Diego’s vibrant cultural and arts scene with a state-of-the-art concert venue that also doubles as a public center for the entire city.
Economic Prosperity Award, presented to the Port of San Diego, Protea Properties, and SLP Urban Planning for the Seaport Village Revitalization effort and its success in transforming Seaport Village into an attractive destination incorporating human-centered design improvements and engaging programming to secure visitor satisfaction and a 95% occupancy rate.
Vic Kops Humanitarian Award, presented to the San Diego Convention Center for their work creating a blueprint and serving as a national model as an emergency shelter for unaccompanied migrant children.
Jim Dawe Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to Joe Ciavarella and the Friends of Tweet Street Park for their collective efforts to restore and beautify their local linear park.
Create the Future Award, presented to Park and Market Mixed-Use Development for its creative mix of public and private space to meet the region’s critical needs while also paving the way for the future of innovation.
Founders Award, presented to Dr. Mary L. Walshok, PhD, for her career-spanning leadership to further the region’s economic growth.
For more information about each awardee, sponsors and more, visit the Create the Future Awards program. To know more about the Downtown San Diego Partnership, which also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Clean & Safe program that provide essential public services in the 275 blocks of Downtown, visit downtownsandiego.org.
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