The Frank F. Ferris Award for Planning Excellence
The 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.