City of Martinez Recognized with 2026 Planning Agency Award of Excellence

Martinez, CA - The City of Martinez is proud to announce that the American Planning Association, California Chapter, Northern Section (“Northern Section”), has selected the City’s Planning Division to receive the 2026 Planning Agency Award of Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding achievement in public sector planning and affirms Martinez’s commitment to innovative, community-driven planning practices.

The Northern Section emphasized the significance of Martinez’s achievement, with Director Elizabeth Tyler, FAICP, offering insight into the key factors that led to the selection of the City’s Planning Division.

“What makes Martinez especially deserving of this recognition is not only the quality of its planning work, but the remarkable volume of change the City has successfully managed as a smaller community,” shared Tyler. “From housing policy and waterfront revitalization to economic development and long-range planning initiatives, Martinez has demonstrated how a small city can lead with innovation, adaptability, and become a model for other communities across California looking to thoughtfully navigate change while maintaining their unique character.”

"I am incredibly proud of our Planning Division for earning this distinguished recognition,” Mayor Brianne Zorn said. “This award reflects the professionalism and dedication of our planning team. They are deeply committed to meeting the housing and economic development needs of our community while maintaining our City's character." 

The Award will be formally presented as part of the Northern Section Awards Gala in September 2026. With this regional win, Martinez is now automatically advanced for consideration at the statewide level.