Nominations Now Open for The Urban Leader Awards 2025

From developers and designers to planners, engineers and marketers—The Urban Leader Awards celebrate the people behind the progress.

Now in its second year, The Urban Leader Awards, presented by The Urban Developer and proudly delivered in partnership with Zagga, returns in 2025 to recognise the individuals shaping the future of our cities.

Launched to shine a light on the movers, makers and cityshapers driving our industry forward, the awards provide a national platform for urban leadership—from billion-dollar precincts to grassroots movements, housing reform to climate action. This program is not about buildings or brands, but about the visionaries making them happen.

Learn more

More than just projects—it’s about people

Cities don’t build themselves. Behind every great place is a story of ambition, collaboration and persistence. These awards honour the individuals whose vision, skill and leadership are making a lasting impact across planning, property and place.

Why enter?

• National recognition—Finalists and winners are profiled across The Urban Developer’s media network, reaching the industry’s most engaged and influential audience.

• Spotlight on emerging leaders—The awards elevate fresh voices and new perspectives, shaping the industry’s future.

• A moment to reflect—In an industry defined by deadlines, nominating is an opportunity to pause and acknowledge exceptional contributions.

• Growing momentum—After a standout launch last year, the program returns with more categories, more stories and even greater industry support.
  
  

Categories include

• Developer of the Year

• Young Developer of the Year (40 and under)

• Future Leader (35 and under)

• Women’s Leadership

• Community Leadership

• Government Leadership

• Architecture and Design

• Planning

• Engineering

• Sustainability

• Construction

• Finance

• Legal

• Valuation and Advisory

• Real Estate

• Marketing

• Proptech

From visionary founders to government innovators, creative designers to passionate advocates—the awards are open to anyone helping to shape the places we live, work and play.

Key dates

• Nominations open—Monday 28 July

• Early Bird ends—Thursday 21 August

• Nominations close—Friday 12 September

• Finalists announced—Thursday 18 September

• Winners announced—Wednesday 30 October at Ilumina, Sydney

Entries are now open

Download the entry guidelines to learn more about the categories, criteria and submission process. Nominate Now >>