Nominations Closing Soon

Now in its second year, The Urban Developer’s Urban Leader Awards presented by Zagga are back — celebrating the people shaping the future of our cities.

From visionary founders and bold entrepreneurs to government changemakers, creative designers, financiers and passionate advocates — this program is all about recognising the individuals behind the progress.

After a standout launch, the awards have quickly become a national stage for urban leadership. It’s not about buildings or brands — it’s about the people driving them forward. The thinkers, doers and changemakers making a real difference across planning, property and place.

Whether it’s billion-dollar precincts or grassroots movements, housing reform or climate action, these are the people building better cities — and a better future — one decision at a time.

Why enter

It starts with people.
Cities don’t build themselves. They’re imagined, planned, funded and delivered by passionate people – often over years. These awards recognise their hard work, vision and impact.

It’s national recognition.
Finalists and winners are profiled across The Urban Developer’s media network – putting their achievements in front of the industry’s most engaged and influential audience.

It lifts the next generation.
This program shines a light on emerging leaders – giving fresh voices a platform and helping shape the future of the industry.

It’s a chance to pause.
In a world of deadlines and deliverables, it’s rare to take a moment to reflect. A nomination is a meaningful way to acknowledge someone’s contribution and share their story.

It’s gaining momentum.
Last year’s awards hit home. This year, we’re going bigger – with more categories, more stories, and even greater industry support.

If you know someone helping shape the future of our cities – nominate them.

If that someone is you – back yourself.

Entries are now open.

Categories

This award recognises an individual or group of individuals who own or lead a property development company that has achieved industry success and made a positive impact on the community.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals (40 years of age and under) that own or run a property development company that has achieved industry success and made a positive impact on the community.
This award recognises an emerging individual or group of individuals (35 years of age or under) that demonstrate industry leadership across any field in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual woman or group of women that demonstrate industry leadership across any field in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that demonstrate leadership in the community sector.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that demonstrate leadership in government, public sector or civic administration.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the design of projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the planning of projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the engineering of projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the sustainability outcomes for projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the construction of projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the funding of construction and property that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the legal services related to property that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the valuation, research and advisory services related to property that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the transaction of real estate that demonstrates excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that are responsible for the marketing of property and projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
This award recognises an individual or group of individuals that demonstrate leadership through new technology, innovation or business model disruption in the built environment.

Previous winners (2024)

Key dates

Nominations open
Monday 28 July
Early Bird ends
Thursday 21 August
Nominations close
Friday 12 September
Finalists announced
Thursday 18 September

Gala (winners announced)
ILUMINA, Sydney

Thursday 30 October

Ready to nominate?

Enter your details below to download the Entry Guidelines and learn more about the categories, criteria and submission process.

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