New Call for Urban Projects & Initiatives: The Bay International Visioning Awards 2027

Cities around the world are facing unprecedented challenges — from climate change and housing pressures to economic transformation and social cohesion. Innovative ideas and bold urban projects are more important than ever.

That’s why the 2027 International Edition of the Bay International Visioning Awards is now open until May 29!

What are The Bay Urban Visioning Awards?

The Bay Urban Visioning Awards are organized by Bilbao Metropoli30 (www.bm30.eus), a unique public–private partnership that for more than 30 years has brought together over 140 public institutions, companies and social organizations working together to shape the future of the Bilbao metropolis.

Through these awards, Bilbao Metropoli30 recognizes urban projects, initiatives and long-term transformation processes that generate meaningful impact and help rethink the future of cities and metropolitan regions.

The Bay Awards highlight solutions that combine innovation, collaboration and strategic vision, with the capacity to inspire other territories through transferability, shared learning and long-term value creation.

Each edition reflects the key challenges cities face today. The 2027 edition is structured through six award categories that capture different dimensions of urban transformation.

Six Categories Reflecting Today’s Urban Challenges:

• Horizon Shaper Award: Recognizes initiatives that have developed and implemented a long-term strategic vision for the future of a city or region, successfully building cross-party and multi-sector coalitions with tangible results.

• Partners in Progress Award: Celebrates projects that demonstrate outstanding cooperation between public, private and civic actors, fostering participation, empowerment, and stronger metropolitan communities.

• Prosperity Catalyst Award: Honors initiatives that generate inclusive economic growth and social development, creating opportunities and prosperity for local communities.

• SDG Champions Award: Recognizes projects that effectively implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda at the local level, delivering measurable impact.

• Metropolitan Connection Award: Highlights initiatives that improve connectivity—transport, infrastructure, and digital networks—across cities and metropolitan areas, unlocking new opportunities for shared development.

• Urban Pioneers Award: Celebrates holistic and long-term urban transformation strategies that set new global benchmarks for innovation and forward-looking urban planning.

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Do you have a bold project shaping the future of cities and metropolises?

If your initiative is driving urban transformation, innovation, and collaboration, we encourage you to submit your candidature before May 29, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: The Bay Awards