The city of Kenmore has won a 2019 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) for its downtown creation project.

According to a press release, the awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“The Kenmore Downtown Creation Project is a successful strategic process to create a viable city center,” Josh Brown, executive director of PSRC, said in the release. “They drew significant private investment, created desirable housing, developed important community space and attracted destination businesses.”

The award was presented at Kenmore City Council on Sept. 9, after the Reporter’s print deadline.

The city purchased nearly 10 acres of downtown property and worked to create a village consistent with the city’s visioning process and comprehensive planning, the release states. Through public and private partnerships, the site features mixed-rate affordable housing, medical and dental facilities, a town square, commercial buildings, restaurants and park space. Kenmore’s downtown is now home to Kenmore Cameras, the Seaplane Kitchen and Bar, the Flyway and the Hangar community building.

VISION 2040 is the region’s growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the five million people expected to be living in the region in 2040, according to the release. It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region — promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality and a healthy environment.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The council is composed of more than 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region.