This annual award, initiated in 2003 (based on articles published in 2002), gives recognition to a paper published in the Journal of Urban Affairs that is considered particularly outstanding as a scholarly contribution to the field of urban affairs.

Each spring the award is determined by a committee appointed by the Chair of the UAA Governing Board. All papers published in the most recent complete volume of the journal are automatically eligible for consideration. The committee chair reports the decision to the UAA Executive Director and the Chair of the Governing Board. The recipient is notified by the UAA Executive Office.

The recipient(s) of the award are given a complimentary conference registration and a plaque presented during the UAA spring conference.