New York City has won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize this year for its urban rejuvenation since the devastating Sept 11 terrorist attacks more than a decade ago.

Vancouver was one of 6 finalists selected for special mention from 62 submissions from 27 countries. Vancouver was lauded by the jury for “resisting two North American urban trends, the introduction of freeways to the city centre and the loss of residents to the suburbs.” The City was also recognized as an “exemplary demonstration of strong visioning, community values and long term planning.”

The other finalists were:
– Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
– AHT Group Ag & Sun Development, Khayelitsha, Cape town, South Africa
– Brisbane City Council = Urban Renewal Brisbane (URB), Brisbane, Australia
– City of Copenhagen (and Lord Mayor), Copenhagen, Denmark
– City of Malmo, Sweden

The 6 finalists will be featured in a publication later in the year.

The award will be given to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Departments of Transportation, City Planning and Parks and Recreation in July, during the World Cities Summit 2012 in Singapore.

More on the prize