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Urban Land Institute Northwest this month is holding a that asks entrants to answer: What makes a successful urban neighborhood?

Portland-area design professionals will serve as judges for the contest, which is being held in conjunction with the organization’s sixth annual Young Leaders Group Cascadia Regional Conference. Contest winners will be announced at the , July 18-19 at the University of Oregon‘s Portland center, 70 N.W. Couch St.

The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers, and the deadline for submission is Monday. Cash prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third.

The contest stems from the Urban Land Institute’s efforts to promote responsible land use through creation and sustainment of thriving communities, said Sarah DeVita-McBride, manager for Oregon and Southwest Washington. The organization – members include developers, contractors, architects, engineers and real estate brokers – has already received a lot of great entries from places as far away as India, she said.

“It’s pushed us to think outside the box because the submissions are sort of different,” she said.

The contest ties in well with the conference, DeVita-McBride said. Planned activities include project and neighborhood tours of development sites that integrate jobs, housing and transit. The contest judges also will share why they chose the winners.

“I think it will spur conversations about what does urban environment mean?” DeVita-McBride said. “It’s to spark that conversation really that will happen after the conference.”