Nominations are now being accepted for Austin’s Pillars of the City community recognition project. A nine-member committee appointed by Mayor Tom Stiehm  will consider nominations and recognize individuals, past and present, who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life in Austin related to growth, economic impact, health, education, culture, recreation, communications, business or scientific innovations. Plaques of the chosen individuals will be displayed on the flood wall pillars along North Main Street. The committee will choose up to three individuals to be announced at an unveiling during the 4th of July festival in 2018.

Past honorees include George A. Hormel, Jay C. Hormel, Richard Knowlton, Dr. Richard Schindler, Jon Erichson, Gary Ray, Ira J. Holton and Esther Mitchell Morse. Full biographies can be found on the city’s website.

Nomination forms are available at City Hall, the city’s website www.ci.austin.mn.us, the city’s Facebook page, the Austin Public Library and the Austin ArtWorks Center. The deadline to submit nominations is Dec. 31 to City Hall.

If you have questions please contact Austin City Hall at 437-9943 or Pillars Chairman Steve Kime.