Youngstown CityScape held its annual Beautification Awards tonight, celebrating efforts to clean up the city.

This was the 17th year for the awards and 18 different projects were recognized.

CityScape's executive director says celebrating the accomplishments in the community makes other people want to get involved.

"WHAT I THINK MAKES THIS CONTAGIOUS IS THE PRIDE AND A SENSE OF REALLY CARING ABOUT THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD, THEIR CITY AND ITS IMPACTFUL IN HOW OUR WHOLE CITY LOOKS," said Sharon Letson, executive director of Youngstown cityscape.

This year, awards were given in three categories including Business, Institutional, and Residential.

Letson says CityScape worked with YSU art students this year as well as community groups.

She says simple things like flowers and the facades of buildings can really make a difference.