The APA awards encourage quality and innovativeness in land use planning and increases public awareness of the planning profession through the recognition of outstanding achievements and individuals in the planning field.

On May 17, 2010, the Central Section announced the following awards for 2010:

Land Use Planning Awards

In recognizing outstanding achievement in land use planning and the planning profession, the Central Section of the American Planning Association California Chapter (APACA) has honored four public agencies in the San Joaquin Valley for outstanding planning projects, including an award to a local journalist and recognition for distinguished service to a practicing land use planner.

 

Comprehensive Planning Award – Small Jurisdiction to the City of Porterville Community Development Department and Dyett & Bhatia Urban & Regional Planners for the “Porterville 2030 General Plan”

 

Outstanding Planning Project Award – Best Practices to the City of Firebaugh and Collins & Schoettler Planning Consultants for the “2030 Firebaugh General Plan”

 

Outstanding Planning Award – Innovation in Green Community Planning to the Kern County Planning Department and the Tejon Ranch Company for the “Tejon Mountain Village Specific & Community Plan”

 

Planning Achievement – Academic Award to the City of Delano Community Development Department and the City & Regional Planning Department Community Planning Laboratory at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for the “Delano Strategic Plan”

 

Individual Journalist Award to Russell Clemings with the Fresno Bee for his public service reporting on regional transportation planning activities of the Council of Fresno County Governments.

 

Section Award – Recognition for Distinguished Service to Cindy van Empel, AICP, with the City of Modesto for developing, promoting and maintaining the Valley Futures Forum at the Great Valley Center.