The City of Long Beach has received four awards from the Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association (APA). The annual awards, presented on June 20, 2019, honored various planning projects, plans and programs in the Los Angeles region.
“These award-winning projects represent the City’s innovative development and planning efforts aimed at providing greater opportunity for our diverse community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We’re proud to be recognized among some of the most distinguished planning efforts in Southern California.”
The Long Beach Wetlands Restoration and Oil Operations Consolidation project garnered the Award of Excellence – Environmental Planning, Best Environmental Document. The project consolidates existing oil operations and implements a wetlands habitat restoration effort that would provide new public access opportunities to a portion of the Los Cerritos wetlands.
The “Everyone In” Economic Inclusion Initiative received an Award of Excellence in Economic Planning and Development.
“Everyone In” focuses on creating an economy that includes and benefits every Long Beach resident, prioritizing historically underrepresented communities, according to city officials. The initiative addresses key economic inclusion objectives in the City’s Blueprint for Economic Development.
The City’s Historic District Design Guidelines earned an Award of Excellence in Urban Design. The guidelines assist owners of historic properties by providing an instructive framework for the restoration of historic sites and encourage preservation efforts throughout the City’s 18 historic districts.
Alison Spindler, a member of the Development Services Planning Bureau, was named Outstanding Young Planner of the Year. The title is awarded to an individual who exhibits exemplary leadership and has made a valuable contribution to the advancement of the planning profession, according to city officials. Spindler completed the Long Beach City Manager’s Management Assistant Program in 2016 and serves as an advance planner and budget specialist. She has been involved in several City planning efforts, including the General Plan update and the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
This is the sixth consecutive year that Long Beach has been recognized by the APA for outstanding accomplishments in regional planning.
