The APA California Awards Program recognizes and celebrates outstanding planners, projects, and planning efforts throughout the state. We are proud to announce this year’s winners based in the Los Angeles area:

• The Long Beach Everyone in Economic Inclusion Initiative received the award of excellence in Economic Planning and Development, which honors efforts to transform economies and stimulate economic development in communities of all sizes. The initiative focuses on creating a local economy that includes and benefits all Long Beach residents. This initiative was also honored this year by the APA Los Angeles Chapter in the same category. 
• The Neighborhood Mobility Plan for the Communities of Thermal and Oasis received the award of excellence in Transportation Planning, which honors efforts to increase transportation choices for all populations, reducing dependence on private automobiles and helping to ease congestion and reducing climate change impacts. The plan represents a clear example of successful and feasible community-led transportation planning that combats inequity in an under-resourced and under-connected region.
• David Mieger, Executive Officer, Mobility Corridors at Metro was selected as this year’s Planner Emeritis (PEN) Award Winner. The PEN Honor Awards are presented to persons for their outstanding contribution to the planning profession or for a significant accomplishment which enhanced the recognition of planning. In his 35 year career, David has had a tremendous influence on the direction and progress of the Metro transit program. David was also honored by the APA Los Angeles Chapter as this year’s Planning Pioneer.
• El Pueblo de Los Angeles was selected for Great Places in California, which is awarded to a place that exemplifies character, quality, and excellent planning. A Great Place may be found anywhere from a large city to a small rural community. It may encompass a vibrant downtown, a suburban gathering place, a historic small town, a public park, or a preserved open space. Bust most importantly, it must be a place where people want to be. 
• This year’s Landmark Award from the Historians was awarded to the City of Los Angeles for the “Concepts of Los Angeles”.

Please join us in congratulating the winners at this year’s APA California Conference Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in the San Rafael Room.