Summit County wins major planning awards at APA conference

Summit County Council members celebrated significant achievements during their recent meeting on March 20, 2024, highlighting awards received for outstanding planning initiatives. The council announced that the county's planning department garnered two prestigious awards from the American Planning Association (APA) for 2024. The first was the Vernon Dines Comprehensive Plan Special Project Award for the Rail Trail Corridor Plan, and the second was the John Keller Planning Initiative Merit Award for the Summit County Visioning Program.

Council members expressed their pride in these accomplishments, likening them to winning "the Oscars of planning," especially given the competition from larger cities like Denver and San Diego. The excitement was palpable as council members acknowledged the hard work of the planning staff, with one member emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions.

In addition to the planning awards, Jessica Kirby, a member of the council, was recognized for receiving two awards from Trout Unlimited, further underscoring the county's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Looking ahead, the council also reminded members of a special meeting scheduled for the following day to potentially appoint a representative for the Multi-County Assessment Trust (MCAT), indicating ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration and resource management within the region.

As the meeting concluded, the council opened the floor for public input, inviting community members to share their thoughts and concerns, reinforcing the council's commitment to transparency and public engagement in local governance.