Noted Seattle Regional Planner Selected For Top Honor

From the American Planning Association

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) inducted regional planner Rocky Piro, Ph.D., FAICP, of Shoreline into the elite membership of AICP’s College of Fellows at a black-tie ceremony Saturday, April 10, held in conjunction with the American Planning Association’s (APA) 2010 National Planning Conference in New Orleans.

“The AICP College of Fellows recognizes individuals who've made exceptional contributions to the planning profession,” said AICP President Paul Inghram, AICP. “The Fellows have devoted their careers to excellence in planning and they set the highest standards for professional planners today,” he added.

Election to the Fellowship may be granted to planners who have been longtime members of AICP and have demonstrated excellence whether in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research or community service and leadership. Altogether 37 planners from 22 states were inducted into the AICP College of Fellows at the ceremony, which was held at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.

All planners who have been certified by AICP use the letters “AICP” after their name. Fellows, however, are designated with the letters “FAICP.” Currently, more than 15,000 practicing urban and rural planners in North America and elsewhere have AICP certification. Of those, approximately 425 have been named Fellows.

Piro, who’s been responsible for some of the nation’s most groundbreaking regional planning policies, is recognized by the AICP Fellows College for nearly two decades of outstanding accomplishments in professional practice. Currently manager in the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Growth Management Program, he oversees the Council’s unique and highly successful plan review program that integrates regional planning with local planning by 86 local jurisdictions.

He also has shown outstanding leadership abilities as chair of the City of Shoreline Planning Commission from 2006 to 2008.

As first vice president of the APA Regional and Intergovernmental Planning Division he’s taken the lead to broaden the division’s programs and outreach efforts.

AICP is the professional institute of APA. For more than 80 years, AICP has promoted professional excellence in the field of planning by setting high standards for competence, education, experience and ethical conduct, and by articulating the future of the planning profession.

The 2010 National Planning Conference was held April 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. For more information about the AICP College of Fellows visit here and for more information about the 2010 National Planning Conference visit here.

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning -- physical, economic and social -- so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit Planning website.