Join Planning Peeps in recognizing the Top Urban Planners Under 40! Anyone can nominate leaders in the urban planning profession (public or private). Applications for the Class of 2020 will be accepted until June 1st, 2020! We will announce the winners by July 1st, 2020.
Nominees must be under 40 years of age as of December 31, 2020. Winners will be showcased if they accept the recognition and have consented to the use of their likeness.
Nominees must be under 40 years of age as of December 31, 2020. Winners will be showcased if they accept the recognition and have consented to the use of their likeness.
Class of 2019
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Ana Española
Planner City of Pasadena, California Ana is leading the coordination, development and branding of Pasadena's Climate Action Plan (CAP). She is also completing two specific plans while encouraging renters in low income areas to voice their opinion and thoughts on their future built environment through graphics and focus groups. 
Zaheer Allam, Ph.D
Urban Strategist The Port Louis Development Initiative Decorated by the president of Mauritius for services rendered to Urbanism, ranked among the most influential urbanists of all times, holder of numerous other awards, Zaheer Allam is the African Representative of the International Society of Biourbanism, and Urban Planner based in Mauritius. He works extensively in Africa and is experienced in Urban Policy. 
David Boston, AICP
Senior Planner / GIS Analyst City of Ocala, Florida David is regarded by his peers as one of the smartest, most committed, hardest working planners they have had the pleasure of working with. He leverages technology and process to provide value to citizens and customers within his community. 
Ashley Cowen
Senior Planner Horry County, South Carolina A planning professional with a passion for the natural environment, serving her government and community, and dedicating herself to Horry County's mission "to provide the highest quality of life" for citizens and visitors, Ashley has proven herself to be a vital member of our Planning team. Holding both a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, with a background in environmental education, regional park design, metropolitan studies and policy, strategic planning, and having done international work in past Ashley's skill-sets bring a variety of benifts to our Planning team. An accomplished woman at 33, Ashley is a published author, a skilled public speaker, has worked abroad with NPOs to teach ESL in China and build playgrounds in the Dominican Republic, has served as Chairman and Co-Chairman on various Boards and Commissions, and dedicated much of her free time volunteering to clean local waterways, feed homeless, serve local churches, and give back to her community. |
David Baird, JD, AICP
Senior Associate Kendig Keast Collaborative David Baird is an accomplished planner and attorney who specializes in the creation of Unified Development Ordinances for local governments throughout the country. David’s unique background in both planning and legal work has helped his employer, Kendig Keast Collaborative (KKC), write land development ordinances that are both legally enforceable and built on solid planning principles. In his work with KKC, David is a Senior Associate who has managed numerous high profile projects across the country. To date, David, has planning work experience in 14 different states. David is also a licensed attorney in the State of Tennessee and has obtained AICP certification. 
Shon Brooks, AICP
Director of Planning City of Waxahachie, Texas Shon has grown into a great planner and great leader. He started his career gaining technical experience with an architecture degree he leveraged into a plan reviewer position for the large city of Arlington, TX. Shon continued to learn and expand his knowledge by obtaining a Master of Public Administration degree while working full time and earning a promotion to planner. Over time, his planning knowledge and skill was evident amongst his peers as he continued to earn multiple promotions while working for the City of Arlington. He recently became the Director of Planning for the City of Waxahachie, TX (pop. 35,000). As the director, Shon has mentored several staff members and shared his knowledge of planning with the entire community. Waxahachie is growing at a rapid pace and Shon is overseeing the planning of multiple master planned developments, each comprised of hundreds of acres, that will shape the future of Waxahachie for decades to come. Shon's experience, leadership, and planning knowledge is serving Waxahachie perfectly at this crucial moment in time. 
Aletha Dunston, AICP
Executive Director of the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority Indianapolis, Indiana Since the beginning of her career, Aletha has served in executive roles that have benefited rural communities throughout the state, working as a Planning Director and State CDBG Director. She is a committed volunteer and currently serves in a unique capacity that bridges the planning and economic development of a former military base in Indianapolis, IN. 
Tracy Steinkruger
Planning Manager City of San Gabriel, California Tracy has worked on a variety of challenging projects, such as managing a comprehensive General Plan Update for the City of Burbank and contentious projects in the City of Pasadena. She excels at using innovative community outreach strategies and bringing fresh, creative energy to her work. Most recently she has risen to the level of Planning Manager for the City of San Gabriel. |
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