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December 18, 2007 L.A. Planning Advocate David Brown Honored with APA Leadership Award WASHINGTON, DC — The American Planning Association (APA) today named David Brown recipient of one of its highest honors, the 2008 National Planning Leadership Award for a Planning Advocate. Living and working around the city of Los Angeles for more than three decades, Brown has dedicated his spare time and energy to aid and support the efforts of planners as shapers of strong, vibrant, and sustainable communities. "David Brown represents the best in citizen-led planning advocacy," said 2008 National Planning Awards Jury Chairperson Carol Rhea, AICP. "Through his constant presence in the planning arena, David has personally demonstrated what is necessary to every community — having an active and engaged citizenry who care enough about where they live and their community's future that they get involved in the planning process." Brown's efforts have complemented and enhanced the effectiveness and benefits of planning in countless ways. He is an example of the "best of grassroots" constituent advocacy, creating opportunities for greater citizen involvement in planning and land-use decisions. By working with the system instead of against it, Brown has demonstrated that citizens can play a responsible role in planning, preservation, and smart growth in his own community of Calabasas, and at the state and federal levels. He has served in numerous advisory positions, including on the City of Calabasas General Plan Advisory Committee, the city planning commission, and as President of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation. He also has received numerous honors for his leadership as a planning advocate and conservationist. As a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee of the State of California Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for more than 22 years, he reviewed and commented on the acquisition 60,000 acres and creation of 114 parks throughout the greater Los Angeles region. A history professor at Los Angeles Valley College, he willingly shares his expertise and knowledge, offering information, researching issues, and testifying on key subjects. Through his example he underscores the benefits of developing strong partnerships and respectful working relationships. He also repeatedly goes above and beyond. Most recently this involved the application to designate Mulholland Highway a California Scenic Highway. The application was held up because it lacked a photo survey, so Brown took the necessary pictures and sent them to Los Angeles County Regional Planning office. The application was subsequently submitted and approved, making Mulholland a rare example of a county road being designated a California State Scenic Highway. "Dave embodies the ideal of citizen involvement that has been critical to park development during the past 30 years," said Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Superintendent Woody Smeck. "As a citizen planner, Dave has selflessly helped mold the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with his adept use of common sense and consensus." Brown's legacy will benefit generations to come. His actions hold true to the inspiring words of Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." For a list of all 2008 National Planning Excellence, Achievement, and Leadership Award recipients, visit www.planning.org/awards/2008winners.htm. APA's national awards program, considered to be the profession's highest honor, began more than 50 years ago in order to recognize outstanding community plans, and planning leaders.
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