City Of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA— The American Planning Association (APA) has selected New Orleans’ Master Plan, Plan for the 21st Century: New Orleans 2030, to receive the 2011 National Planning Excellence award for a Hard-Won Victory this year. The award recognizes a planning effort undertaken by a community, neighborhood, citizens group, or jurisdiction in the face of difficult, challenging, or adverse conditions. Plan for the 21st Century: New Orleans 2030 was chosen for its ability to engage, educate and unite a broad and diverse community.

The Master Plan also received an award for Outstanding Large Jurisdiction Plan from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association. It was lauded by the Louisiana Chapter as giving “realistic goals and action steps for the city to maintain its identity through future growth.”

“I congratulate the City Planning Commission for their leadership in creating the Plan, and express my appreciation to the 5,000 people who contributed their thoughts and ideas,” said Mayor Landrieu. “This plan puts forward a vision of livability, opportunity and sustainability, and New Orleanians deserve no less.”

“The task of developing a Master Plan while the city was recovering from a major catastrophe was a challenging assignment for tour team,” said Yolanda Rodriguez, Executive Director of the City Planning Commission. “Plan for the 21st Century: New Orleans 2030 represents a collective vision that was developed through a series of tough, but honest, community meetings. This vision will serve as the cornerstone for securing a vital, healthy future for New Orleanians.”

“Thank you to the National and State Chapters of the American Planning Association for recognizing the City Planning Commission and our work on the Master Plan,” said Dr. George Amedee, City Planning Commission Chair. “An important part of changing the planning culture in New Orleans has been increased neighborhood understanding of planning tools. As we continue to work on drafting a new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, we know that citizens will have the necessary tools to become informed partners in promoting economic development, protecting our history and culture and revitalizing all of our neighborhoods.”

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. The national award will be presented at APA’s National Planning Conference in Boston on April 11, 2011. The plan will also be featured in the April issue of Planning magazine, APA’s flagship publication.