PINELLAS COUNTY, FL —- The American Planning Association, Florida Chapter has awarded the Gateway Master Plan an Award of Merit in Best Practices. Forward Pinellas worked collaboratively with its partners to develop a plan that was honored for its success in encouraging innovation, fostering collaboration and partnerships, and demonstrating creative planning techniques.
“Congratulations to Forward Pinellas and their partners on winning the APA Award of Merit for the Gateway Master Plan. This dedicated team has set the standard in Florida for building relationships to create a community that is vibrant, connected, and equitable, while maintaining the beautiful character of its cities. Forward Pinellas is a true asset to Pinellas County and our communities,” said Forward Pinellas Chair Darden Rice.
“As the St Petersburg Council Member that represents the Gateway area, I am very happy that the Gateway Master Plan has been recognized as an example for best practices by the American Planning Association!” said Council Member Brandi Gabbard. “The Gateway area has incredible potential. As an economic hub in Pinellas, our priorities must include providing affordable homes, high-paying jobs, and beautiful amenities to residents and employees alike. With Forward Pinellas’ leadership, we can address these complex issues and opportunities in a collaborative manner with focus and intention.”
The Gateway Master Plan creates a vision and an action-oriented redevelopment strategy, guiding the area’s growth toward a more socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable future. The plan considers how transportation and land use can combine to support residents’ quality of life, retain jobs and attract future investment. In order to track our progress to ensure we are guiding future development and multi-modal connectivity, we’re launching a Gateway Dashboard: ForwardPinellas.org/GatewayDashboard
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the American Planning Association, and to share this achievement with our partner jurisdictions and organizations,” said Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton, FAICP. “I’m proud of the Forward Pinellas team and our partners for coming together to create a comprehensive vision for the Gateway area that will enable it to maintain its status as an economic engine of the region while addressing issues of resiliency and sustainable growth. Together, we will continue our work to implement the vision that reflects the goals and priorities of the communities.”
The APA Florida Project Awards program recognizes outstanding planning projects in the State of Florida where planning has had a positive impact on development, conservation, government, or environmental projects. Projects selected for this award demonstrate innovativeness and quality, and the potential for use in other areas.
To learn more about the Gateway Master Plan, visit: GatewayMasterPlan.org
