2022 Winners

AWARD OF MERIT

Best Practices

Franklin County, Ohio and Ohio State University's City and Regional Planning Program

Franklin County, Ohio’s Economic Development & Planning entered into an innovative practice/academy partnership with this Ohio State City & Regional Planning studio to identify robust recommendations for the County’s ongoing zoning recommendations project and benefit from the creative expertise of Ohio State’s students. Franklin County’s Food Systems Planner Brian Estabrook worked closely with the CRP students during the Autumn 2021 term. Together, they built a strong baseline of food system and urban agriculture knowledge and how their work could benefit Columbus’ & Franklin County’s Local Food Action Plan implementation. Mr. Estabrook ensured that students engaged with experts on food systems planning, community based research, equity, and civic engagement, national food planning trends, Ohio’s legal, regulatory regime for agriculture, urban agriculture operations, and municipal/jurisdictional fragmentation. All parties benefited from the focus group participation of planning and zoning staff from eight Franklin County municipalities.

AWARD OF MERIT

Comprehensive Plan for a Small Jurisdiction

Ellis County, Kansas

The Ellis County Comprehensive Plan was truly comprehensive in nature and provides not only the county staff but the residents a guide for future and structured growth. In addition, the plan focuses on the protection of natural resources including all forms of energy, agriculture, geology, groundwater, and surface water. Ultimately, as it continues to be implemented it will provide a solid base for the county.