Recognizing APA Presidential Award Recipients
The APA and AICP Presidents present their respective presidential awards once during their tenure to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to creating great communities for all in the planning profession.
Immediate Past President Angela D. Brooks, FAICP, and Immediate Past AICP President Karen Walz, FAICP, honored their recipients at the 2025 National Planning Conference. Learn more about these outstanding individuals.
Honoring Planning Excellence Recipients
APA President's Award: Dr. William M. Harris Sr., FAICP
Dr. William M. Harris Sr., FAICP
APA Immediate Past President Angela D. Brooks, FAICP, honored Dr. William M. Harris Sr., FAICP
Dr. William M. Harris Sr., FAICP, is a true pioneer and transformative figure in urban planning. As the first African American to earn a PhD in urban planning, Dr. Harris broke barriers and created pathways for generations of diverse planners who followed.
Dr. Harris's legacy extends far beyond this historic milestone. As co-founder of APA's Planning and the Black Community Division, he institutionalized the importance of culturally responsive planning practices and ensured that the unique challenges facing Black communities would be addressed within our profession.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Harris has been a tireless advocate for marginalized communities, understanding that thoughtful urban planning can be a powerful tool for social justice and equity. His research, teaching, and practice have consistently centered the needs of underserved populations, demonstrating how our profession can work toward dismantling systemic barriers.
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Harris has served as a mentor and inspiration to countless planning professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities has strengthened the entire planning profession, making it more inclusive, representative, and effective.
His work reminds us that the most meaningful planning practices emerge when diverse perspectives are valued and when we actively work to create communities that serve all their residents with dignity and respect.
AICP President's Award: Deborah Lawlor, FAICP
Deborah Lawlor, FAICP
AICP Immediate Past President Karen Walz, FAICP, honored Deborah Lawlor, FAICP
Deborah Lawlor, FAICP, a trusted advisor, passionate planner, and mentor, is the recipient of the 2024 AICP President's Award. Deb served on the AICP Commission for three consecutive terms — two terms as the commissioner from Region 1 and then one term as AICP president. Deb's leadership was critical during the COVID pandemic, ensuring the priorities, such as the AICP exam, membership, ethics, and Fellows selection, stayed on track. She oversaw the hiring of two outstanding CEOs, ensuring the voice of the AICP Commission was ever present.
Deb guided AICP through the development of the AICP Candidate Pilot Program, now One Path, which lays out clear direction for all planners to become AICP members. And, just after her service to AICP ended, she agreed to serve on the Planning Accreditation Board, where her experience and expertise will help guide the accreditation of planning schools. I owe Deb a great debt of gratitude for her generous mentorship and guidance through my terms on the Commission.