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.
APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP, and AICP President Erin N. Perdu, AICP, honored their recipients at the 2026 National Planning Conference in Detroit. Learn more about these outstanding individuals.
Honoring Planning Excellence Recipients
APA President's Award: James Rojas
APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP, honored James Rojas
James Rojas
This year's APA President's Award recognizes James Rojas, a city planner who combines art-making and play to solve complex urban problems by bringing people together to use their hands and senses to understand their relationship to space and to each other.
James is the creator of Placeit, an interactive design and public engagement process that exemplifies the very best of community‑centered planning. His work consistently demonstrates the power of creativity to bring people together and elevate local voices.
In addition, as the founder of the Latino Urban Forum, James has shown an enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for Latino communities throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. His leadership and vision reflect the values APA strives to uphold as an organization.
AICP President's Award: Arlova J. Vonhm, AICP
AICP President Erin N. Perdu, AICP, honored Arlova J. Vonhm, AICP
Arlova J. Vonhm, AICP
This year's AICP President's Award honors Arlova J. Vonhm, AICP, zoning administrator for Arlington County, Virginia, whose professional planning career spans more than 25 years across private practice and the public sector at both the local and regional levels. In her current role, Arlova leads a dedicated staff team responsible for interpreting, enforcing, and administering the zoning ordinance, as well as reviewing and inspecting millions of square feet of development annually. Arlova derives genuine pleasure from public service and seeks to utilize her training and talents to help create and sustain healthy and equitable communities.
Arlova received an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan. She previously served as a board member of the APA National Capital Area Chapter and as Region II Commissioner on the AICP Commission. Arlova was also a steering committee member of the Housing Supply Accelerator, a partnership between APA and the National League of Cities to seek solutions from both urban planners and elected officials to address the nation's housing supply challenges.
Throughout her career, Arlova has consistently demonstrated principled leadership, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the planning profession. Her tireless work on APA's Housing Supply Accelerator helped move meaningful housing legislation forward in an extraordinarily divided Congress. As chair of the FAICP College of Fellows Committee, she led thoughtful and impactful reforms to the application and selection process, strengthening the integrity and transparency of the College of Fellows. She also provided steady, compassionate consultation to APA leaders during a difficult leadership challenge, helping them move forward constructively. Arlova's service reflects the very best of AICP.