Wendy Shabay, Chance Sparks Rally for Urban Planning at Texas Capitol

Wendy Shabay and Chance Sparks, Urban Planning + Design, have been hard at work on behalf of the American Planning Association Texas Chapter (APATX). 

A few years ago, APATX started the Great Places in Texas Program, which recognizes the Lone Star State’s Great Places – neighborhoods, streets and public spaces – and celebrates how planning has played a vital role in making these beloved places what they are today.

The program serves to recognize the leadership of cities in creating and supporting these places, and also serves to educate the public on what urban planning does. It is based upon the Great Places in America program by the APA National Organization.

On April, Wendy and Chance joined more than 60 others at the State Capitol to recognize the 2019 Class of Great Places in Texas and participate in the first Planners Day at the Capitol.

Of particular interest were HB 3314 and HB 3315 related to subdivision platting. Chance led a small team of APATX leaders in drafting the legislation, which is designed to increase the efficiency of the subdivision process and remove state law barriers to cities seeking greater flexibility in streamlining their local processes. State Rep. Ramon Romero of Fort Worth, and a former Planning & Zoning Commissioner himself, introduced the bills and recognized APATX with a resolution from the House floor. Sen.Kirk Watson followed suit, recognizing APATX from the floor of the Senate.

As Freese and Nichols celebrates 125 years of history, it is worth noting the unique role FNI has played in making great communities happen. For example, Fort Worth’s West Magnolia Avenue was recognized in 2018 as a Great Place in America.

FNI was integral to making West Magnolia a great place through the Magnolia Urban Village projects, which serve as an outstanding example of how FNI can leverage the talents of multiple practices in a thoughtful manner to achieve awesome results. FNI You can read more about West Magnolia Avenue here.

Doug McDonald, TxAPA President, Chance Sparks, TxAPA President-Elect, Kim Mickelson, TxAPA Past President, Ann Zadeh, Fort Worth Councilwoman, Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr. Texas House District 90, Wendy Shabay, APA Board of Directors

Ann Zadeh, Fort Worth Councilwoman, Beverly Volkman Powell, State Senator, Wendy Shabay, APA Board of Directors

Various Texas APA representatives and City winners of Texas Great Places