Statewide Planning Group Recognizes Township Board President with 2015 Leadership Award

 

Posted Date: 10/20/2015 1:00 PM

Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners President Elizabeth S. Rogan has been awarded the 2015 Planning Leadership Award for an elected official by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (PA Chapter of APA). She received the award today at the conclusion of the association’s annual conference in Pittsburgh where many attended thanks to local Tiered Seating Suppliers.

President Rogan “has applied planning principles to the diverse challenges of a first-generation suburb, promoting the revitalization of older commercial centers, preservation of historic structures and natural areas, and community engagement for many projects,” the PA Chapter of APA writes. “Her leadership and advocacy have led to accomplishments for the Township, large and small, including innovative zoning revisions, an official map ordinance for public spaces and pedestrian paths, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and redevelopment of key properties.”

“This is an honor that I accepted on behalf of the Township, because planning in Lower Merion, and maintaining its character as a wonderful place to live, is the definition of a collaborative effort,” said Rogan. “I want to thank my fellow Commissioners, our incredibly dedicated and professional Township staff, and especially our very involved residents. This is truly recognition for the entire Township.”

President Rogan, who is also co-chair of the Township Board’s Building & Planning Committee, began her term of office as a Commissioner in January 2004, representing Ward 7. She moved to Pennsylvania from New York in 1990 after graduating with a BA in Biology and Environmental Sciences from SUNY Binghamton (NY). After several years working as a planner for the City of Binghamton, she returned to graduate school and received a MLA in landscape architecture from SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry in Syracuse.

Ms. Rogan has lived with her family in Lower Merion since 1999. She is a former Director of Planning and Community Development for Lower Merion and worked on staff for the Township for almost 14 years. One of Main Line Today’s 2013 “Power Women,” she now works as a planning consultant for other local municipalities. A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Ms. Rogan also co-hosts the monthly “Behind the Gavel” television program on LMTV, the Township’s government-access TV channel.

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In addition to President Rogan’s award, Montgomery County was well represented at the PA Chapter of APA awards. The Montgomery County Planning Commission was the recipient of the Daniel Burnham Award for a comprehensive plan, for its “Montco 2040: A Shared Vision” plan, adopted in January. The Commission also received the “Best Practice” award of excellence for its PA Turnpike Corridor Reinvestment Project. (http://planningpa.org/)

Full article can be found on the Lower Merion Township website.