Idaho’s J-U-B planners participated “virtually” in the American Planning Association (APA) ­­ Idaho annual conference in early October 2020. As always, there was a diverse array of training seminars, panels, and keynotes, including a session (Public Involvement during a Pandemic: Idaho’s Lessons Learned) with our own Caroline Mellor providing insights and examples from her work with The Langdon Group.

The APA Idaho award program is always a highlight of the conference, and this year was no exception. The Gem Award recognizes planning achievement and/or leadership in the topic chosen as the theme (Strengthening Roots, Cultivating Changes). In this category, the jury looks for Innovation, Transferability, Outreach, Implementation Strategy, Effectiveness and Results, and Education.

The 2020 Gem Award was presented to the City of Nampa for their Historic Preservation Plan (HPP). Led by the City’s economic development department and the Arts and Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC), the plan was initiated in the fall of 2019. The National Park Service-provided funding for the plan through the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office’s Certified Local Government program. The AHPC hoped not only to update the 008 HPP, but to strengthen the City’s historic preservation program through a long-term vision, defined goals, and a set of practical and achievable strategies. Working collaboratively with the City’s planning and GIS professionals, innovative analytic tools were utilized to assess the presence of historic resources, develop historical contexts, and prioritize future survey projects. Sheri Freemuth, AICP, was the preservation planning consultant on this project.

“We are so proud of Sheri’s accomplishment in writing such a solid plan and winning the most honorable planning award at the 2020 Idaho APA Planning conference! Sheri’s work is a prime example of how we can help each other create better communities!”

-Lisa Bachman
Treasure Valley Area Manager

Click HERE to view the City of Nampa Historic Preservation Plan.
Click HERE to view the City of Nampa HPP APA ID 2020 Gem Award video.