Philadelphia mayor Nutter named urban design leader

Philadelphia mayor Michael A. Nutter has been named as the 2012 recipient of the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award for Leadership in Urban Design. The American Architectural Foundation and the United States Conference of Mayors have recognized Nutter for his support of and role in incorporating design ideas and vision into public, civic spaces.

Mayor Nutter’s smart and sustainable urban design initiatives include:

- Philadelphia2035, a comprehensive planning strategy that aligns with Philadelphia’s zoning code changes. The plan also formed the Citizens Planning Institute which provides a formalized way for the public to be informed and involved

- GreenWorksPhiladelphia, an initiative to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the U.S. The initiative focuses on helping businesses and residents become more energy efficient, increasing the city's tree canopy, and establishing Green2015 which aims to add 500 acres of new, public greenspace

- Delaware River Waterfront re-development, a long range project to rejuvenate the public space physically and economically

- North Broad Street transformation, a new mixed use development that focuses on arts and education

Of Mayor Nutter's accomplishments, Ron Bogle, president and chief executive officer of the American Architectural Foundation said, “In the span of just four years, Mayor Nutter has transformed Philadelphia’s approach to urban design. Mayor Nutter has proven to be masterful at bringing together local leaders and design professionals to make smart design choices that strengthen communities through innovative, sustainable development.”

Mayor Michael A. Nutter will be honored at the 23rd annual Accent on Architecture Gala on March 9, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Image: Wikimedia, Afshin Darian

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com