The Polk Transportation Planning Organization won the Jan Johnson Memorial Public Involvement Award at the Heart of Florida Section of the Florida American Planning Association’s 2010 Planning Awards ceremony.

The Jan Johnson Memorial Award for Excellence in Public Involvement is given annually to a professional organization or individual in the planning field who advances community education and public participation in the planning process. It is awarded to an individual who displays the following traits and qualities as part of an effective public involvement project or program:

• Professionalism – dedication to craft and the planning process;
• Innovation – use of latest medium to promote effective public involvement;
• Compassion – displaying a genuine concern for others;
• Creativity – bringing a story to the message; and
• Humor – adding “more cowbell” to the message.

The TPO is the long-range transportation planning organization for Polk County and recently adopted the 2035 Mobility Vision Plan. The TPO plans roads, sidewalks, multi-use trails, bike lanes and transit. Corporate, Community Groups, Home Owner Associations and Clubs interested in learning about future road and transit plans and projects for their neighborhoods in Polk County may schedule a speaker from the TPO at (863) 534-6486.

Caption for photo: Polk TPO Staff from left to right: Ben Dunn, Laura Lockwood, Ryan Kordek, Curtis Knowles, Cherie Simmons, and Diane Slaybaugh.