Stephen L. Benson, AICP (Candidate for Vice-President of Professional Development)
Professional Experience:
- Director of City Planning, City of Tampa
- Strategic Planning & Policy Coordinator, City of Tampa
- Metropolitan Planning Administrator, FDOT District 7
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Program Specialist, FDOT District 7
- Planner, Tindale Oliver & Associates
Educational Background:
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of South Florida
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography, University of South Florida
APA Florida/APA Experience:
- Chair, Sun Coast Section, 2015-2017
- Chair, Young Planners Group, 2013
- Vice Chair, Sun Coast Section, 2013-2014
- Treasurer, Sun Coast Section, 2012-2013
- Student Representative, Sun Coast Section, 2011-2012
Position Statement
The last several years have taught us that the world is changing before our eyes - perhaps more quickly than ever before. Today’s planners face the challenge of adapting to an evolving society in a state challenged by an unprecedented combination of growth and change. The role of planning is as important as ever and the opportunities for emerging planners are endless. We must find new ways to keep emerging planners in Florida, help them obtain certification, and encourage them to invest their career in delivering a better future for our state. We must challenge each other to grow by exploring new areas of the industry, building bridges with allied organizations and major employers, and working across specializations in unconventional ways to solve complex urban problems.
As VP of Professional Development, my goals will be to (1) produce more AICP certified planners, (2) elevate the value of AICP professional development opportunities throughout the state, and (3) increase the recruitment and retention of AICP-certified planners among public and private organizations in Florida.
To achieve these goals, I plan to strengthen multi-disciplinary partnerships with allied professional organizations to expand our offering of unique professional development opportunities. I pledge to partner with agencies, businesses, Universities and other application-based entities to ensure that you get credit for attending CM-eligible professional development activities that both advance your career and elevate the industry. I also pledge to work with the Chapter President to partner with employers to market the relevance of the certification and promote the value AICP can bring to guiding Florida’s future. Throughout my term, I will also seek out input and feedback from non-traditional partners as well as current members of AICP and APA.
Every community and organization in Florida needs a strong bench of AICP-certified planners and together we will make it happen.