[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 163 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2241-E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL MONTH OF COMMUNITY PLANNING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, in 2006, the American Planning 
Association--known as APA--declared October ``National Month of 
Community Planning'' to encourage the visibility of planning efforts in 
communities throughout the United States. During this month, we 
recognize the many individuals--the local officials, business leaders, 
and planners--that have contributed to the planning profession, making 
some of the great communities we have today. For example, in Highland 
Park, Illinois, Mayor Michael Belsky publicly thanked the City's 
planning staff for their dedication via the local newspaper. In Urbana, 
Illinois, the Planning Film Festival highlights different cities and 
their efforts to work with their city halls to design better 
neighborhoods.
  The theme for this year's celebration is: ``Great Streets, Great 
Neighborhoods.'' This theme acknowledges three particular building 
blocks of great communities: streets, neighborhoods, and the people who 
make communities unique. As part of this effort, APA celebrates 
excellence in planning via its ``Great Places in America'' program, 
recognizing both great streets and great neighborhoods across our 
county. I am proud to say that one of these

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``Great Streets'' is North Michigan Avenue that stands in the 7th 
District of Illinois which I currently represent. West Urbana, 
Illinois, also received the distinction of being a ``Great 
Neighborhood.''
  As I close, I want to recognize APA as a non-profit public interest 
and research organization devoted to promoting quality planning. Since 
its founding in 1978, it has served more than 41,000 members. I honor 
the National Month of Community Planning and the efforts of planners to 
pioneer concepts that influence our communities both now and in the 
future.

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