By Edward Huynh, Associate Editor and Gala volunteer, May 17, 2025
The APA California Northern Awards Program honors exceptional planning projects, policies, and individuals that advance the profession and benefit communities. The Awards Gala annually highlights innovative work across the region, fosters knowledge sharing, and celebrates planning excellence.
As a recent graduate of San Jose State’s Master of Urban Planning program, where I served as the student-run Urban Planning Coalition President and APA Student Representative, this was my second time volunteering at Northern’s Awards Gala. Still new to the field, I initially questioned whether I truly belonged among professional planners; however, serving as a documentarian at the Gala gave me the chance to connect with more established professionals. To my surprise, planners are humans too! Everyone I met was approachable and supportive, with no judgement against where I was in my career journey. The whole experience really reminded me that the planning community is truly built on collaboration and shared learning.
This year was special, not just because of my discovery that planners might be human too, but because this year we had the most applicants in an award season. At the Gala, I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the winners of this year’s Northern Section Awards Program.
Awarded: Merit in Resilience and Sustainability
“Feels good to be representing the team. I’m proud of everything we accomplished together, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our hard work recognized… This is the first project I’ve completed with [Ascent]. It’s a huge learning process with lots of questions. I loved working on this project, with our stakeholders, and our client.” – Luis Montes, Ascent – Monterey Bay Natural and Working Lands Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Study.
Edward Huynh, Gala volunteer, interviews award winners about their experience | Photo credit: Juan Borrelli, AICP, April 2025
Awarded: Merit in Urban Design
“This was one of my earliest urban design questions. I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this project and it feels good to be recognized for that work. It’s also great to get visibility for the industry and see the fruits of our labor.” – Ashutosh Singhal, SITELAB – Stonestown Framework Plan and Design Standards and Guidelines
Award: Merit in Transportation Planning
“It feels really special to be recognized tonight. Our project has been successful with the public and it’s great to see recognition from everyone” Rochelle Wheeler, City of Alameda – Oakland/Alameda Water Shuttle
Award: Merit in Transportation Planning
“It’s a dream come true! We’re delighted to receive a prestigious award from APA Northern Section. We’re happy to be here to recognize the work of everyone here tonight and to be part of the ongoing work in the field of planning” – Allen Tai, City of Alameda – Oakland/Alameda Water Shuttle
This was a fantastic night! After chatting with so many amazing planners, I was able to sneak in some delicious food before the main event started. During the event, I saw many great projects from across the Bay Area, each offering something new to learn and celebrate with pride. The event ended with Director Libby Tyler dancing with Monte Ray, the mascot otter for the upcoming 2025 APA California Conference in Monterey, encouraging sponsors and fellow planners to join us this fall. I can’t wait to attend next year’s gala!
