(Pictured from left to right are): Marshand Crisler, DURP PhD student and Chief Executive Operator for the City of Jackson; Eric Jefferson, MA, AICP and Planning and Development Director with the City of Jackson;
Dr. Evandro Santos, DURP Associate Professor; and Dean Ricardo A. Brown, College of Public Service and DURP Interim Chair
October is designated as "National Planning Month" by the American Planning Association. The Jackson City Council on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, issued a proclamation declaring October as "Planning Month" throughout the City of Jackson. Theme for this years' planning month is "Civic Engagement" which hopes to highlight the necessity of engaging the local government and community leaders in discussions that shape the future of our cities.
Many students and alumni from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning pursue successful careers with the City of Jackson and other cities across the country. They go on to make key contributions to improving their cities' growth and development.
Representatives shown in the photos know and understand the importance of urban planning to any city and were honored to serve as honorary recipients for this occasion. Planning and Development Director for the City of Jackson, Eric Jefferson said, "He was grateful to Mayor Yarber for again proclaiming October as Community Planning Month in Jackson, and for allowing the Planning and Development Department to publicly recognize the wonderful faculty and students with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University. He also wanted to publicly recognize and thank the members of the Jackson Planning Board and Jackson Historic Preservation Commission who have diligently contributed to their time and expertise for the improvement of Jackson".