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APA Honors RBF Consulting Projects with Planning Awards

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and RBF were recognized with an Award of Merit for Planning Excellence in Implementation for a Large Jurisdiction, by the Los Angeles Section of the APA, for the Strategic Vision for a Sustainable South Bay project. SBCCOG and RBF embarked on this project to develop a presentation tool that refined, simplified and characterized the land use and mobility visions envisioned in the 2009 Sustainable South Bay: an Integrated Land Use and Transportation Strategy. The resulting PowerPoint module, with detailed supportive analysis, has been used by SBCCOG staff to inform member agencies' elected officials, staff and community members about global climate change and California's associated legislative mandates (i.e. AB 32, AB 375 and AB 1358), as well as the land use and transportation alternatives most conducive to the South Bay region.

"Working hand-in-hand with the SBCCOG staff and Livable Communities Working Group was a very rewarding experience," commented Susan Harden, AICP, CMSM, LEEP AP, CNU-A and Vice President of RBF's Urban Design Studio. "Our collaborative efforts resulted in a land use and mobility policy framework that not only responds to global climate change, but is also tailored to the needs of the South Bay region."

RBF was honored with the Merit Award from the Inland Empire Section of the APA, in the category of Innovation in Green Community Planning, for the Thompson Creek Spreading Grounds Habitat Restoration and Ground Water Recharge Feasibility Study. This innovative planning study was developed for the League of Women Voters of the Claremont Area (LWV) with grant funding from the San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy (RMC). The project analyzed the feasibility and effectiveness of numerous enhancements to improve ground water recharge and habitat restoration. Local water conservation such as this will reduce the amount of water that is exported outside of the Six Basins Aquifer area, increasing the ability for additional recharge of local water supplies.

"This was an enjoyable and challenging project dealing with very knowledgeable representatives of the Claremont League of Women Voters," commented Ruth Villalobos, RBF Vice President and Principal in Charge of this project. "The League's passion and dedication to the project and the process permeated the entire team. The enthusiasm extended through numerous stakeholder workshops, technical analyses, countless hours of research and discussions with League representatives. Ultimately, the creative brainstorming led to the development of an implementable plan supported by the residents in the Thompson Creek area."

About RBF

RBF Consulting currently maintains 16 offices across the Western United States with award-winning projects nationally and internationally. The firm provides a multi-disciplined approach to projects ranging from transportation and water resources to GIS, urban design, environmental analysis and survey/construction management with innovative solutions and technologies. The firm is ranked nationally among the top 500 engineering firms and top 100 in pure design firms, serving public agencies, private development and a full spectrum of organizations across the United States and internationally. RBF Consulting's Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Survey and Construction Management work has served clients in 12 countries, 31 states and over 700 cities and communities worldwide. For more information please visit www.rbf.com.

About APA

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change. The 4,800-member strong California Chapter annually recognizes exemplary local projects and planners in several distinguished categories. For information on the Inland Empire Section of the APA, please visit www.ies-apa.org. For information on the Los Angeles Section of the APA, please visit www.la-apa.org.

RBF Consulting
Barbara Eljenholm, 949-855-3660
Public Relations Director
beljenholm@rbf.com