Robert Lewis, President and Principal of Development Strategies, has achieved the planning profession’s highest honor by being named to the prestigious American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) College of Fellows for his outstanding achievements in urban planning.
Bob has been contributing to the planning profession for over 40 years. Viewing his role as an educator in a variety of contexts, he has helped inform communities of their economic opportunities and challenges in his consulting work, and taught economics and planning at several universities. Additionally, he has sat on advisory boards and panels, and participated in the local and national leadership of several professional organizations, including the American Planning Association, International Economic Development Council, and Urban Land Institute. Bob is particularly proud of his role in planning for the creation of the Greater St. Louis Economic Development Council, as well as planning that initiated positive changes in Midtown and Downtown Detroit. His peers continue to marvel at his energy, enthusiasm, and passion.
“Individuals who make up the College of Fellows are the true leaders of the planning profession,” said AICP President Valerie Hubbard, FAICP. “These individuals have made lasting contributions to the profession and have inspired generations of new planners. They are truly awe-inspiring.”
Bob is one of 61 inductees into this year’s College of Fellows. Inductions are done biennially. This year’s formal induction took place during APA’s National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona in April. There are currently 569 members in the College of Fellows.
