Stephen Kenney, a member of the Vienna Planning Commission, has been presented with the 2024 Chandler Award for Citizen Planner of the Year by the Virginia chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Virginia).
The award honors an outstanding Planning Commission or individual member for serving as an example for all citizen-planners by being dedicated, objective, open, moral, balanced and knowledgeable of Virginia’s planning framework.
Kenney is a longtime Vienna resident and a principal and practicing architect with RV Architects PC. He has been a member of the Planning Commission for a decade, including three years as chair.
During his years on the Planning Commission, Kenney made significant contributions to the drafting of a major update to the town’s comprehensive plan, APA Virginia said in announcing the award. He also was involved actively in the comprehensive update to the town’s zoning and subdivision ordinance, “demonstrating great energy, attention to detail, care for the community and fairness,” the organization said.
“Mr. Kenney’s meticulous and thoughtful approach to his role as a commissioner has greatly enhanced the overall professionalism of the commission,” APA Virginia noted.
Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert was among those nominating Kenney for the award.
“As mayor, I seek his advice regularly and appreciate talking through issues and concerns with him,” she said. “His experience, insight and professional knowledge always help give me a better understanding.”
Kenney was honored July 23 at APA Virginia’s annual awards ceremony, held in Williamsburg.