Sahuarita Town Council Member Gil Lusk was presented with the 2014 Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association Distinguished Public Official Award. Mr. Lusk received the award during the annual Arizona American Planning Association (AZ APA) awards luncheon, at the Pivot Point Conference Center Ballroom in Yuma, Arizona on Thursday, November 6.
In a letter informing Council Member Lusk that he was chosen to receive the award, Kristen Busby, the AZ APA Awards Committee Chair, wrote: “This annual recognition is bestowed on an individual making sustained contributions to the community.” Mr. Lusk is being recognized for his tireless commitment to bring planning to the forefront of conversation and action in the Town of Sahuarita. During his tenure as a Council Member, Mr. Lusk’s leadership has prompted Sahuarita to embark on a long-range planning effort known as the Sahuarita East Conceptual Area Plan (SECAP) – a plan designed to promote the thoughtful and sustained growth of Sahuarita.
SECAP encompasses approximately 30,000 acres of land, poised for annexation, to the east of the corporate boundaries of Sahuarita. Despite the challenges presented by the topography of the area, Mr. Lusk’s vision seeks to incorporate the natural features of the land into development in a positive manner, maximizing the use of the natural drainage system for recreation, open space and wildlife movement.
“I am surprised and honored to receive this recognition” said Lusk. “The SECAP planning process has been a model of cooperation between the Town and the Arizona State Land Department and I am optimistic about the future annexation and development possibilities in this area. It took a lot of dedication, planning and community outreach to develop and support the conceptual plan for Sahuarita by a lot of truly dedicated staff members and volunteer advisors."
Sahuarita Planning and Building Director Sarah More remarked, “Mr. Lusk is committed to creating the foundation for a greater future for the Town and the region. I really admire his leadership. He is truly deserving of the Distinguished Public Official Award.”
Mr. Lusk was nominated for the award by Anna Casadei, Sahuarita Senior Planner, Sarah More, Sahuarita Planning and Building Director and Linda Morales, CEO, The Planning Center.