OMAHA PLANNING DIRECTOR HONORED WITH LAURELS AWARD
January 28, 2008
Jan. 28, 2008
OMAHA PLANNING DIRECTOR HONORED WITH LAURELS AWARD
OMAHA – Steve Jensen, director of planning for the City of Omaha, is the 2007 recipient of Omaha by Design’s Laurels Award. The award, Omaha by Design’s highest honor, is presented to an individual, organization or business that has made significant contributions to the creation of great public spaces in the metro.
Mayor Mike Fahey presented Jensen with the award Jan. 28 at Omaha by Design’s inaugural awards luncheon. “It is a pleasure to work with Steve, whether it’s on the Urban Design Element, the North Omaha Redevelopment Project or Midtown Crossing at Turner Park,” Fahey said. “He has the best interest of our community at heart and is well deserving of this honor.”
Jensen, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, joined the staff of the City of Omaha Planning Department in 1973. He served as interim director of the department upon the retirement of Bob Peters and was appointed director in June 2005.
The awards luncheon also recognized the 2007 recipients of Omaha by Design’s new trio of awards – the Green Leaf, Civic Leaf and Neighborhood Leaf.
The Green Leaf – which honors an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve and enhance the metropolitan area’s natural setting and public park system – was awarded to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The board was selected for its visionary efforts in adopting a comprehensive development plan and zoning regulations that champion conservation design and low impact development.
The Civic Leaf – which honors an individual, organization or business that has worked to define and improve the metropolitan area’s civic places and public image – was awarded to First National Bank for its commission of two sculpture parks in downtown Omaha. It is one of the largest installments of bronze sculptures in the world.
The Neighborhood Leaf – which honors an individual, organization or business that has worked to preserve and enhance the metropolitan area’s residential neighborhoods – was awarded to Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede, pastor of Dietz United Methodist Church. She was selected for her commitment to fostering systemic change that allows neighborhood residents to improve their lives, including the establishment of the BIG (Building Independence and Growth) Garden.
For more information about the Omaha by Design Awards Program, contact Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design, at 402.342.3458 or connie@omahabydesign.org.