WHEREAS, James E. Gahres, a respected city planner and economic developer with more than three decades of experience, has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners for his outstanding achievements in planning and revitalization; and

WHEREAS, James Gahres has helped sustain economic development in two of the fastest growing communities in the nation, Loudoun County and Prince William County, and led efforts to revitalize the historic downtowns of Alexandria, Falls Church, Charlottesville, and Leesburg with thriving mixed-use districts; and

WHEREAS, in particular, James Gahres played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Route 1 in Prince William County and Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, transforming Northern Virginia's "main streets" into sustainable, vibrant communities; and

WHEREAS, an expert in both comprehensive and strategic planning, James Gahres uses innovative tools and programs, detailed fiscal analyses, and public/private partnerships to create unique plans for each community, which have had far-reaching impacts on job creation and economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, James Gahres places a high emphasis on inclusionary planning practices, gathering input from developers, businesses, local residents, and government to ensure that all voices are heard and that plans meet the needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, James Gahres is one of only 54 professionals who are dual-certified as a planner by the American Planning Association and as an economic developer by the International Economic Development Council, and he was an early member of the Virginia chapters of both organizations; and

WHEREAS, due to these accomplishments and contributions to the planning profession, James Gahres was recognized by his peers and the American Planning Association with the organization's highest honor, induction into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend James E. Gahres on being named as a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James E. Gahres as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his exemplary accomplishments in planning and economic development in Northern Virginia.