02/27/2024

Michigan's Newest FAICPs

Michigan's Newest FAICPs

Induction to the AICP College of Fellows is the highest honor the American Institute of Certified Planners bestows upon a member.

Fellows of AICP are nominated and selected by their peers to recognize and honor their outstanding contributions as a professional planner. The outcomes of their individual efforts left demonstrably significant and transformational improvements to the field of planning and the communities they served. All Fellows are long-time members of AICP and have achieved excellence in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, and community service and leadership.

MAP is thrilled that three of our planning leaders have received this prestigious recognition from the American Planning Association. 

Rodney (Rod) Arroyo, FAICP

As a lifelong learner and enthusiastic advocate for people and places, Rod Arroyo has sought to innovate and advance the way planners approach community planning. His work transformed zoning codes to be user friendly and accessible, and his plans resulted in the creation of better places and boosted economic growth. Rod’s innovative educational efforts led to advancement of the profession through graduate coursework, sharing best practices, and offering hands-on learning opportunities. 

Trudy Galla, FAICP

Trudy Galla served in the Planning & Community Development department in Leelanau County for 35 years; 26 years as its Director.  Her contributions include leading a citizen driven Leelanau General Plan, successfully advocating for state legislation passed to allow a ‘flat fee’ per household for recycling and waste reduction programs, and cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated sites.  She is currently employed as a Senior Brownfield Specialist with Fishbeck.

Kurt Schindler, FAICP

Kurt Schindler is from rural Northern Michigan, where he served as Planning Director in Manistee County, then Land Use Educator for MSU Extension.  Kurt is known for groundbreaking work in economic development, form-based zoning, placemaking, ground and surface water protection, practitioner training, and co-authoring MSU Extension’s Citizen Planner and Zoning Administrator certificate programs. Schindler was president of APA Michigan’s predecessor board and was awarded Outstanding Professional Planner and Life Membership.

Rod, Trudy, and Kurt join the ranks of Michigan’s other FAICPs.  MAP has a webpage with all of our FAICPs.