Robert B. Hunter, FAICP, (B. Arch ’67 and M. Arch ’71) from the College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, has been elected as president of the national organization of professional planners from across the United States. His election to the top position of the American Planning Association (APA), announced at the national conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 25, will begin a four year term as leader of the national board of directors, first year as president elect, two years as president and a fourth year as past president.

The American Planning Association, with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is an organization of 40,000 planners, public and appointed officials and supporters of “Making Great Communities Happen.” It provides support and leadership in the development of livable, diversified communities by advocating excellence in community planning, environmental priorities, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to effect positive change.

With over 30 years of city planning leadership experience, Hunter is well know for being a progressive and determined advocate for good planning and fiscal responsibility. As Executive Director of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission in Tampa, Florida, he has led the agency to its position as a respected, knowledgeable and “go to” force in a fast growth county on the west coast of Florida.

“Good neighborhoods and good communities begin with sound participatory planning,” Hunter said. Because Hunter’s educational background is in architecture, he is particularly interested in community design and quality of life issues.

Hunter has been Executive Director of the Planning Commission since 1987. It is a consolidated agency that has the comprehensive planning responsibilities for four local governments, the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and unincorporated Hillsborough County of over one million people and 1,000 plus square miles. Hunter overseas a staff of over 60 with expertise in a variety of areas, including land use, transportation, demographics, environment, research, economics, fiscal analysis, urban design and computer information technology.

Hunter’s background includes being Director of Planning in San Antonio, Texas, and Reno, Nevada. He was director of Neighborhood Development in Kansas City, Missouri and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio, Texas, and the University of Kansas at Lawrence, Kansas. He was a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Civil Engineer Corps.

In 2001, he was named a Fellow in the American Institute of Certified Planners. He and his wife Vickie live in Plant City, Florida. He holds a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Texas A&M University.

“We are proud and supportive of Mr. Hunter’s involvement in the national APA,” Planning Commission Chairman Bruce P. Cury said. “We know APA will benefit from his leadership abilities.”