On April 26, 2024, the Midwest Section of the American Planning Association – Texas Chapter (APATXMW) awarded Planning & Zoning Commissioner Michael Springer with the Planning Advocate Award at their awards ceremony in the Fort Worth Stockyards. APATXMW is the local professional organization for planners, advancing excellent planning in 25 counties in North Texas, including the western side of the DFW Metroplex. The Planning Advocate Award celebrates the contributions of an appointed or elected official, journalist, or community leader who has championed the field of planning by supporting planners and advocating for its cause. Commissioner Springer has served as a planning advocate for over two decades in Southlake – most notably as a member of the Southlake Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission since July 2003. As a P&Z Commissioner, he has overseen the development of several comprehensive plan elements, and he also served on the Southlake 2030 Plan Element Committee from 2009-2011. Furthermore, he dedicated his time to the Southlake Corridor Planning Committee (CPC) from 2015 to 2019. Although the CPC does not possess recommending or voting authority, it offers valuable guidance to developers and property owners, ensuring that development aligns with the goals, recommendations, and framework of the adopted comprehensive plan. Commissioner Springer’s dedicated service has been instrumental in upholding consistency and adherence to Southlake's comprehensive plan. The City of Southlake expresses gratitude for his tireless efforts and looks forward to many more years of his valuable contributions.
