American Planning Association New York Upstate Chapter Honors Comprehensive Plan Project and Retired LaBella Planner
City of Corning Receives Silver Award in the Comprehensive Planning Category and Christopher Round Receives Distinguished Leader Award!
LaBella is proud to share that one project and one distinguished professional were recognized by the American Planning Association New York Upstate Chapter (APA NY Upstate Chapter) at the 2026 Upstate NY Planning Conference, held October 14–16, 2026, in Albany, New York.
Scroll down to learn more about the honorees, and please join us in congratulating them on these outstanding achievements!
Silver Award, Comprehensive Planning Category
City of Corning’s Comprehensive Plan
The APA NY Upstate Chapter Comprehensive Planning category celebrates a comprehensive plan that advances the science and art of planning, highlighting originality and innovation, engagement, the role of planners, implementation, and effectiveness.
The City of Corning’s Comprehensive Plan reestablishes a unified, forward-looking vision after more than 20 years, integrating numerous prior initiatives into a cohesive smart growth framework. It emphasizes transformational, implementation-ready projects, an enhanced and context-sensitive land use strategy, and a strong citywide focus beyond downtown.
An inclusive engagement process featuring a diverse steering committee, broad stakeholder outreach, and extensive public involvement built strong community ownership. Guided by LaBella’s planners, the plan is both visionary and actionable, already generating momentum through early implementation efforts and positioning Corning for long-term economic and community success.
Congratulations to the City of Corning and LaBella project team!
Learn More About the Project
Distinguished Leader Planner Emeritus
Christopher Round, AICP
The APA NY Upstate Chapter Distinguished Leader Planner Emeritus Award celebrates a retired planner, recognizing their distinguished contributions to planning over the course of their career.
Christopher (Chris) retired in 2026 after more than 35 years of exemplary service advancing planning, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization in Upstate New York.
After a career start as an environmental scientist and later Director of Community Development for the Town of Queensbury, Chris spent two decades as a Vice President and Planning Practice Leader with LaBella Associates. As a trusted advisor able to find common ground among all stakeholders, Chris was known for his innate ability to connect planning with implementation, moving complex initiatives forward.
Chris has guided comprehensive plans, redevelopment strategies, housing initiatives, and environmental reviews while mentoring future planners across Upstate New York. His career reflects the highest standards of the profession through leadership, technical expertise, public service, and a commitment to building stronger communities. His influence can be seen not only in the plans he prepared but also in the infrastructure built, resources protected, communities strengthened, and professionals inspired throughout his remarkable career.
Congratulations, Chris!
