The Cincinnati Section of the American Planning Assocation - Ohio is thrilled to announce the Jared Ellis Memorial Fund.

This award will recognize and honor the contributions of early planning professionals in the Cincinnati area. As most awards in the planning field recognize contributions later in a career, this award will help emerging professionals gain recognition and further their career through creating new opportunities through pursuit of education, training, events, travel, AICP certification, and/or any nontraditional professional development pathways.

Jared Ellis joined the City of Cincinnati family as an intern with the Department of City Planning (before it was City Planning and Engagement) in 2016 while completing his Bachelor of Urban Planning at the University of Cincinnati and was hired as a full-time employee in 2018. Jared is remembered by many as a true champion for Cincinnati. He had a zest for life that was unmatched and will be missed. Jared was also a tremendous public servant who was proud to serve the City of Cincinnati. That pride was demonstrated in his work. Jared was tireless, never shy to take on a new challenge. He treated everyone fairly and with respect. He also had a knack for using humor to bring a sense of levity to even the most difficult situations.

His work included many diverse projects, including facilitating the Subdivision and Zoning  Working Group, which resulted in the creation of the first major rewrite of the City’s Subdivision  Regulations in over 60 years; coordinating subdivision requests; staffing the City Planning Commission; facilitating the Neighborhood Planning Process for Columbia Tusculum and  Kennedy Heights; helping to plan the Neighborhood Summit; working with the Office of Budget  and Evaluation on Community Budget Engagement and managing the Community Budget  Request Process; assisting with the approval of the Marian Spencer Statue at Smale Riverfront  Park; and leading the effort to get Findlay Market designated as a “Great Place in America” by  the American Planning Association.

This award will start to accept applications on his birthday, May 31^st. APA Ohio has graciously offered to cover the costs associated with cred card merchant fees (if donating via Credit Card) for this program. Thank you APA Ohio – our department truly appreciates it.

Please find the flyer attached for more information or visit his website here: www.ohioplanning.org/JaredEllis