October 25th, 2024 – Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter announced today that Ela Dokonal, AICP CUD CC-P LEED-AP, Commissioner, Town of Islip Planning and Development Department, is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Andrew Haswell Green Award for her outstanding contributions to urban planning for many years. The award was presented on behalf of the American Planning Association – New York Metro Chapter (APA NYM Chapter) at the 2024 APA-NYM Annual Conference on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life.

The Andrew Haswell Green Award is given to individuals who have made significant and long-lasting contributions in the field of planning for at least 15 years. This award recognizes dedication to improving the built environment, promoting sustainable development, and fostering community engagement.

“Your work, both regionally and internationally, has had a lasting impact on urban design and sustainability. From your leadership in Form-Based Codes to your work on eco-city projects, you have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to promoting smart growth and pedestrian-friendly urban environments. Your contributions to the APA NYM Chapter, particularly as Vice President of Communications, have also helped advance the profession and strengthen our community of planners,” said Kevin Corte’, AICP, 2024 Conference Chair, APA NYM Chapter.

“We are fortunate here in the Town of Islip, to have such an incredibly talented team of professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life for all our residents. It is no small undertaking to implement policies that shape the future of the more than 330,000 residents living in a total area of 106 square miles, while promoting sustainability, inclusivity and resilience. Ela Dokonal is a forward-thinking professional with a proven track record in planning and urban design and is truly deserving of the prestigious Andrew Haswell Green Award,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

Trained as an architect, Ela Dokonal focused her career in planning and urban design and is a certified planner (AICP) and urban designer (CUD), certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P) and LEED accredited professional (LEED AP), creative thinker and strategist, with 25 years of local and international experience in transforming places through innovative solutions. Ela has led multi-disciplinary teams integrating technical solutions to solve complex development challenges, while creating development strategies for mixed-use revitalization and development projects. Ela utilized her design skills to create numerous adopted design guidelines and innovative form-based codes. She brings this innovative experience and her training as Climate Change Professional and LEED AP to the Town to provide solutions for climate-related risks and incorporate sustainability solutions in land use policies.

Ela contributed to projects that received the following awards:

• Project: Redevelopment Action Plan, New Rochelle, NY, Award: William H White, American Planning Association NY Metro Chapter, 2015
• Project: Downtown Overlay Zone, New Rochelle, NY, Award: Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, 2015
• Project: Daniel Robertson Australian Headquarters, office building, Award: Builders Association of Australia, 1997

“I am deeply grateful for the APA NYM Chapter’s recognition and for the opportunity to serve the Town of Islip. Planning is not just about designing places; it’s about shaping communities, enhancing lives, and fostering a sense of belonging,” said Ms. Dokonal. “In my role, I have the privilege of working on policies and applications that shape our community’s future, promoting inclusivity and resilience, and I take that responsibility very seriously, ensuring that our collective decisions reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. Together, we strive to create spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and sustainable, ready for all the challenges the future brings,” she said.

The theme of this year’s conference was, “Planning in an Era of Change: Past Lessons, Emergent Issues, Future Adaptations.”

Incorporated in 1683 under English rule, The Town of Islip is a municipality within the State of New York. The Town provides valuable services to over 330,000 residents.

To learn more about our Town, please visit our Explore Islip homepage.