Upstate planners named Local Government Champions
/The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association is proud to announce that two of our members have been recognized by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and LocalGov250 as part of the prestigious 250 Champions Initiative.
Sean Maguire (L) and Megan Wilson (R)
APA New York Upstate Chapter President, Sean Maguire, AICP, CEcD and Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning & Development, City of Ithaca have been selected as honorees for this national award. They were among the 250 Champions officially honored in Philadelphia on May 12, 2026, preceding the ICMA National Conference.
The 250 Champions Initiative celebrates public servants who go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating excellence and inspiring those around them. Selected from hundreds of nominations across all 50 states, these honorees represent the diverse professions—from planners and engineers to librarians and public health officials—that make local government work and sustain American democracy.
Sean Maguire (L) and APA President and fellow champion Sue Schwartz, FAICP (R)
(photo by Madeline Sturms, APA Iowa)
“There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them,” said James-Christian Blockwood, President & CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives.”
“250 Champions is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the important role of local government in implementing democracy every day,” added Wally Bobkiewicz, selection committee member of LocalGov 250.
To be eligible for this honor, nominees must exemplify the highest standards of service to the public. As planners, Sean and Megan have consistently demonstrated this commitment, working to build stronger, more resilient communities across Upstate New York. Their recognition on this national stage underscores the vital role that planning professionals play in the broader landscape of public administration.
Please join us in congratulating Sean and Megan on this incredible achievement and thanking them for their continued dedication to the planning profession and the public good!
The St. Lawrence County Planning Office is seeking an entry level Planner to join a group of other professionals working in the largest County, by area, in the State. The successful candidate will have strong communication and writing skills and be familiar with GIS. Work will be varied but responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, preparing graphic materials, assisting with community planning projects and programs, and staffing various advisory boards such as the County Planning Board, Environmental Management Council, Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and Fair Housing Taskforce. The work is closely reviewed and is performed under direct supervision of a higher level Planner or the Director of Planning, but incumbents are allowed to work under more general supervision as they increase in professional competence.