Warren County Planning Director Wayne LaMothe Recipient of Prestigious Award for Planning Excellence
Wayne LaMothe, Warren County’s Director of Planning and Community Development, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the New York Planning Federation’s highest award for outstanding accomplishments in the field of planning.
LaMothe was chosen to receive this year’s “Heissenbuttel Award for Planning Excellence” which is presented by the NYPF annually to an individual, municipality, or agency for their work in planning. He received the award recently at the NYPF’s annual conference in Saratoga Springs.
LaMothe was recognized for his remarkable 42-year career with Warren County, starting as an intern in 1981 and rising through the ranks to become the Warren County Director of Planning and Community Development in 2012.
During his career, he helped secure over $36 million in program funding, and an additional $10 million of in-kind and private financing to support county and local projects. He also helped initiate the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor, started in 1988, and was awarded over $9.5 million for communities along the historic and culturally significant Upper Hudson River watershed.
LaMothe also was instrumental in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to improve Warren County’s tax maps, and helped develop the GIS into a crucial mapping and data resource for Warren County and its communities. He also oversaw a successful housing rehabilitation program, led Warren County’s efforts in the distribution and implementation of American Rescue Plan Act funding, and helped lead the county’s COVID-19 pandemic data tracking.
“We are very thankful that the New York Planning Federation recognized Wayne for the outstanding work he has done for Warren County for more than four decades. He is a long-term employee who has done a great job for us. Warren County is a better place to live and work because of Wayne’s tireless efforts,” said Kevin Geraghty, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
The New York Planning Federation congratulates Wayne LaMothe on receiving this award!
Created in 1937, the New York Planning Federation provides training, educational and informational services to a broad range of members, enabling them to better assist themselves and their municipalities with development and land use decisions. The membership includes more than 5,000 individuals representing more than 400 municipalities and organizations across New York State.
(Photo caption: Wayne LaMothe, right, with, NY Planning Federation President Dave LaPlante as LaMothe received his award in April at the NYPF conference in Saratoga Springs)