The state coordinator of the Wyoming Main Street program and director of the Wyoming Rural Development Council, Mary Randolph, was recently awarded Western Planner of the Year at a conference in New Mexico. Western Planning Resources, Inc. (WPR) gives the award to honor individuals who have the fortitude, skills and humor necessary to be recognized practitioners and outspoken advocates on behalf of planning in the West.

Randolph developed the Wyoming Rural Development Council Community Assessment program which has been used by 90 Wyoming communities and many out-of-state communities to achieve their planning goals.  She is chairman of the National Rural Development Partnership Executive Board, and serves on the advisory boards for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Community Development, Fannie Mae, Frontier Heritage Alliance, and many others.

Matt Ashby, president of WPR, said Randolph was chosen because of her efforts to improve and increase the planning capacity of communities around Wyoming through her work with the Wyoming Rural Development Council and the Wyoming Main Street program.

This award recognizes the significant efforts of community planners around the Western region who are often faced with difficult and complex propositions in improving our communities. These awards help bolster our professionals in support of building great communities.  Mary has been a significant force in community planning not just in Wyoming, but other states as well, and it was important to recognize her efforts.
-Matt Ashby

The award honors planners who have gained respect as fellow professionals, and identifies and recognizes the achievements that led to the winner’s selection.

At one time Randolph was the director of "Our Town" which was the precursor to the Laramie Main Street Alliance according to current director Trey Sherwood.

Mary is very talented and has made a positive impact on the entire state of Wyoming.
-Trey Sherwood

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