Congratulations to Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck for becoming the 2020 Distinguished Public Official by the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association earlier this month.
Mayor Meck was nominated for his long list of accomplishments in planning for the future of Buckeye, the West Valley and throughout Arizona, while balancing natural resources and environmental habitats.
Some of the highlights of his career include:
- Spearheading efforts to restore the Gila River by removing invasive salt cedars and replacing them with native plants
- Advocating the preservation of the White Tank Mountains as a founding member and current Board member of the White Tank Mountains Conservancy Group
- Envisioning the need for open space and natural resource conservation within the city of Buckeye with the establishment of Skyline Regional Park
Mayor Meck also serves on countless Boards for the Maricopa Association of Governments, the El Rio Restoration Project, Interstate-11 Coalition and Abrazo West Campus.
A Buckeye native, Mayor Meck was re-elected to his third consecutive term in 2016, previously serves as Mayor from 1973 to 1975 and as a Buckeye Council Member from 1968 to 1975. He is a true and devoted public servant who has contributed significantly to the planning throughout Arizona.
The Arizona Chapter of the APA is focused on addressing and resolving the unique planning challenges and needs facing Arizona. Their annual awards ceremony showcases great achievements and outstanding contributors to planning throughout the state.
This year’s awards ceremony was virtual. You can watch the video of Mayor Meck’s accomplishments and acceptance speech shown at the conference.