Flanked by Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning officials is Michael Méndez with his Edward Blakely award.
Honor recognizes dedication to advancing social justice and environmental equity
Michael Méndez, associate professor of urban planning and public policy and Chancellor’s Fellow, has been honored with the Edward Blakely Award of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
He accepted the award at the organization’s 2025 Annual Conference in Minneapolis on Oct. 25.
Méndez was recognized for his dedication to advancing social justice and environmental equity through both scholarship and public service, exemplifying the legacy of Edward Blakely, a longtime UC Berkeley urban planning scholar and Hurricane Katrina “Recovery Czar,” who passed away in September at age 87.
"The late Professor Edward Blakely embodied the virtues of pursuing equitable planning approaches for the most marginalized communities," Méndez says. "I am honored to be given an award named after him."