Earlier today, Elizabeth “Liz” Abernethy, the Planning and Development Director for the City of St. Petersburg, was awarded the Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Florida). The award ceremony took place at the 2024 Florida Planning Conference held at the Tampa Convention Center, where city planning professionals from across Florida gathered.
“Elizabeth Abernethy’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the future of St. Petersburg,” stated Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “Her innovative approach to urban planning and development has not only preserved the unique character of our city but has also positioned us as a leader in sustainable and inclusive growth. Liz’s recognition as Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year is well-deserved, and we are incredibly proud of her contributions to our community.”
Abernethy has been involved in city planning for over 30 years within the Tampa Bay area. She joined St. Petersburg’s municipal team in September 2014, initially serving as a zoning official and manager for Development Review Services before becoming Director of Planning and Development Services. In her current role, she oversees building, zoning, planning, and historic preservation activities.
Among Abernethy’s notable achievements are leading the award-winning StPete2050 community visioning effort; updating key plans like the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan; implementing code changes for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) citywide; establishing affordable housing project approvals under recent state legislation; enhancing urban agriculture provisions; updating coastal policies to address sea level rise; creating a Storefront Conservation Corridor Overlay; revising noise regulations with improved enforcement procedures; updating residential Land Development Regulations with a new floor area ratio approach; and introducing enhanced protection measures for grand trees through a tree and landscape code update.
