The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association presented West Lake Hills with the 2019 Certificate of Achievement for the Richard R Lillie Program for Planning Excellence. The certificate was presented by Anjali Naini, the director of building and development services, during a Nov. 13 regular meeting.


The certificate recognized the Planning and Zoning Commission department’s professional planning standards. The department was commended for encouraging funding for professional training, increasing awareness for professional planning, enhancing neighborhood and citizen recognition of planning efforts, and aiding economic development and community image.

According to Naini, some of the criteria used in the decision-making process included having updated city ordinances, staff members with certifications and staff members who belong to professional organizations.

Forty cities throughout the state of Texas received the planning excellence award.