M. Margo Wheeler, FAICP
FAICP Statement
Margo Wheeler’s 30-year career has been one of transformative, inspirational leadership. As Planning Director in several California cities, Margo has worked tirelessly to create communities of lasting value. Her legacy in Las Vegas include a revitalized downtown and the world-famous Neon Museum. Her remarkable accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards. Margo’s leadership for APA include hosting the 2008 National Conference in Las Vegas and chairing the City Planning & Management Division. She has mentored other planners with particular focus on citizen planners and women, helping them to be strong, effective leaders able to overcome obstacles and achieve tremendous results. Inducted 2014.
Professional Biography
Margo Wheeler is currently a Planning Commissioner for the city of Seal Beach, CA. She was on the faculty of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, teaching planning law, design, historical preservation, and ethics from 2014 - 22. For 25 years she was a professional planner in both the public and private sector in the state of CA. She was planning director in 6 cities in northern and southern CA. She was the Planning Director for the city of Las Vegas, NV, until 2011. She served two terms as the Chair of the City Planning and Management Division of APA. She was the chair of the city of Flagstaff Planning & Zoning Commission until 2020. She holds a Master's degree from the University of Southern California in Urban and Regional Studies and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Cal State University, Los Angeles. She was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners in the class of 2014.