Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

In over 40 years as a professional planner, Rich Bickel made significant contributions on the regional, state, and national planning stage.  He has been described as thoughtful, innovative, and practical, with an understanding of political dynamics and stakeholder interests needed to advance major initiatives.  His diverse career included being Chief of Community Planning at Montgomery County Planning Commission, Director of Long Range Planning at SEPTA, and two terms at Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, retiring in 2014 as Director of the Planning Division.  Work included innovative zoning regulations, comprehensive plans, long-range regional plans, and technical studies on issues including environmental justice, transit-oriented development, and community revitalization.  Statewide, he has been an active committee member and leader for APA-PA and predecessor organizations.  He served on the state task force that led to comprehensive amendments to the Municipalities  Planning Code in 1988.  He drafted the initial language for and promoted enactment of the TRID Act in 2004.  Service at the national level includes the Site Visitor Planning Accreditation Board, APA legislative and policy committees, and the Transportation Research Board.  Throughout, Rich performed at the highest level as a planner, and provided innovation, leadership, and mentoring.