Commerce’s Dave Andersen has been named to the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP), the American Planning Association announced this week.
Induction to the College of Fellows is made in recognition of “significant and transformational improvements to the field of planning” and is the highest honor the AICP bestows upon a member.
“Being named a Fellow honors a planner’s dedication, vision, and impact on communities,” said Erin Perdu, AICP, president of the AICP Commission. “It recognizes those whose work inspires colleagues and sets a standard for excellence in the profession.”
Andersen is managing director of Growth Management Services (GMS), the Commerce team that helps communities in Washington plan for their growth and development. Despite the individual nature of the award, Andersen was quick to credit the shared commitment and collective expertise of the GMS staff.
“This honor shines a light on the quiet, everyday work of an extraordinary team,” Andersen said. “I’m grateful for my Growth Management Services colleagues and partners whose persistence, creativity, and care for communities made this possible. Any recognition for my work is a reflection on the power of the entire team.”
Andersen has more than 30 years of professional planning experience and has been with Commerce since 2001, starting as the agency’s transportation policy specialist. He was previously recognized in 2010 and 2023 with the American Planning Association of Washington’s Meyer Wolfe Award for Professional Achievement for his work managing the review and update of the agency’s administrative rules implementing the Growth Management Act.
A native of Sioux City, Iowa, Andersen holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s in planning from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Andersen is one of 55 inductees into this year’s College of Fellows.