Assembly Resolution No. 279

BY: M. of A. Finch

COMMENDING William Fulton upon the occasion of his
designation as a 2017 Inductee into the Auburn
Alumni Hall of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend William Fulton upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017
Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction, to be celebrated at
an Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2017, at the Hilton Garden Inn,
Auburn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction was established in
2012, by the Auburn Education Foundation to recognize, honor and
celebrate graduates who have distinguished themselves through
outstanding academic, professional, or civic achievements and to inspire
current students to pursue a path towards personal success; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular merit, William Fulton, Auburn High Class
of 1973, has continually demonstrated tremendous competence,
extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering
service to both his community and his profession and consequently has
been selected for this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Auburn, New York, Bill Fulton received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure
University before earning a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from
American University as well as a Master of Arts degree in Urban Planning
from UCLA; and

WHEREAS, William Fulton, affectionately known as Bill, is an
American author, nationally recognized urban planning expert, and
politician; he served as Mayor of the City of Ventura, California from
2009 to 2011, and later as the Planning Director for the City of San
Diego; and

WHEREAS, Currently serving as Director of the Kinder Institute for
Urban Research at Rice University, Bill Fulton coordinates the
university's research partnership with the City of Houston and its
involvement with the MetroLab Network; he is presently exploring ways to
use Smart City technology to improve both the city's operations and its
policymaking process; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Bill Fulton has also
served as Vice President for Policy at Smart Growth America, Principal
in the California-based urban planning firm now known as PlaceWorks, and
Senior Fellow at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University
of Southern California; and

WHEREAS, Bill Fulton is the founding editor and publisher of
California Planning & Development Report, and author of five books,
including Guide to California Planning and The Reluctant Metropolis: The
Politics of Urban Growth in Los Angeles, which was a Los Angeles Times
best-seller; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Bill Fulton has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Bill Fulton has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend William Fulton upon the occasion of his designation as a 2017
Inductee into the Auburn Alumni Hall of Distinction; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William Fulton.