at Virginia Commonwealth University

The John Marlles Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning program in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. While not specifically a Virginia Downtown Development Association Program, the Board of Directors of VDDA has committed to financially supporting the scholarship fund through proceeds from the Silent Auction at each annual Virginia Downtown Conference. John Marlles is the founder of the VDDA, and is also recognized through VDDA' John Marlles Commitment Award (see Awards of Excellence).

In honor of Mr. Jack R. “John” Marlles, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Richmond District Council and the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Virginia) have joined with Virginia Commonwealth University to establish the Jack R. “John” Marlles Memorial Scholarship in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. Marlles was an ’83 graduate of VCU’s Master’s Program in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) and had an extensive and well-noted career in urban planning. Mr. Marlles passed away on September 20, 2005.

Mr. Marlles was a dedicated public servant. He came to Richmond in 1979 to work for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. While there, he was responsible for the introduction into the Commonwealth of Virginia the Main Street Program and the Virginia Urban Enterprise Zone Program. In 1982, he founded the Virginia Downtown Development Association.  In 1987, he took over as chief of the Department of Planning and Community Development in Roanoke, Virginia, where he helped to shape such projects as the re-opening of the Hotel Roanoke. Mr. Marlles returned with his family to the Richmond area in 1998 to direct the Planning Department for the County of Henrico. In 2004, he created a new department of community revitalization in Henrico County and became the department’s first director. In addition to his work, Mr. Marlles was a great supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and an avid Civil War buff. Mr. Marlles was best known for his humility and generosity of spirit.

For more information on this program, please visit the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association.