Victor Dover, FAICP, has spent a career proving that good planning is not an abstract ideal but a practical tool for shaping places people love. As a founding principal of Dover, Kohl & Partners, Dover has helped cities and towns across the United States—and around the world—rethink how neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces work together to support everyday life. From revitalizing historic downtowns to repairing auto-oriented sprawl, his work demonstrates how thoughtful design can re-energize communities socially, economically, and environmentally.
Get tickets to attend Great Cities 2026 here
Trained as an architect, Dover’s portfolio spans dozens of states, five continents, and includes brand new neighborhoods, iconic historic cities, transit-oriented development, suburban retrofits, and comprehensive regional plans. Communities as diverse as Miami, Charleston, El Paso, Atlanta, and Winter Park bear the imprint of his approach: streets that prioritize people over automobiles, public spaces that invite civic life, and neighborhoods that balance growth with character.
Among Dover’s most celebrated efforts is Plan El Paso, a comprehensive vision that reoriented a rising American city toward walkability and urban reinvestment. The plan was hailed as “America’s Best Smart Growth Plan,” a distinction that underscored Dover’s ability to translate big ideas into actionable strategies with broad civic support. That emphasis on collaboration has been a hallmark of his career. Dover is known for integrating meaningful citizen involvement into planning processes, helping communities take real ownership of shaping their own futures.
His influence extends beyond built projects into the ideas that guide contemporary practice. In 2014, he coauthored the seminal book Street Design: The Secrets of Great Cities and Towns with John Massengale, a text that has become essential for planners and designers seeking to create safer, more beautiful, and more functional streets. An updated edition is slated for release in early 2026, reflecting the continued relevance of his ideas and influence.
Dover’s impact has been matched by significant recognition. Dover is a Fellow of both the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Congress for New Urbanism, honors reserved for those who have made lasting contributions to the field. In 2024, Dover received the prestigious Seaside Prize, awarded to individuals whose life’s work exemplifies the mission of inspiring livable communities. A sought-after speaker and educator, he teaches at the University of Miami and has held leadership roles with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the National Recreation & Parks Association.
On February 5th, Dover brings his depth of experience to Jacksonville as the featured speaker at the Great Cities Symposium. The evening includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and Q&A facilitated by Abel Harding, JAX Chamber Chair-Elect. The annual program is hosted by Scenic Jacksonville, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment of Jacksonville.