Kitson is celebrated for his pioneering achievements in developing America’s first solar-powered town in Southwest Florida
Syd Kitson, Founder of Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town, has been recognized as the 2023 TIME ‘Dreamer of the Year,’ in a branded content partnership presented with American Family Insurance.
The TIME “Dreamer of the Year” recognizes an individual who works tirelessly to protect, restore and champion dreams, while inspiring others to pursue their own. In its second year, the “Dreamer of the Year” grew out of the partnership American Family forged with TIME in 2020 inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
“Change and innovation starts with a dream, and this year’s TIME Dreamer of the Year Syd Kitson exemplifies both those qualities,” said TIME CEO Jessica Sibley. “We’re thrilled to partner with American Family Insurance to bring awareness to bold leaders who want to preserve and protect our future for generations to come through this branded content partnership.”
‘Dreamer of the Year’ celebrates Kitson’s dedication to environmental responsibility and his investment in people and community for a better tomorrow. Kitson has distinguished Babcock Ranch as a beacon of environmental and social sustainability by designing with nature, not against it.
“I’m honored to be named the ‘Dreamer of the Year’ and to show visionaries that they can turn a world-changing dream into a reality,” said Syd Kitson, Chairman/CEO of Kitson & Partners, developer of Babcock Ranch. “American Family Insurance shares a similar moral blueprint to strengthen our communities by driving positive social, economic, and environmental change together and we thank them for their support.”
Babcock Ranch’s creation as America’s first solar-powered town is the economic engine that powered the largest preservation land purchase in state history, the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve. The remaining 18,000 acres set aside for the town of Babcock Ranch were developed with climate resilience and a green footprint in mind. Developed far above Florida green building standards, Babcock Ranch, features storm-ready landscaping and innovative stormwater management systems integrated throughout the multigenerational community, as well as offering a gigabyte of fiber connected to every residential home – Babcock Ranch makes green living accessible, affordable, and effortless.
“The Dreamer of the Year is someone who reimagines what’s possible and builds stronger communities, for today and tomorrow,” said Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance Group CEO. Supporting dreamers who make a difference in our world directly aligns with our mission at American Family Insurance of inspiring, protecting, and restoring dreams. Syd Kitson has created something unique and special at Babcock Ranch – a resilient community that is designed to overcome what Mother Nature throws at them. We’re proud to partner with Syd and learn together as American Family continues to protect and restore communities that are at greater risk due to rising climate impacts.”
American Family Insurance and TIME’s award winning branded content division Red Border by TIME worked together to create a digital highlight to spotlight Kitson and his work, please view here: Dreamer of the Year.
Media Contact: Mariah Kulkin
FINN Partners
babcockranch@finnpartners.com
