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Planning Advocacy:
Why Should We Do It?
As members of the American Planning Association, planners serve the public interest. We are leaders in ensuring safe, attractive, healthy and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. We fight for affordable housing. We insist on accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation. We address the plight of distressed neighborhoods. We encourage visioning and regional cooperation. Whether we work in the public or private sector and regardless of our area of expertise, we want growth to occur in a smart and sustainable fashion so we work every day to prepare Florida for the next generation.
Therefore, it is our duty, as planners, to educate elected officials on these matters and advocate for excellence in planning. Our greatest tool is our expertise and our ability to communicate. The input that you provide to the Chapter Office building up to and during the Legislative Session on the numerous bills that impact growth and development in this state is of enormous value. Even though there may be varying opinions within the organization, FAPA is often in the position of being able to share all points of view with Legislators and Legislative staff. Their appreciation of that input and expertise is tremendous. Your advocacy, whether through the Chapter or meeting directly with your elected officials, creates local and state leaders that support and demand good planning. You add value to legislative deliberations and creditability to FAPA as a resource and statewide network of planning professionals.
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