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e-NEWS and NOTES: A Biweekly Bulletin
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In This Issue:
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July 21, 2003
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STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
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GRANTS, FUNDING, & RFPS
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NEWS, REPORTS, AND PUBLICATIONS
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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
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FAPA/AICP NEWS, INFORMATION & UPDATES
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FAPA MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS
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GOVERNOR SIGNS TRANSPORTATION BILL
On Monday, July 14, 2003, Governor Bush signed the Transportation Bill, Senate Bill 676, into law. As you will recall, this bill contained language in Section 59, which preempted the authority of local governments to exercise their police powers. FAPA, as well as several other organizations, asked the Governor to veto the bill. In his transmittal letter to Secretary of State Glenda Hood, the Governor addressed these concerns as follows:
“Section 59 of this bill, however, has been the subject of much discussion, primarily in the form of concerns raised by representatives of local governments that the scope of the amendment to Section 335.02, Florida Statutes, is too far reaching. It is my understanding that this section was developed as a result of lawsuits surrounding local ordinances. These lawsuits have delayed important transportation projects and cost taxpayers millions of dollars unnecessarily.
Building a statewide transportation system is critical to our state and its economy. This bill does much to improve the provision of a quality system. In providing this system, a balance must exist between the Department of Transportation and local governments to ensure that this system can be as effective and efficient as possible, while still being sensitive to local conditions and objectives. The process that the Department of Transportation and its partners conduct to plan, design and construct a facility is a lengthy one, and should be based on known parameters. It is important to the overall system that local governments do not have undue authority to impact the cost, or in some circumstances seriously delay or block the implementation, of the transportation work program as enacted by the Legislature through imposition of local ordinances, particularly those adopted during the development of a facility. At the same time, it is and will continue to be the mandate of the Department of Transportation to work with local governments throughout the planning, designing and construction of transportation facilities, and further, to resolve any resulting issues, to the maximum extent feasible, in a manner compatible with local objectives.
As such, I expect, and indeed direct, the Department of Transportation to reinforce its collaborative efforts with local governments. The transportation planning process that builds upon local priorities has been developed in this spirit, codified in state and federal law and that extensive public involvement in the various stages of this process must continue. Section 59 will not change this approach. As always the Department will work very closely with the metropolitan planning organizations, county and city commissions, the regional planning councils, and special districts to create a functional and efficient statewide transportation network that serves our communities and demonstrates our commitment to the natural environment. All state and federal requirements remain fully applicable to transportation projects. This collaborative process must strike a reasonable balance meeting local needs while striving to avoid the unintended consequence of local initiatives reducing the fiscal ability of the Department to deliver legislatively-approved transportation projects and services to all parts of the state.
It is my full expectation that in those limited situations where local requirements come into conflict with statewide objectives that the issues will be satisfactorily resolved in the true spirit of state and local cooperation. In those rare situations where issues cannot be resolved, the Department of Transportation is directed to notify my office prior to proceeding to the next phase of project implementation. I will be looking to local governments and the Department of Transportation, as well as following the general application of this section, to determine if changes are needed, either in administrative application or to provide legislative clarification.”
The full text of the letter may be read at www11.myflorida.com/planning/sis/pdfs/SB676Letter.pdf.
AGRICULTURAL WATER POLICY FROM COMMISSIONER CHARLES BRONSON
On July 15, 2003, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson released a comprehensive Agricultural Water Policy document, which is designed to help the state face water supply challenges over the next 20 years. The policy is the result of a two-year planning effort, which included public meetings. The policy provides for the development of conservation management technologies to ensure efficient use of water in agricultural operations; sets up partnerships with governments and local communities to recommend ways of using recycled urban water for local agricultural use; and stresses the need for industry groups to implement Best Management Practices to ensure water remains available to agriculture while at the same time protecting the water supply for the state’s growing population. For further detail, visit the Agricultural Water Policy website at www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/.
GOVERNOR BUSH ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT WEKIVA RIVER BASIN
On July 1, Governor Jeb Bush issued an Executive Order establishing a 28-member Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee and directed them to use the best information and science available to create a menu of options for enhancing local government land development plans and development standards to protect the region's water supply. The Committee will review existing plans and land development regulations to improve and assure protection of water resources, including groundwater recharge potential, and the unique wildlife habitat of the Wekiva Study Area, while also recognizing the needs of existing land uses, such as agriculture, and acknowledging established property rights. The Committee, to be chaired by Senator Lee Constantine, Altamonte Springs, will include representation from citizens groups, the agricultural community, property owners, and environmental or conservation organizations, as well as state, regional and local agencies. The committee will hold its first meeting in the study area, later this summer and will issues its recommendations by February 15, 2004. For more information about the Wekiva Basin Area Task Force and a copy of the Executive Order, visit www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/DCP/wekiva/wekivariver.htm.
SURVEY REGARDING STATE ENERGY PLAN
An initial survey is now posted on the Energy Plan website to solicit public input on a key element of the planning process. Please see www.floridaenergyplan.net, “Participant Surveys”.
GREEN SWAMP ACQUISITION SAFEGUARDS WATER SUPPLY
On June 27, vital groundwater supplies in central Florida’s Green Swamp Area received added protection when Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Cabinet members voted to conserve more than 1,590 acres through perpetual conservation easements, which allow the property owners to continue to use the land while protecting it from development. Florida is investing just over $2.1 million for the six individual conservation easements – 90 percent of the approved value. The land agreements preserve a mosaic of cypress swamps, pine forests and pastures, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. With the highest groundwater elevation in the peninsula, Green Swamp is a critical area for maintaining the flow of water from the Floridan Aquifer, which gives rise to four major rivers -- the Withlacoochee, Oklawaha, Hillsborough and Peace Rivers. The Green Swamp Florida Forever project consists of 279,224 acres, extending throughout Lake and Polk counties. Two of Florida’s state parks are located within the Green Swamp area offering various recreational opportunities.
SENATE DELAY ON TEA-21 RENEWAL
Given continuing disagreement over the funding mechanism to support higher spending levels for TEA-21 renewal, Senate action is now being deferred until after Labor and possibly into next year. Increasing demands for Senate floor time, particularly in July, was another contributing factor to the delay. At the center of the controversy is a bonding plan, developed by Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Minority Member Max Baucus (D-MT), that would grow transportation revenues through new federal debt. Under the proposal, future federal commitments to public transit would be substantially destabilized in favor of highway spending, a plan strongly opposed by Senate Banking Committee Chair Richard Shelby (R-AL) and other panel leaders. The "Baucus-Grassley" plan has been strongly opposed by the Bush Administration and by a very broad cross-section of the transportation interests. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is still proceeding on the schedule that it set forth before the July 4th recess, promising to release a description of how Chairman Young's bill would distribute $375 billion among the various program categories and among the states. (Source: STPP)
TRANSIT FUNDING COALITION CREATED
On July 9, a group of House members announced the creation of the "Fair Alliance for Intermodal Investment" (FAIR), a group of lawmakers dedicated to preserving the current highway and transit funding structure. The new coalition argues that the spending formulas established in TEA-21 are necessary to ensure funding sources for road construction and public transportation systems. According to a press release, FAIR supports a bill that preserves a needs-based highway and transit program, builds on the intermodal principles of previous transportation bills, and focuses on developing a national transportation policy that will benefit all modes by creating a stronger, integrated national transportation system. (Source: STPP).
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SHIFT POWER TO PEOPLE TO LIMIT SPRAWL
News Journal On-Line Editorial by Leslie Blackner, a Palm Beach attorney and organizer of Florida Hometown Democracy. See www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/03OpFV01072003.htm.
BEACH LOSES ROUND OVER ZONING
St. Petersburg Times article by Alisa Ulferts, Times Staff Writer: Miami Beach lost a major legal fight that could have implications for high-rise development throughout the state. A state appellate court ruled that property owners can sue the city if officials place such burdensome restrictions on their land that they have stripped it of its development value. See
www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/6320288.htm.
COMPACT DEVELOPMENT CURE FOR HOUSING WOES
Contra Costa Times article by Lisa Vorderbrueggen. “Compact Development Near Transit Seen As Best Solution for Contra Costa's Housing and Commuting Woes”-- Contra Costa County has ample real estate to fight sprawl, say authors of a report from a Bay Area land-use and environmental group. The Greenbelt Alliance study, “Contra Costa County: Smart Growth or Sprawl?,” concludes that the county can stop building conventional subdivisions such as those under construction in Dougherty Valley and Antioch and still meet its housing demand, said Evelyn Stivers, the alliance's East Bay spokeswoman. See www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=3469&state=5.
PUBLIC TRANSIT INTERNATIONAL STUDY
A worldwide study by the International Association of Public Transit looked at fully automated, driverless metros now operated or under construction in 11 cities and concluded that these systems are "less expensive in investment and maintenance costs than those with a driver and also offer a much more attractive service quality." The conclusion comes from an eight-year survey of automated systems in Europe, North America, and Asia conducted by the International Union of Public Transport, headquartered in Brussels. For more information or to download the report, go to www.apta.com/services/intnatl/intfocus/drivrles.cfm.
AMERICAN ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has published "America's Top Transportation Projects & Public Officials of the 20th Century." ARTBA conducted a national survey to help identify the top 100 transportation infrastructure projects and public officials in all 50 states. The survey was sent to all members of Congress, the governors, state transportation secretaries, major daily newspaper editors, the top executives of the largest chambers of commerce and to American history professors at universities and colleges across the nation. In response, the association received hundreds of nominations. Copies of the report may be downloaded at www.artba.org/pdf/2003_Top_100_Projects.pdf.
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The American Planning Association’s website includes links to requests for proposals and requests for qualifications. You may access this information at www.planning.org/rfp-rfq/.
NEW FAPA LISTINGS:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) Office of Environmental Justice has created new funding opportunities through the ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING GRANT PROGRAM. The program provides financial assistance to community-based organizations who wish to engage in capacity-building initiatives, as well as utilize constructive engagement and collaborative problem-solving to seek viable solutions for their community's environmental and/or public health issues. The deadline is September 30, 2003. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/ej/grants/faq-ej-cps-grant.pdf.
REPEAT LISTINGS:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE: The Bureau of Historic Preservation of the Florida Department of State announces the availability of forms for application for designation as a 2003 FLORIDA MAIN STREET COMMUNITY. A maximum of three communities will receive Florida Main Street Designation in 2003. Complete applications must be delivered to the Florida Main Street Program, R. A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250, no later than 5:00 p.m. or postmarked and mailed or submitted (with evidence) to an express mail service on or before 12:00 midnight, July 25, 2003. Applications are available by contacting Miss Laura Lee Corbett, Florida Main Street Coordinator, at the above address or by calling 1(800)847-7278.
The City of Cedar Key, Florida, will receive Statements of Qualifications until 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 11, 2003, to select a firm for PLANNING SERVICES TO PROVIDE AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN. Services may include community wide goal setting or visioning process to determine the aspirations of the people of Cedar Key; complete analysis of the existing comprehensive plan elements and community redevelopment plan to determine its effectiveness toward attaining community goals; establishment of urban design guidelines for future development; preparation of plan for fiscal management of CRA funds for the life of program; an evaluation of the redevelopment area boundaries; an evaluation of the projected increase in redevelopment area land values and tax increment revenues; an evaluation of the Plan’s goals, objectives and policies, and recommendations for redevelopment programs. The planning services will include the preparation of an updated comprehensive plan and community redevelopment plan and implementation guidelines in compliance with State Statutes, Chapter 163, FS, Parts II & III. The City has contracted with the University of Florida to prepare base information to be used by the selected consultant. The base information will include GIS mapping system, census/demographic data, current land uses, vacant lands, parcel data, current permitted land uses, environmental and coastal data, utilities, housing data and traffic data. Professional services firms responding to this request should include firms specializing in planning; specifically but not limited to land use, urban design, economic development, and redevelopment. Five (5) signed copies of your qualifications should be submitted in one package, clearly marked on the outside "City of Cedar Key Comprehensive Plan and Community Redevelopment Plan Update” and addressed to: Ms. Frances Hodges, c/o City Clerk’s Office, 490 Second Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625-0339, 352-543-5132. To obtain a complete copy of the RFQ, send a request to LFJ@bellsouth.net. For more information concerning this request, please contact: David Coffey, City Attorney, Haile Village Center, 5346 S.W. 91st Terrace, (352) 335-8442, (352) 376-0026 fax, coffeypa@bellsouth.net. Contact by email or fax is preferred.
The Florida Coastal Management Program announces an application period under its Coastal Partnerships Initiative for funding of innovative coastal projects. The Coastal Partnerships Initiative is intended to inspire community action and promote the protection and effective management of Florida’s coastal resources by seeking applications in four specific initiative categories: Working Waterfronts, Access to Coastal Resources, Remarkable Coastal Places, and Community Stewardship. The Coastal Partnerships Initiative may provide technical assistance, training, and/or financial assistance as reimbursement grants of no more than $25,000, except for small capital improvement or construction projects, which may not exceed $50,000. The funding cycle will begin July 1, 2003 and end June 30, 2004. All projects must be initiated and completed within the funding cycle. The total amount of funding available for the Coastal Partnerships Initiative is not known at this point, but may be approximately $600,000 to $1 million, based on past awards from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, governs all aspects of the Florida Coastal Management Program’s Coastal Partnerships Initiative. The rule describes the four initiative categories; the required project proposal and application information; the format in which it is to be submitted; the submittal procedures to be followed as part of the application process; and the criteria and procedures by which applications will be evaluated and ranked. There is no specific application form. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Tuesday, October 1, 2002. For eligibility criteria and a copy of Rule 62S-4, F.A.C., go to www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/legislative/coastal/62S-4.pdf or contact Debbie Skelton at (850) 245-2161; or by e-mail at: debbie.skelton@dep.state.fl.us.
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GREEN BUILDING WEBSITE
The City of Portland, Oregon's Office of Sustainability has developed a website that serves as a depository of green building technologies, case studies, specifications, and other technical resources. For more information, visit www.green-rated.org/.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT GUIDE TO GREENPRINTING
The Trust for Public Land's (TPL’s) “Local Greenprinting for Growth” is now available. Greenprinting is TPL's term for a smart growth strategy that ensures quality of life, clean air and water, recreation, and economic health. Published in partnership with the National Association of Counties--and completely revised from the version previously on TPL's Web site--this workbook series is a guide for communities seeking to create a greenprint conservation program. Copies of the report may be purchased or downloaded from TPL’s website at ga0.org/ct/O1aD7WM19uJ_/download_or_purchase_g4g_report.
AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST (AFT) HELPS COMMUNITIES PLAN FOR AGRICULTURE
Planning for agriculture is as important as planning for development. It creates the framework for an economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural industry. An effective plan includes land use policies and programs to keep land available and affordable for farming, as well as economic development tools to make farming profitable. By incorporating both of these elements into a plan, communities can preserve their rural character, support farmers and protect an important natural resource. For more information about how AFT can help your community plan for agriculture, please contact Jill Schwartz at 202-331-7300 x3011, or jschwartz@farmland.org, or visit AFT's website at www.farmland.org.
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION ATLAS DATABASE (NTAD) 2003 EDITION
This resource, created by the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), is a collection of geographic databases containing information on nationwide transportation facilities, transportation networks, and associated infrastructure - supporting research, analysis, and decision-making across all modes of transportation. It is the first complete national database to be developed and distributed that describes Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) boundaries. NTAD 2003 consists of 23 separate datasets, 14 of which have been updated in the 2003 edition. To access this resource, visit websas.bts.gov/website/ntad03/maindownload.html.
ULI FELLOW ENCOURAGES HOUSING SUPPLY INCREASE IN SUSTAINABLE MANNER
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Senior Resident Fellow John K. McIlwain says communities should increase housing supply through growth management but cautions against sprawling growth in a new paper published on ULI’s website. McIlwain said “The real problem we have with housing affordability is the shortage of housing, the fact that we are not building enough housing of the right kind, in the right places, in all price ranges to keep up with demand. We need more housing, but we cannot afford to keep building it in this low density, sprawling pattern. We can¹t afford the infrastructure, the pollution, the driving, and the congestion.” To read the paper in its entirety, go to experts.uli.org/DK/ResFell/ex_ResFell_JM_Growth_fst.html.
REALTORS' SERIES ON SUPPLY & DEMAND FOR SMART GROWTH
In the May 2003 issue of On Common Ground, the National Association of Realtors Smart Growth Magazine presented a series of articles that attempted to grasp the subject of supply and demand for Smart Growth. By looking at particular market niches, such as homebuyers who want to live near transit, or those who wish to live in historic urban neighborhoods, and by studying survey, demographic, and property investment data, the article suggests that one can begin to piece together what the future of Smart Growth might be. For more information, go to www.realtor.org/SmartGrowth2.nsf/Pages/summag03?OpenDocument.
BEST PERFORMING CITIES
The Milken Institute has released, “Best Performing Cities: Where America's Jobs Are Created.” The Best Performing Cities Index measures where jobs are being created, economies are growing, and businesses are thriving. The top four metropolitan areas named are: Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to Wal-Mart; Las Vegas, Nevada, one of Americas fastest-growing cities; Fort Myers, Florida, a growing retirement community; and travel destination West Palm Beach, Florida. Of the top 10, only two cities--San Diego and San Luis Obispo, California—could be considered high-tech towns. For a full report, visit
www.milkeninstitute.org/research/research.taf?cat=indexes&function=detail&ID=24&type=BPC.
YOUNG CREATIVES
To read the July 14 article by Neal Peirce, “Young Creatives—Who Qualifies,” and Mr. Peirce’s explanation of the impact these people have on rejuvenating old cities, go to www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/peir0630.htm.
JOB MART ADVERTISEMENTS Posted since June 23, 2003:
Principal Planner/Transportation (The Planning Commission/Hillsborough MPO)
Senior Planner/Transportation (The Planning Commission/Hillsborough MPO)
Planning & Economic Development Director (City of Melbourne)
Planner (Florida Keys/Plantation Key – Marathon)
Planning & Zoning Analyst (City of Pinellas Park)
Project Manager – Land Planning (Divosta & Company, Palm Beach Gardens)
Visit www.floridaplanning.org/jobs2.asp for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements, and application deadlines.
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FAPA AND UPCOMING SECTION ACTIVITIES
July 31, 2003: Sun Coast Section Presents a Special “Dinner-and-a-Movie” featuring a private screening of “Sunshine State,” which follows quirky characters as they decide the fate of their two fictional towns near Jacksonville. Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Avenue, Downtown St. Pete Beach. Dinner and popcorn will be served. The cost is $15/person. RSVP by July 28 by calling or e-mailing Theresa Goodman at (727) 464-8250 or tgoodman@co.pinellas.fl.us.
September 3, 2003: Executive Committee Meeting and Legislative Policy Committee Meeting in conjunction with the FAPA Annual Conference.
September 3-6, 2003: FAPA Annual Conference at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Go to www.floridaplanning.org/conference/index.asp for conference information.
OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS:
July 24 or 25, 2003: MIAMI DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS WORKSHOPS at 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 350, Miami. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $225 at time of sign-up or $249. This is a small, hands-on workshop that will teach you to analyze, extract and present 2000/1990 Census (focusing on long form SF3 data), American Community Survey and Census Supplemental information. To register or for more detailed info go to www.smartgirltechnologies.com. Space is limited to 16 participants each day.
July 31-Aug 3, 2003: AIA FLORIDA ANNUAL CONVENTION, LIVING ON THE EDGE—THE FUTURE IS NOW; Ritz Carlton Hotel, Sarasota, Florida. Convention registration includes 24 hours of CE seminars, general sessions, trade show, continental breakfasts and breaks, and more beginning at $175 (AIA members). For more information, contact Eileen Johnson at (850) 222-7590 or ejohnson@aiafla.org, or go to www.aiafla.org/index.cfm?pageID=58.
August 1, 2003: RURAL LANDS STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL MEETING. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., General Meeting; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Committee Meetings. Location: DCA, Kelley Training Center, 3rd Floor, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee. If you would like a copy of the agenda or plan to attend, please contact Craig Evans at (561) 995-1474 or craig@privatelands.org.
August 7-10, 2003: PLANNING AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY APA DIVISION CONFERENCE. The conference will be held in Oakland, California. Questions concerning the conference can be directed to: Kenya Wheeler (415) 243-4736, wheelerk@pbworld.com) or Jaki Walker at walkerja@pbworld.com, or go to www.planning.org/divisions/conferences.htm.
August 11-13, 2003: 6TH ANNUAL FLORIDA BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE 2003. Location: The Hilton, 333 First Street South, St. Petersburg (727-894-5000). Save the Date!
September 10-14, 2003: RAILVOLUTION CONFERENCE. Location: Atlanta, GA. Railvolution is a national forum that explores how transit and land use can work together to shape livable communities. For conference information, go to www.railvolution.com
Sept. 24-26, 2003: Florida Department of Transportation’s TRANSPLEX 2003; TRANSPLEX is short for “Florida’s Transportation Planning Exchange,” a conference created as an open forum for those in the transportation planning community to share ideas, best practices and the latest developments on key issues affecting planning activities. Renaissance Resort at Sea World, Orlando, Florida $99/night. $125 conference registration includes all sessions, continental breakfasts, lunch and breaks. To register or for more information, go to www.transplexfl.com or contact Renee Cross at (850) 414-4800 or e-mail renee.cross@dot.state.fl.us.
October 9, 2003: Save the Date--NATIONAL SMART GROWTH CONFERENCE: State of the States on Smart Growth; Radisson Hotel, Burlington, Vermont. For information on the conference go to www.vtsprawl.org/Initiatives/sgcollaborative/VSGC_main.htm.
October 15-18, 2003: FPZA STATE CONFERENCE; The Inn of Fifth (www.naplesinn.com); $125/night; mention “FPZA” to get the discounted price; call 239-403-8777 for reservations; conference schedule and registration information coming soon.
October 15-17, 2003: APA and its Planning and Law Division are cosponsors of the NATIONAL IMPACT FEE ROUNDTABLE in San Diego. Topics include innovative impact fee methodologies, case studies from varied communities, and recent case law. Registration is limited to 200. The registration fee is $160 by August 15; $185 after August 15. The registration form is available at www.sandiego.gov/planning/pdf/03impactfee.pdf. Additional information is also posted to www.planning.org/conferences/impactfee.htm.
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