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e-NEWS and NOTES: A Biweekly Bulletin
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In This Issue:
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June 23, 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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NOTE CHANGE IN SCHEDULE: Due to a variety of end of the week scheduling conflicts associated with FAPA activities, FAPA’s “E-News and Notes” will be issued every other Monday (instead of every other Friday), beginning today, June 23, 2003.
GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET
Governor Bush today, signed Appropriations Bill SB 2A into law with 40 line item vetoes. The most notable item vetoed from the Budget was $7.2 million designated for the High Speed Rail. For a listing of major budget highlights, go to www.myflorida.com/myflorida/showstory.jsp?sk=3766. The Governor’s line-item veto message is available at www.myflorida.com/myflorida/documents/veto_message.doc.
SENATE BILL 54A—EVERGLADES FUNDING
On June 10, 2003, Governor Jeb Bush signed Senate Bill 54A that clarifies amendments made to the Everglades Forever Act during the Regular Session this year. The legislation also provides the bonding authority for an additional $800 million for Everglades Restoration. Including a record $225 million appropriated in this year's budget, Florida's total financial commitment to restore water flow through the Everglades exceeds $1.5 billion. The legislation eliminates specific language within the amended Everglades Forever Act that has been reported as a source of concern to Florida's federal partners. Since the law has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny, Governor Bush asked the Legislature to clarify specific language in the bill. Amendments made to SB 54A during the Special Session include the following:
• Removes the phrases "maximum extent practicable" and earliest practicable date" from all parts of the amended Everglades Forever Act.
• Allows the use of moderating provisions in the water quality standard until 2016.
• Requires DEP to approve revisions to the Long-Term Plan.
• Requires Florida to implement pre-2006 phosphorus reduction technologies as soon as possible.
PRESERVATION OF CYPRESS GARDENS MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER
Preservation of Florida's oldest theme park moved a step closer with undisputed backing from the State's Acquisition and Restoration Council, when it met on June 6, 2003. Recognizing Cypress Gardens for its cultural, historical and environmental significance, the nine-member panel voted unanimously to make Cypress Gardens a priority for acquisition through Florida's land conservation program, Florida Forever. Several management alternatives are under discussion if acquisition is approved by Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet in August. Parts of the 233-acre attraction, such as the Florida-shaped pool and renowned botanical gardens, meet the criteria of the National Historic Registry. Other projects placed on the Florida Forever priority list for acquisition included:
• Half Circle L Ranch, Collier & Hendry Counties;
• Nokuse Plantation, Walton County;
• Upper St. Marks River Corridor, Leon, Jefferson & Wakulla Counties; and
• San Felasco Conservation, Alachua County
PAL-MAR NATURAL AREA ACQUISITION
On June 12, Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Cabinet members unanimously agreed to acquire 2,605 acres of high quality pine flatwoods and wet prairie in Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County will manage the area as the Pal-Mar Natural Area, named after its location within both Palm Beach and Martin counties. Two-thirds, of the 35,600-acre project have been acquired. Placed on the state's acquisition list in 1992, the Pal-Mar project includes one of the largest fragments of high quality and intact pine flatwoods, wet prairie and savanna in southern Florida. At least five federally endangered or threatened animals, including the Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork, are found throughout the conservation area. The completed Pal-Mar project will preserve natural lands linking the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area with the western end of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Primary management goals of the Pal-Mar project are restoration and protection for water resources, conservation of native and threatened species, and recreation such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting and nature appreciation.
ACTION IN JULY ON TEA-21 RENEWAL
The first official Congressional action on TEA-21 may come during the week of June 23 in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which plans to act upon selected safety and other issues under its jurisdiction. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that oversees key highway programs is now working under a self-imposed deadline to produce a draft renewal plan for action after the Independence Day recess, targeting final Senate action before the end of July. The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee is expected to take action in July as well, assuming the full Senate takes up the legislation prior to the August recess. The final installment in the TEA-21 package - added revenues to underwrite the expected six-year $310+ billion spending plan - will be taken up by the Senate Finance Committee, whose leaders have already ignited substantial controversy over a proposed plan to dismantle existing revenue commitments to public transportation. In the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where the leadership remains focused on building support for user fee increases as part of a $375 billion renewal package, efforts are expected to accelerate in July, with a goal of unveiling a renewal plan before the August recess. The House Science Committee has jurisdiction over certain research issues, while the House Ways and Means Committee must find the additional revenues that will be needed to support the spending levels. House Republican leaders have yet to reach any agreement with Transportation Chairman Don Young (R-AK) on the funding levels for the six-year bill. (Source: Surface Transportation Policy Project)
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PAYING FOR PROSPERITY: IMPACT FEES AND JOB GROWTH
This June 2003 report by Arthur C. Nelson and Mitch Moody addresses the controversy around impact fees by reviewing the academic literature concerning the effect of impact fees on employment and the economy generally. In addition, the report presents a new analysis of the relationship between impact fees and job creation by assessing impact fee and economic data, assembled for the period 1993 to 1999, for the 67 counties of Florida. Overall, the paper finds that:
• Property tax revenues increasingly fail to cover the full costs of the infrastructure needed to serve new development.
• Impact fees, like user fees, offer a more efficient way to pay for infrastructure than general taxes, and ensure benefits to those who pay them. Academic literature suggests that the aggregate benefits of impact fees improve efficiency in the provision of infrastructure.
• Impact fees increase the supply of buildable land.
• Impact fees have complex effects on housing prices.
• Impact fees do not slow job growth.
This paper shows that impact fees are a practical and valuable tool for financing local infrastructure needs and goes on to demonstrate that faced with the growing demand for investment and the public resistance to tax increases, localities in growing regions that institute impact fees may become more prosperous in the long run than communities in such regions that do not have them. The report may be read in full or downloaded from the Brookings’ website at www.brookings.edu/es/urban/publications/nelsonimpactfees.htm.
MOVING TO EQUITY: ADDRESSING INEQUITABLE EFFECTS OF TRANSPORTATION POLICIES ON MINORITIES
A new report from The Civil Rights Project at Harvard University and the Center for Community Change chronicles how the federal government spends between 30 and 40 billion dollars on surface transportation each year and the impact it can have on minorities and their communities. The report, "Moving to Equity: Addressing Inequitable Effects of Transportation Policies on Minorities," summarizes research analyzing the implications of transportation policies for low-income and minority populations. It comprehensively highlights the myriad ways in which the policies affect their lives and opportunities. “Moving to Equity” concludes that transportation policies have inequitable effects on the ability of low-income individuals and minorities to get around and to access economic and social opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/news/pressreleases.php/record_id=33/.
COASTAL WATERS: A PATTERN OF DISTRESS
According to an article in the June, 2003 issue of Florida Trend, the coastal waters off Florida’s economically vital beaches are declining in most categories. Scientists say a dramatic shift in strategies is needed to keep up with the problems. To read more, go to www.floridatrend.com/issue/default.asp?a=4963&s=1.
FROM SMART GROWTH NEWS:
Maryland’s Governor Glendening Outlines Policies to Stem Sprawl, Revitalize Urban Areas at Pittsburgh Forum
www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=3420&state=39&res=1024
Canadian Government Advised to Invest in Projects to Stem Sprawl Instead of ''Strategic Infrastructure'' Funding
www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=3422&state=54
Baton Rouge Must Revise Zoning Codes to Reduce Sprawl, Experts Say www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=3416&State=19
New Jersey May Exhaust Developable Land by 2020
www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=3419&State=31
2002 TOP 10 PLANNING BOOKS
PLANetizen has published the top 10 popular titles published in 2002. This page also features the all-time top 20 planning titles that every planner should read. The titles are decided by PLANetizen editors based on suggestions by professionals, academics and book reviews. The lists may be viewed at www.planetizen.com/books/.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT, SMART GROWTH AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Anthony Downs, a Senior Fellow of Economic Studies (Brookings Institution), gave the Keynote speech at a recent Brookings Symposium on the Relationship Between Affordable Housing and Growth Management. He discusses the politics of smart growth and argues that smart growth goals would be furthered by much more widespread creation of affordable housing, albeit difficult in the suburbs. The speech may be read at www.brookings.edu/views/speeches/downs/20030529_downs.htm.
TPL REPORT ON NATION’S PARK SYSTEMS
This new report examines city park management practices. In 1997, the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL’s) researcher, Peter Harnik, began collecting and publishing data on the nation's park systems. Initially he focused on park funding and acreage in the nation's largest cities. In this new publication, Harnik has expanded data collection to 55 cities and expanded the measures of park excellence to include what he calls "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Park Systems":
• a clear expression of purpose;
• an ongoing planning and community involvement process;
• sufficient assets in land, staffing and equipment to meet the system’s goals;
• equitable park access;
• user satisfaction;
• safety from crime and physical hazards; and
• benefits for the city beyond the boundaries of the parks.
The 48-page report also provides examples of exceptional practices in the cities studied. The report, “The Excellent City Park System” is available free by PDF download or for $15 for a paper copy. See www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=11428&folder_id=175.
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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/.
The BETTER WAKULLA VISIONING PROCESS COMMITTEE requests proposals from qualified firms or individuals for the provision of facilitation services, meeting management and reporting responsibilities related to the COMMUNITY VISIONING PROCESS. Specific experience in southern rural planning processes is preferred. A copy of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee by contacting Pam Portwood, P.O. Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326; PHONE (850) 926-0909, FAX (850) 926-0941, or E-MAIL pportwood@mywakulla.com. All questions should be directed to Pam Portwood at the same address. Sealed Responses will be received by the Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee c/o Wakulla County Grants Department, 3093 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida 32327, or Post Office Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326, ATTENTION: Pam Portwood until Monday, July 14, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Responders to this RFP must be available for interviews by the committee. Selection of Firm(s) or Individual(s) for interview will be made by July 25, 2003; Interviews with ranked firms or individuals between August 1-8, 2003; and Selection of Firm(s) or Individual(s) by August 15, 2003. A public opening and recording of the Responses will be held at the Wakulla County Grants Department located at 3093 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida 32327 on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Sealed Bids should be clearly marked and mailed to: Proposal Number: 0001, Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee, c/o Wakulla County Grants Department, Post Office Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326. Or deliver to 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, Florida 32327.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of FY 2003 funding opportunities, through the BROWNFIELDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (BEDI). For more information, go to www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa/grpecond.cfm. Application deadlines are July 16, 2003.
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.
FLORIDA'S OUTSTANDING RURAL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – ENTER NOW!
This awards program is organized by the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) to recognize and reward rural communities that make a priority of improving the quality of life of their citizens. The Award recognizes outstanding community and volunteer support of a project that enhances the community each autumn. One community will be selected in each of three population categories and one community is selected as Florida's Outstanding Rural Community of the Year. Winners will be honored at a ceremony in late Autumn of 2003. A press release will be distributed to local and statewide media identifying all winners. Each winner will receive a modest financial reward as well as two signs from FDOT for installation on the community’s roads. The entry form deadline is September 5, 2003, and an associated detailed project report is due September 19, 2003. For further information, contact Diane Scholz, Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development at (850) 487-2568 or scholzd@eog.state.fl.us.
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LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
Stewardship America has launched a new "Landscape Conservation Initiative" to promote conservation efforts that can be carried out in a coordinated way to implement multiple conservation activities on a regional or watershed basis. Stewardship America is seeking national, state and local partners to help carry out this initiative. For more information, go to privatelands.org/landscape_conservation.htm.
ONLINE FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS GUIDE WINS AWARD
The Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Greenways and Trails was honored for its website publication, "Online Florida Greenways and Trails Guide," promoting Florida's outstanding trail system. American Trails, a national non-profit organization devoted to creating a national trails infrastructure, selected DEP's trails and greenways website from 88 national nominations as the best promotional website in the State/Provincial Trails Agency category. The "Online Florida Greenways and Trails Guide" is an ongoing project with links to other trail related sites. Visit www.FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com to explore Florida's trails.
REDEVELOPING BROWNFIELDS GENERATES JOBS
A new survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors finds that redeveloping "brownfields," parcels of land whose reuse may be hindered by real or perceived environmental contamination, could generate more than 575,000 new jobs and as much as $1.9 billion annually in new tax revenue for America's cities, which are facing tight budgets due to rising homeland security costs, state aid cuts, and a weak national economy. For further information, go to www.usmayors.org/71stAnnualMeeting/brownfields_060903.asp.
JOB MARTS Posted since June 6, 2003:
Planner II (City of Stuart)
Community Development Director (Charlotte County)
Planner II (City of Fort Walton Beach)
Senior Landscape Architect (URG/Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.)
Community Development Block Grant Program Planner (City of Largo)
Annexation Program Planner (City of Largo)
Planner I (St. Johns County)
Associate Planner (City of Hollywood)
Planner II (Palm Beach County) – 2 Positions
Senior Planner (Palm Beach County)
Senior planner (City of Palm Beach Gardens)
Planner I (Withlacoochee RPC)
Division Director, Housing and Community Development (DCA)
Division Director, Community Planning (DCA)
Historic Preservation Planner (City of St. Augustine)
Senior Planner (Polk County, Transit Services)
Neighborhood Planner (City of Sarasota)
Visit www.floridaplanning.org/jobs2.asp for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements, and application deadlines.
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July 18, 2003: Broward and Gold Coast Sections’ presents, “The Future of South Florida’s Barrier Island Communities: How High is Too High and How Dense is Too Dense?” This luncheon meeting will provide an overview and analysis of the array of issues facing local government and the private sector in dealing with coastal development. Moderated by Frank Schnidman, Senior Fellow, Catanese Center, the panel includes an outstanding pool of speakers. Go to www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/calendar.asp for more information.
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:
June 27, 2003: EVERGLADES RESTORATION: CAN IT SAVE THE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER? Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $35. Location: MacArthur Campus of Florida Atlantic University, in Jupiter. Organizers are the Florida Center for Environmental Studies, www.ces.fau.edu, and the Florida Earth Foundation, www.floridaearth.org, and Decision Makers Forum Inc. For further information, contact JoAnn Jolley at Center for Environmental Studies at 561-799-8546 or jjolley@fau.edu; or go to www.ces.fau.edu/events/event.ihtml?id=503.
July 9-11, 2003: FLORIDA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE AGENCIES, INC., 2003 ANNUAL CONFERENCE; Tampa, FL. For more information, call 1-800-544-5678 or log onto www.flghc.org/.
July 15-16, 2003: PRE-SCHOOL FOR FLORIDA CHAMBER’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL—In depth look at the federal and state wetland permitting programs and prospects for consolidating programs; Marco Island Marriott; $235/members and $265 non-members; to register or for further information, go to www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html.
July 16-18, 2003: FLORIDA CHAMBER’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL—Provides basic and advanced instruction on federal, state, and local environmental regulations; Marco Island Marriott; $485/members and $525 non-members; to register or for further information, go to www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html.
July 16, 2003: the first STAKEHOLDER FORUM FOR THE FLORIDA ENERGY PLAN will be held in Tallahassee at City Hall from approximately 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For further information or to confirm start time, go to www.floridaenergyplan.net.
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.
October 9, 2003: Save the Date--NATIONAL SMART GROWTH CONFERENCE: State of the States on Smart Growth; Radisson Hotel, Burlington, Vermont.
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.
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