December 8, 2003

The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide
leadership in the development of sustainable
communities by advocating excellence in
planning, providing professional development for
its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.

GOVERNOR SEEKS REPEAL OF HIGH SPEED RAIL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
In a letter addressed to the Legislature, Governor Bush urged members to support the repeal of the constitutional provision that requires the implementation of the High Speed Rail Project.  His e-mail message to Florida's citizens, which describes his reasons, stated as follows:

When Florida voters cast their ballot for a constitutionally mandated high-speed rail system, they did so without the benefit of a full cost impact analysis...Building the high-speed rail will divert funding away from important statewide transportation projects, from significant regional transportation initiatives, from projects to improve urban and rural transit systems, and from projects to relieve congestion on major roads.  There is simply not enough room in the state's transportation budget for implementing both the high-speed rail and these long-term critical projects.  The high-speed rail project will cost Florida billions of dollars before a single rider steps aboard to support the system.  We now know that the major federal funding assistance required for the project is unlikely.  So is significant ridership.  The lack of meaningful private sector investment means that the multi-billion dollar bill for this project will fall squarely on the backs of Florida taxpayers.. 

A copy of the Governor's letter is available on www.myflorida.com/myflorida/government/laws/high_speed.html.

SENATE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING COMMITTEE INTERIM REPORTS
Two interim project reports were issued in November by the Senate Committee on Comprehensive Planning.  The first, Interlocal Agreements and the Annexation Process, is a follow up to the 2003 interim project on annexation by the Committee on Comprehensive Planning, Local and Military Affairs, which takes into consideration that report, the efforts and recommendations of the Florida City and County Management Association, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida League of Cities, and the Annexation legislation that failed to pass the 2003 Legislative Session.  With discussions among these parties continuing, Committee staff recommends consideration of amending ch. 171, F.S., to require a boundary adjustment and service delivery interlocal agreement prior to annexation and following requirements similar to s. 171.093, F.S., if the local governments are unable to reach agreement. In addition, staff recommends amending existing law to ensure that, in the absence of an alternative process for annexation as proposed last year or requiring interlocal agreements prior to annexation, those voluntary interlocal agreements between local governments that direct future annexation efforts are enforceable.

The second interim project report, Community Development Districts, reviews issues related to the establishment and dissolution of CDDs; impact fees; disclosure to prospective homeowners of district special assessments; district governance and elections issues; and enforcement of covenants deed restrictions on property located in CDDs that do not have a mandatory homeowner's association.

TRU$T COALITION CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS
Floridians for Better Transportation and the TRU$T coalition, of which FAPA is a member, continue to encourage Senators and House members to stand against future raids on the Transportation Trust Fund.  If you have not already done so, please contact your local Legislators and express your opposition to any raid on these funds.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to take advantage of the Legislature's Find Your Legislator Service.  Enter your zip code where directed, press go, and it will identify your House and Senate District with links to a listing of Florida's Legislators (and Congressional Members).

FDOT STRATEGIC INTERMODAL SYSTEM RURAL WORKSHOPS
In January, the Florida DOT will hold three Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Rural Workshops.  A primary objective of these rural SIS workshops is to obtain feedback on a Workshop Draft of the initial Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) Plan.  The workshop format is likely to be three interactive workstations covering the SIS Plan content (SIS connectors; needs and projects; and policy/finance strategies).  The workshop content will consist of draft policies and criteria for review and discussion, as well as maps and technical data for validation.  The dates are as follows:  January 16 (Sebring); January 27 (Lake City); January 29 (Chipley).  When details on the specific locations and times of these meetings are provided, they will be posed in the events section of this bulletin.  For more information on the SIS, visit the Department's SIS Webpage.

NINE NEW PROJECTS APPROVED FOR FLORIDA FOREVER LIST
On December 5, 2003, Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) members voted today to add nine new projects to Florida's premier land acquisition program, Florida Forever. Preserving natural and historical resources, protecting environmentally sensitive land and water resources and the habitat of rare plant and animal species were among the criteria considered by ARC members. The recommendations will go before Governor Jeb Bush and Cabinet members for final approval.  Click here for the complete list and press release.

TEA-21 UPDATE
The bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unveiled their TEA-21 renewal proposal on 11/19, calling for $375 billion over six years for the nation's highway, transit, and transportation research efforts. H.R. 3550, "The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users," commits approximately $69 billion to public transportation investment, while proposing $298 billion in highway program investment.  The committee's request dwarfs the Administration's six-year plan by 50 percent and is substantially higher than the Senate measure, which is estimated to total $311 billion over six years.  The House transportation leaders' plan does not specify how additional revenues will be raised to pay for the $375 billion package, but committee leaders have supported indexing the federal gas tax as a method.  The legislation is not a full package in that it excludes provisions dealing with project streamlining and clean air conformity, which has been at the center of the debate on legislation moving its way through the Senate. Importantly, the basic program structure of ISTEA and TEA-21 are preserved in the package, and an expanded safety initiative, new programs for immediate congestion relief and increased attention to intelligent transportation systems are also proposed.  While the bill provides many assurances to the states about annual funding commitments, it does not provide a complete structure of how funding will be allocated.  Nearly all of the House panel members cosponsored the bill, which is expected to move to full Committee markup by late February.  A summary of the bill, its funding tables and other statements can be found at www.house.gov/transportation.  [Source:  Surface Transportation Policy Project]

RETHINKING LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIES
To help inform state and local efforts to find fresh solutions to today's affordable housing challenges, The Brookings Institution Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy and the Urban Institute Center on Metropolitan Housing and Communities have joined forces to examine the effectiveness of seven decades of major affordable housing approaches in achieving important community-wide goals, in Rethinking Local Affordable Housing Strategies:  Lessons from 70 years of Policy and Practice.  This project includes a comprehensive literature review of the effectiveness of key housing programs and a summary of the main lessons for local stakeholders as they craft effective affordable housing strategies.

NEW HOMES VS. HOUSEHOLD GROWTH--AN ANALYSIS BY BROOKINGS
Vacating the City: An Analysis of New Homes vs. Household Growth, by Thomas Bier and Charlie Post, Brookings Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy, is an analysis of building permits and household changes in 74 of the largest metropolitan areas.  The report found that:  (1) From 1980 to 2000, the number of new building permits exceeded the number of new households by nearly 19 percent, although there were dramatic differences between decades; (2) When metropolitan building permits outpace household growth, it generally comes at the expense of the central city and possibly older, inner-ring suburbs; and (3) If housing permits lag household growth in a metropolitan area, then the central city will not lose households and may actually gain them. 

2003 WORLD CONSERVATION UNION RED LIST
The World Conservation Union, www.iucn.org, through its Species Survival Commission, has for four decades been assessing the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight those threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation. The World Conservation Union's 2003 Red List, is now available.  For a brief overview of this year's list, read Scientific America's December 19, 2003, article, Number of Threatened Species Tops 12,000.  

Bush ready to fight rail plan:  The governor sends a memo to lawmakers decrying high-speed rail's effects on road projects and soliciting their help in killing it.
By Jean Heller, Staff Writer, St. Petersburg Times, December 5, 2003

Worries over water still flowing:  Task force faces skeptical North Florida officials.
By Bruce Ritchie, Staff Writer, Tallahassee Democrat, December 5, 2003
 
Maglev sets a speed record of 581 kph
KOFU, Yamanashi Pref. (Kyodo), The Japan Times, December 3, 2003
 
California city looks to strip malls for possible housing
The Associated Press, Sacramento Bee, December 2, 2003
 
Wakulla development worries state:  Department moves to block planned community
By Bruce Ritchie, Staff Writer, Tallahassee Democrat, December 2, 2003

Summit signals new era:  Eggleton brief grabs spotlight at daylong gathering; Urges earmarking 12-cent gas tax for transit, housing
By Bruce Demara, Robert Benzie, and Caroline Mallan, Staff Reporters, Toronto Star, November 29, 2003

Military Fighting Urban Sprawl
By Alan Elsner, National Correspondent, Reuters, November 27, 2003
 
Turning Back to the Humble Bus:  Potential for Improving Transit at a Low Cost Is Better Than Rail's
By Lyndsey Layton, Staff Writer, Washington Post, November 25, 2003
 
Planning, health agencies strangers:  Few unite in community design.
By Janet Frankston, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 24, 2003.
 
Time to Recognize the Politics of Suburban Sprawl
By Joel Hirschhorn, Common Dreams News Center, November 19, 2003
 
Chestertown: Battle of The Big Box: Wal-Mart liked to say, "We don't lose." Think again.
By JOHN LANG, Preservation On-Line, November/December 2003

FAPA LEGISLATIVE REPORTER COMING SOON
Watch for the first issue of FAPA's 2004 Legislative Reporter, coming to your inbox on January 12.  FAPA's first Legislative Bill Tracking Summary for the 2004 Legislative Session will be posted to the website in the next few days.  It will be updated on a weekly basis.

2004 AICP INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE
The deadline for submitting an application for the May 2004 exam is January 7, 2004. The deadline for submitting an application for the November 2004 exam is July 6, 2004.  For submission information, fees, applications, etc., go to the AICP Website.

SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP:  FAPA's ONLINE STORE IS NOW OPEN
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Golf Shirts; Baby Apparel; Mouse Pads; Coffee Mugs; and Much More are now available, just in time for your holiday shopping.  Support the Florida APA and visit the online store today at www.cafeshops.com/fapa. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and check cards, as long as they are connected with one of the major credit card companies listed above, are accepted.

FAPA'S POSITION STATEMENT ON THE HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT
Go to www.floridaplanning.org, and login to view and discuss FAPA's position statement on the proposed constitutional amendment regarding comprehensive land use planning, as approved by the FAPA Executive Committee on October 3, 2003.

FAPA's GROWTH MANAGEMENT WHITE PAPERS ONLINE
Following months of work by FAPA's growth management review team, and with member input solicited at the FAPA conference and through the website, FAPA has developed a series of white papers that lay the groundwork for much needed growth management reform.  These papers, along with an introduction by Marie York are posted to FAPA's website at www.floridaplanning.org.

PLANNER'S DAY IN THE DISTRICT
Join APA for the launch of a new policy advocacy program -- Planner's Day in the District. This program builds on the terrific success of bringing hundreds of planners to Washington, D.C., for meetings with members of Congress on important planning-related legislation. On Wednesday, December 10, 2003, APA hopes to have planners conduct meetings in every congressional district nationwide on behalf of the policies that made ISTEA and TEA-21 a success and must be maintained and strengthened in reauthorization.. It's your opportunity to get involved and be part of this landmark effort for APA and good planning for great communities. Congress is now considering a range of reauthorization proposals and plans to take action in early 2004 making this an opportune time for advocacy. For more information or to participate, go to www.planning.org/legislation/plannersday.htm.  Please direct all questions to govtaffairs@planning.org.
 
APA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Almost one-third of APA's original 13,000 members still belong 25 years later. This link, www.planning.org/25anniversary/, will take you to a list of 25-year members, arranged by chapter.  APA thanks all of its 25-year members for their loyalty, appreciates their contributions to APA's progress and vitality over the years, and hopes that they will continue to be active members for years to come.  As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, APA is inviting 25-year members to share memories and pictures of their experiences -- at national conferences and chapter events, with other members, in leadership positions, etc. -- since APA's inception, or in AIP or ASPO before the 1978 merger. When stories and photos come in, APA will post them on its website, each with a link from the contributor's name. As the anniversary year progresses, APA will feature some of these reminiscences on its home page and in future issues of "Interact."  For details on how to submit materials, go to www.planning.org/25anniversary/reminiscences.htm.

COME BACK TO AICP
Has your AICP membership lapsed? An amnesty program for former AICP members has been extended to January 1, 2004. You may be able to rejoin AICP and regain use of your professional credential with minimal financial penalty. For more information, call APA member service representative Cecelia Garner at 312-786-6394.

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/. 

December 11, 2003:  ORLANDO METRO SECTION HOLIDAY SOCIAL, along with the Orlando Chapter of FPZA will host their 2003 Holiday Social at the Winter Park Farmers Market in Downtown Winter Park, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.  For details, please contact Tina Demostene (FAPA) at tdemostene@glatting.com or Nancy Roberts (FPZA) at Nroberts@glatting.com.  

December 11, 2003:  SUN COAST SECTION 2003 HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR, beginning at 6:00 p.m., Jimmy Mac's Marina Restaurant, 5000 West Gandy Boulevard--free hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.  No RSVP required.  For more information, please contact Kevin Mineer at kmineer@genesisgroup.com or (813) 261-7145.

December 12, 2003:  Treasure Coast Section's BROWN BAG DISCUSSION SERIES ON LANTANA REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR AG HOLLEY STATE HOSPITAL, beginning promptly at 12:00 noon at Lantana Town Hall, 500 Greynolds Circle.  RSVP to Kim Glas-Castro, at (561) 838-4542.

January 9, 2003:  RING IN THE NEW YEAR with FAPA's Capital Area Section, in combination with the Apalachee Section of FPZA and FSU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., at the Maclay Gardens Gardner's Cottage.  (NOTE:  There is a $3.25 charge per car (up to 8 people per vehicle)--CARPOOL)!
February 18-19, 2004:  Save the date for FAPA's ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP in Tallahassee. 

March 3, 2003:  Capital Area Section's TRANSIT IN A UNIVERSITY TOWN WORKSHOP, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., in the Tallahassee Room of the Tallahassee City Hall.  Speakers include Whit Blanton (APA), Dr. Jeff Brown (FSU), and DeWayne Carver (TalTran) with Commissioner Gillum moderating.

March 26-27, 2004:  Save the date for the Orlando-Metro Section's AICP TRAINING COURSE.  Details to be announced, but for future reference, the contact is Mack Cope at mackcope.edc@earthlink.net.

April 24-28, 2004: Save the date for APA's NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE in Washington, D.C.--"Celebrate Community." 

October 13-16, 2004:  Save the date for FAPA's 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE in Gainesville.

January 5-9, 2004:  URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING:  Challenges, Emerging Methods, and New Solutions; to be held at the Best Western All Suites Hotel in Tampa, this short course will cover the four-step transportation planning process as well as provide an introduction to transit operations planning.  For registration and hotel reservation information, contact Jon Ausman at jon.ausman@dot.state.fl.us or (850) 414-4519.  The cost is $100 and the registration deadline is December 29, 2003.  Please note that the class is already half full.

January 14-16, 2004:  SOLVING URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSECT--An in depth discussion of transect-oriented planning and urban design with experts from relevant disciplines: architecture, urban design, planning, traffic engineering, landscape design, environmental science and social science, offered by the Seaside institute in Seaside, Florida.  For more information, go to www.theseasideinstitute.org/.

January 16, 2004:  FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Sebring.  Details TBA.

January 27, 2004:  FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Lake City.  Details TBA.

January 29, 2004:  FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Chipley.  Details TBA.

February 11-13, 2004:  The Florida Chamber's ANNUAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SHORT COURSE, Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando.  Take advantage of this special opportunity to learn the latest developments from the Chamber's private and public sector experts, while networking with Florida's foremost growth management and environmental professionals.  The 20th Annual Growth Management and Environmental Permitting Short Course is specifically designed for  those looking for both basic and advanced instruction on federal, state, and local growth management and environmental regulations and emerging trends.  Attendees may choose from 48 sessions to build a curriculum personalized to their industry.  The course also features growth management and environmental panels, interactive instruction, case studies and course materials.  This year's course features a timely and informative special series on water resource and supply development.  Continuing Education Credits will be available.  Visit www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html to register today or call Linda Long at (850) 425-2477 for additional information on the course, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.