December 22, 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.

FIRST DCA RULES IN FAVOR OF THE FLORIDA DEP RE TAKINGS ISSUE
The First District Court of Appeal upheld last year's judgment by Circuit Judge J. Ralph Smith rejecting claims from Coastal Petroleum Company that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's denial of a permit to drill for oil in the Gulf of Mexico amounted to a taking of Coastal's property.  One year ago, Judge Smith found that the Department's refusal to issue a permit allowing Coastal to drill on offshore leases met the terms of a 1976 agreement between the State and the company. In that agreement, Coastal agreed to secure all necessary and current environmental permits before boring any wells. The State denied Coastal's permit application and successfully argued that the environmental threat from drilling outweighs any potential benefit from oil found in the three-mile lease area located just six miles from the Florida coastline. The state leases held by Coastal are in two tracts stretching from the eastern panhandle to the shores near Naples. In 2002, the federal government agreed to purchase all remaining active federal oil and gas leases within 100 miles from the coast of Florida. (Source:  The DEPost)

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVE FOR RURAL COUNTIES
On Friday, December 19, Governor Jeb Bush announced a new initiative that will provide additional targeted, and more flexible, assistance to distressed rural counties throughout the state.  As part of his plan, the Governor proposed a 74 percent increase in funding for targeted assistance. His budget will include $171 million for projects, $71 million of which is new funding. The Governor's budget will include:

• $9 million in additional funds for education operation needs in rural counties. This increase in education "sparsity" funding brings the total funding to $40 million, a 29 percent increase over the current year.
• $71.4 million for new school construction in small counties. This includes $36.8 million for new projects and $34.5 million for four projects already underway.
• $4 million in additional funds for the Rural Infrastructure Fund. This is a 700 percent increase over current year funding of $500,000.
• $3 million in new funds to improve library services in rural areas. This includes funding for a new program established by the Legislature during the 2003 session, the Community Libraries in Caring Program.
• $2.5 million in additional funds for recycling grants. This brings total funding to $6.5 million, a 62 percent increase over current year.
• $2.2 million for historical and cultural projects dedicated to rural counties.
• $5 million for rural counties to meet critical infrastructure needs and other government services. This is a new program.

In addition to these new funds, the Governor proposed greater flexibility for the use of $25 million in transportation funds to meet the needs of rural counties. These funds will be available for repaving, maintenance, new capacity, and other transportation needs.  Other aspects of the Governor's proposal include increased attention to interagency coordination, program design and administration, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to community needs. To achieve these goals, the proposed transportation funding will be administered by the Florida Department of Transportation in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs and the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), a multi-agency initiative coordinated by the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development.

GOVERNOR'S APPOINTMENTS TO THE FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Earlier this month, Governor Bush announced the following appointments to the Florida Transportation Commission:

• James W. Holton, 49, of Madeira Beach, attorney & investor, reappointed for a term beginning December 3, 2003 and ending September 30, 2007.
• Janet Watermeier, 51, of Fort Myers, president of Florida Gulf Coast Group, reappointed for a term beginning December 3, 2003 and ending September 30, 2007.
• Robert M. Namoff, 51, of Miami, president & CEO of Allied Universal Corporation, reappointed for a term beginning December 3, 2003 and ending September 30, 2007.
• Heidi J. Eddins, 47, of St. Augustine, executive vice president and general counsel for Florida East Coast Industries, Inc., to succeed Norman A. Mansour, for a term beginning January 1, 2004 and ending September 30, 2007.
• David A. Straz, 61, of Tampa, chairman of the board for Southern Exchange Bank, to succeed Mark Guzzetta, for a term beginning December 3, 2003 and ending September 30, 2007.

BOX R RANCH ACQUIRED BY STATE
The State of Florida finalized acquisition of nearly 7,600 acres in Franklin County, conserving 6,000 acres of waterfront property and securing the "gateway" to the proposed Northwest Florida Greenway. The Governor and the Florida Cabinet last month approved purchase of the Box R Ranch as an addition to the St. Joe Timberlands Florida Forever project. In November, Florida signed an agreement with the Department of Defense and The Nature Conservancy to conserve 100 miles of open space from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to Eglin Air Force Base that would help to safeguard critical military air space while protecting ecologically sensitive lands from development.  Located two miles west of Apalachicola, Box R Ranch is the first parcel acquired in the proposed greenway. The acquisition protects a variety of ecologically sensitive, natural communities, including estuarine tidal marshes and floodplain swamps, and helps to safeguard the quality of water critical to oyster harvesting -- a major source of income and revenue for the local economy. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will manage the property as part of the Wildlife Management Area system. (Source:  The DEPost)

RAIL OPTIONS FOR TEA-21 RENEWAL
Late last month, Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a Committee Member, introduced a six-year, $42 billion investment package for passenger and freight rail infrastructure development with Amtrak improvements designed to place rail funding on par with the nation's highway and aviation infrastructure programs.  The American Railroad Revitalization, Investment and Enhancement Act (ARRIVE-21), S.1961, authorizes approximately $1.5 billion for Amtrak annually to guarantee a reliable funding source for the passenger rail system's operating, capital, and long-deferred maintenance needs, while offering additional measures to improve services and increase Amtrak's accountability. The bill also establishes the Rail Infrastructure Finance Corporation (RIFCO), a non-profit, public-private partnership that would issue $30 billion in tax-credit bonds over six years to support rail infrastructure development efforts. RIFCO would award capital grants to states and Amtrak for high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects and guaranteed formula funds to states for freight rail capital projects.  To qualify for RIFCO grants, states would have to produce a state rail plan and a 20% match similar to other surface transportation programs. ARRIVE-21 also calls for the Federal Railroad Administration to develop a national rail plan and U.S. DOT's Office of Intermodalism to create "50-Year Intermodal Blueprint" to provide an understanding of trends and opportunities for intermodal transportation, including passenger and freight rail, in the U.S.   Similarly, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson's (R-TX),  S. 1505, the American Rail Equity Act (AREA) would allocate $2 billion annually for Amtrak over six years and create RIFCO to issue $48 billion in tax-credit bonds to states for capital improvements on the current passenger rail network, including federally-designated high speed corridors after they are approved or agreed to through future state agreements.  AREA would transfer ownership of the high-speed Northeast Corridor from Amtrak to a governmental agency.  At least 60 Senators must support one of the bills for the rail title to pass, or one that combines the best provisions of both ARRIVE-21 and AREA.  For more information on the bills, visit http://www.senate.gov or http://www.narprail.org. (Source:  Surface Transportation Policy Project)

CONGRESSIONAL MINORITY CAUCUS LEADERS OUTLINE SOCIAL EQUITY AGENDA FOR TEA-21 RENEWAL
Last month leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus delivered a joint letter on concerns and opportunities to address social equity in TEA-21 reauthorization to Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and William Lipinski (D-IL), the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines.  These Tri-Caucus leaders identified evidence of transportation-related disparities, including higher rates of asthma, pedestrian fatalities, and motor vehicle crashes among minorities, and recommended increasing funding for transit, air quality, pedestrian safety, pedestrian and vehicular safety. They also called for stronger public health protections and clarification on how communities are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which require equal access and protect communities from discrimination.  To read the Tri-Caucus November 17 letter on social equity in TEA-21 reauthorization, visit http://www.transact.org/transfer/pdfs/tri_caucus_letter.pdf.  (Source:  Surface Transportation Policy Project)

HOUSE APPROVES FY'04 OMNIBUS PACKAGE
On December 8, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the omnibus appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2004 under a controversial House and Senate conference agreement reached last month. The $328 billion spending measure consolidates seven unfinished appropriations bills, including the FY 2004 Transportation-Treasury Appropriations measure. Until the measure is approved by the Senate, federal departments and agencies covered by the legislation including all transportation programs will continue to operate under a continuing resolution, which generally extends spending levels from last fiscal year through January.   Under the omnibus agreement, the transportation appropriations bill provided $32.8 billion in highway spending, $7.266 billion for transit, and $1.218 billion for Amtrak, minus a .59 percent reduction in these and most other federal discretionary spending programs. Highway spending increases by $1.2 billion over FY'03 funding levels while transit funding would grow by $87 million..  The omnibus package would also provide the nation's passenger rail system with a 14.3% increase in funding and defers repayment of a $100 million federal loan. Although the FY'04 budget is $600 million less than the level requested, Amtrak CEO David Gunn expects it will allow Amtrak to continue operating while meeting some capital infrastructure needs.  The Senate will vote on the omnibus package when Congress returns January 20, 2004.  To access the FY'04 Conference Report, go to http://appropriations.house.gov/.  (Source:  Surface Transportation Policy Project)

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LOSING GROUND IN MASSACHUSETTES:  AT WHAT COST?
Low density, large lot residential development continues to consume forest and agricultural land in ecologically sensitive areas, according to a new Massachusetts Audubon report, Losing Ground: At What Cost?, the latest edition in its Losing Ground series. The report is based on research into changes in land use and their impact on habitat, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in Massachusetts.  Drawing upon thirty years of land use and open space data and tax assessor records, the report measures the economic impact of habitat loss, and includes the first statewide attempt to measure the economic value of "ecosystem services" provided by undeveloped land–such as climate control, water filtration, and flood control. It also calls upon citizens in the Commonwealth to work with their state and local representatives to address the problems of sprawl and habitat loss.  Read a summary of the findings as well as a listing of various related links or click here to download a complete copy of the report.

1000 FRIENDS OF MINNESOTA'S SPRAWL PRIMER
1000 Friends of Minnesota has created a Sprawl Primer that includes a variety of fact sheets designed to assist citizen activists in their efforts to stop sprawling development patterns, and to support smart growth.  For links to the primer and other related resources, go to http://www.1000fom.org/activist_tools.htm.

STRATEGIES TO REVITALIZE RURAL COMMUNITIES
In its monthly newsletter, the Center for Rural Affairs has provided a series of feature articles that provide strategies for renewing agricultural communities.  The articles address a Federal Rural Policy; Small Entrepreneurship; Niche Marketing; Land Grant Universities; Making Rural Communities Desirable Places to Live; A New Kind of Regional Cooperative; and The Role of State Policy.  Each of these strategies may be downloaded separately or cumulatively in a handbook entitled, Strategies to Revitalize Rural America. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. For more information, visit the Center's website at www.cfra.org.

HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT: LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD IN FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION POLICY
This policy brief by Edward Beimborn and Robert Puentes of the Brookings Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy, discusses the policy and regulatory barriers to considering and implementing new transit projects, and the relative ease of highway development. Additionally, it highlights the differences in the way new transit and highway programs are treated in federal legislation. Finally, it suggests reforms to level the playing field between highways and transit as Congress debates reauthorization of the federal transportation laws. 

GETTING TO SMART GROWTH: 100 MORE POLICIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Getting to Smart Growth II: 100 More Policies for Implementation, released in November 2003 by the Smart Growth Network and International City/County Management Association, provides states and communities a mix of policy options that can be mixed and matched to fit local circumstances, visions and values; and highlights steps that the private sector can take to encourage more livable communities.

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County retreats on impact-fee issue
By Mitra Malek, Herald Tribune, December 4, 2003

Cieslewicz gains votes to pass zoning plan
By Judith Davidoff, The Capital Times, December 6, 2003

Weak economy creates a glut of subsidized housing
By Tracey Kaplan and Pete Carey, December 8, 2003, Mercury News
 
Big Osceola rise in fees could have loud echoes
By Joe Newman and Tania Deluzuriaga, Orlando Sentinel, December 9, 2003

Tom Lee to lead state Senate:  His peers pick the Brandon Republican to fill that role for two years, starting next fall.
By Alisa Ulferts, Times Staff Writer, St. Petersburg Times, December 10, 2003
 
County delays vote on placing sales tax on ballot  
By Charlie Reed, Osceola News Gazette, December 11, 2003

Taking steps to plug $450 million hole;  County board votes to set school impact fees at $9,708  
By Charlie Reed, Osceola News Gazette, December 11, 2003
 
A look at city and history
Baltimore: Testimony in a federal trial reveals how decisions on public housing in the segregated 1940s influenced patterns of growth for years.
By Eric Siegel, The Baltimore Sun, December 11, 2003

Court endorses Keys growth rules
By Laurie Karnatz, The Key West Citizen, December 11, 2003

Fairness in Funding the Dulles Rail Project
Letter to the Editor, Washington Post, December 11, 2003
 
Private citizen as global problem-solver--DANGERMOND: The head of a software juggernaut tools around in a Ford Taurus station wagon.
By Phil Pitchford, The Press-Enterprise, December 13, 2003
 
Attack of the parking podiums
Chicago Tribune, December 13, 2003

Development Foes Taking the Initiative
By Daniel Yi, Times Staff Writer, The Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2003
 
A place called Parramore (1st of 3 parts)
By Kelly Brewington and Melissa Harris, Orlando Sentinel, December 14, 2003

Homes vs. industry on the waterfront:  Face of shore property may be in for change
By Jamie Smith Hopkins, The Baltimore Sun, December 14, 2003

Spain and Morocco say they have agreed to build a 39-kilometre rail tunnel beneath the Mediterranean Sea, to link Europe and Africa.
BBC News, December 14, 2003
 
Out of reach (2nd of 3 parts)
A revitalized Parramore will bring a higher standard of living. But most current residents need not apply.
By Melissa Harris and Kelly Brewington, The Orlando Sentinel, December 15, 2003

Bill would kill water transfer proposal
Rep. David Russell aims to prevent water being moved from the state's north to its south.
Environmental activist promotes plan to keep state's water supply in public hands
By Cathy Zollo, Naples Daily News, December 16, 2003 

Worries follow state debt report:  Debt burden rising, but credit rating high
By Nancy Cook Lauer, Tallahassee Democrat, December 16, 2003

Creeping Up on Regionalism
Otis White's Urban Notebook, Governing Magazine, December 17, 2003

Referendum on sales tax increase set for March  
By Sylvia L. Oliande and Brian McBride, Osceola News Gazette, December 17, 2003

State debt nears its target cap:  That leaves little room for the state to borrow money to fund the smaller class size and bullet train mandates.
By Steve Bousquet, St. Petersburg Times, December 17, 2003
 
Bill Would Kill Water Transfer Proposal
By Dan DeWitt, St. Petersburg Times, December 19, 2003
 
The Complex Role of Urban Design and Theoretical Models of Physical Activity
By Kevin J. Krizek, Assistant Professor, Planners Network, PLANetizen, Fall 2003
 
Engineering Physical Activity Back Into Americans' Lives
By Mark Fenton, Planners Network, PLANetizen, Fall 2003

Urban Planning For Active Living: Who Benefits?
By Kristin Day, Planners Network, PLANetizen, Fall 2003
 
Affordable Housing:  Smart Growth Techniques Pave the Way
By David Goldberg, Realtor Magazine On-Line
 
Could 'Affordable' Housing Be Well-Designed -- And Green?
By Neal Peirce, The Washington Post Writers Group

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APPLY ONLINE FOR THE 2004 AICP EXAM:  JANUARY 7, 2004 DEADLINE
Begin your preparation for the May 2004, AICP exam by completing an application for Determination of Eligibility. The computer-based exam will be administered in May and November during two 12-day windows at more than 200 testing centers in the U.S. and Canada. The application deadline for the May exam window is January 7, 2004. The application filing fee is discounted for online registrants. Approved applicants may proceed with exam registration in January.  The deadline for submitting an application for the November 2004 exam is July 6, 2004.  For additional information, go to AICP Website.

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 after the holidays.  It will be updated on a weekly basis.

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. 

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.

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FANNIE MAE'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS
Fannie Mae's Affordable Housing activities focus on developing solutions to housing barriers faced by underserved populations and communities that traditionally have not been well served by the mortgage industry.  Through innovative mortgage products that meet the financial needs of home-buying consumers, Fannie Mae continues to expand opportunities for safe, affordable housing and help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.  These mortgage products are designed to help borrowers overcome the two primary barriers to homeownership -- lack of down payment funds and qualifying income. Offered through a nationwide network of lenders, some mortgage products have special affordability features.  More information is available on the Affordable Housing Solutions section of Fannie Mae's website.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS:  U.S. EPA's 2004 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT CONFERENCE
The deadline for submitting proposals for the U.S. EPA's 2004 Community Involvement Conference has been extended to January 9, 2004.  If interested, please visit the "Call for Presenters" website at http://www.epancic.org/2004/callpresenters.cfm.

FHWA CONGESTION MITIGATION WEBSITE
A section of the Federal Highway Administration's website is devoted to congestion mitigation and the agency's congestion mitigation activities.  Check it out at http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/congestionmitigation/congestionmitigation.htm.

SPREAD THE WORD:  $50 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) is making $50 million in mortgages available statewide through its First Time Homebuyer Program at a 30-year fixed interest rate of 5.68 percent.  The interest rate in targeted areas such as HOPE VI communities, Urban Infill areas, USDA Rural Areas, and Front Porch Florida communities is fixed at 4.99 percent.  Consumers in the market for purchasing their first home are encouraged to visit the Corporation's website at www.floridahousing.org or call toll free at (888) 447-2977 for program requirements, a list of participating lenders and additional information.  Note:  Eligible applicants could also qualify for one of FHFC's down payment assistance programs.

ULI PHILADELPHIA:  SMART GROWTH CERTIFICATION
ULI Philadelphia, which covers central and southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Delaware, is proposing the creation of a "Smart Growth Certification" program, modeled after the nation's first and only such initiative in Washington, D.C.  Under the proposal, a committee of experts would review plans submitted voluntarily by developers, giving a stamp of approval to those that meet standards associated with smart growth. The goal is to have the program in place by next spring. In addition, ULI Philadelphia is working on an outreach effort that involves commissioning a ULI Technical Advisory Panel to review development applications submitted by municipalities and nonprofits and then make recommendations for improvement. For more information, contact ULI Washington at 703-390-9217.

ULI FLORIDA COMMITTEE FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION
ULI, in collaboration with its four Florida District Councils, is beginning a multi-year effort to identify new opportunities for the State of Florida to support and encourage regional cooperation.  Better collaboration at the regional level will enable communities to successfully address the growth and development challenges before them.  A grant from the MacArthur Foundation and funding from ULI and the four ULI Florida District Councils finance the project.  Chaired by Peter Rummell and Nathaniel Reed, the objective of this initiative is to identify state barriers to regional cooperation; forge a consensus around effective state actions and reforms that can help facilitate regional solutions; and work to move these recommendations into reality.  The Florida APA is represented on this Committee through the participation of its Executive Director.  Please direct any questions to Sheri Coven at fapa@floridaplanning.org.

CNU ORGANIZES FLORIDA CHAPTER
The Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) Florida State Chapter held their organization meeting in Orlando on November 23-24, 2003. This was the first state chapter for CNU. Organizing chair Jim Murley (Catanese Center at FAU) hopes the efforts of the Florida committee will create a blueprint for other states to initiate their own CNU chapters. The CNU Florida Chapter goals are to strengthen communication with CNU members and to provide a forum for networking; sharing information about policies, resources, and best practices in the region; teaching the public about new urbanism; organizing local new urbanism initiatives; broadening the movement's support base; and education of members.  The chapter organizing committee is comprised of thirty-one CNU members. Additional information on the Florida Chapter can be found at their website at cnuflorida.org. 

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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/. 

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January 9, 2004:  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. 

January 23, 2004:  SAVING THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at FAU, 111 East Las Olas Boulevard, HEC 1110 A&B, Ft. Lauderdale.  This event will feature a water bus tour of Ft. Lauderdale and will be followed by a reception. The workshop is designed for land use planners, economic development specialists, and local government officials and will provide information on the value of the marine industry to the South Florida region and the current initiatives underway to protect and enhance it.  It is presented by the FAU Catanese Center and the Broward Section of FAPA, and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.  RSVP by January 16 to Jayne Just at Marine Industries, (954) 524-2733.  For more information, contact Martha Lord (Marine Industries) at 954-524-2733; MJ Matthews (FAU) at 954-762-5286; or Marilyn Mammano (Broward Section) at 954-760-9224.

January 29, 2004:  SUN COAST SECTION LEGISLATIVE EVENT, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art, 600 North Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa.  Speakers include Lester Abberger, FAPA Legislative Representative and several local legislators.  Topics include FAPA legislative platform, FAPA white papers, and views on what the upcoming legislative session holds for growth management, transportation, and other planning issues.  There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP to Melissa Zornitta at (813) 272-5940 or zornittam@plancom.org.

March 3, 2004:  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.

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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.

May 5-7, 2004:  THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE & EXPO is the first major conference and exhibition dedicated to the land development industry. The three-day conference, being held in Baltimore, will bring together hundreds of professionals from both the public and private sectors, including urban planners, engineers, regulators, landscape architects, developers, and builders.  For complete conference program and registration information, visit www.landdevelopment2004.com.

September 22-24, 2004:  Hollywood, Florida, will be the center stage for the FLORIDA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION'S 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE.  Anyone and everyone who is interested in redevelopment issues in Florida are invited to attend.  The educational sessions will address challenges faced by elected officials, managers, executive directors, and businesses in communities both large and small.  For conference information, contact Jan Roberts at jroberts@flcities.com or visit our website at www.redevelopment.net.

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