A BI-WEEKLY BULLETIN FROM FAPA

REGISTER NOW FOR APA'S
LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONFERENCE
May 11-13, 2005 

April 14, 2005

FAPA's CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
FOR THE 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
EXPIRES APRIL 15, 2005!!

FAPA'S 2005 ANNUAL CONFERNECE
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Bookmark FAPA's Legislative Web Page for the latest
growth management news and information.
  http://www.floridaplanning.org/legislative/index.asp

STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS 

GROWTH MANAGEMENT REFORM: 
A Pay as You Grow Plan for Florida's Future

The State of Florida Invites You to "A Conversation on Growth Management"
Featured Panelists:
DCA Secretary Thaddeus Cohen
DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille
DOT Secretary José Abreu

JACKSONVILLE:  Wednesday, April 20th at 1:00 p.m. at the FCCJ Martin Center, 4th Floor, 501 West State Street, Jacksonville, FL  32202.  For more information and to RSVP contact Yolanda Jordan (904) 807-3212

PENSACOLA: Thursday, April 21st at 2:00 p.m. at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, 40 South Alcaniz Street, Pensacola, FL  32502.  For more information and to RSVP contact Sally Cooey (850) 595-8300 x 1180.

TAMPA:  Monday, April 25th at 12:00 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Center Board Room, 2nd Floor, 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL  33602.  For more information and to RSVP contact Pam Vazquez (813) 744-6100 x 495.

FT. MYERS:  Wednesday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Gulf Coast University - TV Studio, 10501 FGCU Boulevard North, Ft. Myers, FL  33965.  For more information and to RSVP contact Lisa Douglass (239) 825-5178.

BRONSON LAUNCHES PLANNING EFFORT TO DETERMINE FUTURE OF FORESTS IN FLORIDA
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced that his department is launching a major planning project to help shape the future of forests in Florida. The planning effort that is getting underway will focus on how the state manages what are inevitable changes - rather than merely reacting to those changes. Division of Forestry (DOF) officials have already taken the first step, assessing the present conditions of forests in Florida, and the public can review that assessment by visiting DOF's website at www.fl-dof.com. A draft plan on the future of forests in Florida is expected to be posted on the DOF website  next fall, and the public will be asked to comment on it.   

DEP'S FLORIDA SPRINGS INITIATIVE'S NEWEST FEATURE 
As part of DEP's Florida Springs Initiative, a virtual tour of Wakulla Springs is now available.  This virtual tour allows visitors to learn about the Wakulla Springs cave system by moving a virtual diver along explored sections of the cave. The Florida Springs Initiative website also hosts information and activities involving a variety of other freshwater springs throughout the state. http://www.floridasprings.org/exploration/featured/wakulla

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
A study describing the economic and fiscal impacts of agriculture and agribusiness in Hillsborough County, Florida is now in final draft and will be published next month (the May 2005 update will include a link to a PDF file for the study that can be downloaded).  A supplement to the study, to be published separately, describes the "economics of land use," the strengths and weaknesses of different types of methodologies commonly used to measure fiscal impact, and provides guidelines on interpreting the results of various studies.  The Hillsborough County study and its supplement make a strong financial argument in favor of the types of land use mixes and settlement patterns that are facilitated by the Rural Lands Stewardship Program.  Watch http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ for more information as it becomes available.

SUSTAINABLE TREASURE COAST COMMITTEE'S INTERIM REPORT
The Sustainable Treasure Coast Committee's Interim Report relating to the long range planning necessary to assure sustainable development in the three-county planning area of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties is available in PDF format at http://www.sustainabletc.org/documents/CSTCInterimReport02-11-05WebVersion.pdf.
                                                
CONGRESS MAKES STRIDES ON TEA-21 RENEWAL
HOUSE, SENATE COMMITTEES APPROVED BILLS PRIOR TO EASTER RECESS
[From APA's 3/28/05 Issue of "From Washington"]
As expected, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), 417 -- 9. The bill, which largely mirrors a previous version from the 108th Congress, provides approximately $284 billion through FY 2009. Of the overall spending, $225.5 billion is guaranteed for highways and $52.3 billion for transit. Donor states (those contributing more to the highway trust fund than they receive in federal aid) would see their minimum rate of return increased to 92.6 percent.

An effort to raise spending to $318 billion, a benchmark set by last year's Senate bill, was defeated on a 190 -- 235 vote. However, H.R. 3 does include a "re-opener" provision that essentially gives Congress another chance to revisit both overall funding and the donor state minimum guarantee next year. The provision has been strongly opposed by the Bush Administration.  Prior to a two-week Easter recess, two key Senate Committees approved sections of reauthorization legislation. On March 16, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) voted 17 -- 1 to report out the highway and research titles of SAFETEA. Aside from its reduced funding levels, the bill essentially mirrors legislation approved by the Senate last year, including increased MPO funding, a new stormwater set-aside, a new Safe Routes to School program, and a commitment to providing funding through core programs such as CMAQ and Transportation Enhancements.

The day following EPW action, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee followed suit by approved the bill's transit title. The markup was not without controversy however. Several members argued that transit funding had been shortchanged by EPW action. Senate leaders agreed to move a bill with a total price tag of $284 billion. Members of the Banking Committee expected $53.3 billion to be available for transit to reflect an earlier agreement, but the amount approved by EPW for highways lowered the transit portion to $51.6 billion. Ranking Member Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) offered an amendment to restore transit funding. He subsequently withdrew the amendment but vowed to pursue changes when the bill is considered on the floor.  Two other Senate committees (Finance and Commerce) are expected to act on the sections under their jurisdictions shortly after Congress reconvenes. Action by the full Senate is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 18. A conference committee would have to resolve lingering differences between TEA-LU and SAFETEA. The current extension of TEA-21 runs through the end of May.   

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REPORTS, PUBLICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS 

EMINENT DOMAIN, PRIVATE PROPERTY, AND REDEVELOPMENT: AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
One key tool many local governments use in their redevelopment efforts is eminent domain to assemble land for new development expected to provide economic growth to the area.  In the case of Kelo vs. New London, the U.S. Supreme Court will examine whether using eminent domain to further private development is properly a "public use" under the Constitution. While the Supreme Court considers the property rights issue, a closely related question is if eminent domain is as effective a tool for economic development as many argue it is.  This report, authored by Sam Staley,  finds that using eminent domain often fails to help achieve economic development goals. The author further explores alternatives to eminent domain for achieving economic development that blend community goals with real estate market and job growth drivers.  The report is available at http://www.rppi.org/ps331.pdf.

OVERCOMING IMPEDIMENTS TO SMART GROWTH: FINDING WAYS FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS TO HELP ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY
The purpose of this report is to address the apparent gap between knowledge about smart growth principles and their actual implementation in Michigan communities, from the perspective of land development professionals.  Published by the Michigan Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center at Michigan State University and Planning & Zoning Center, Inc, this publication is available online as a PDF document at the following link:  http://www.tourismcenter.msu.edu/publications/12-01-04.pdf.

ACTIVE LIVING AND SOCIAL EQUITY: CREATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ALL RESIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
This guide from the International City/County Management Association describes how local managers, department heads and local government staff can design healthy communities for all residents, regardless of income, race or ethnicity, age, ability or gender. The guide explains the connections between active living and social equity, provides a toolbox of local government strategies for promoting active living equitably, and highlights notable examples of local initiatives from around the country. It is available as a free PDF download at http://bookstore.icma.org/obs/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=1247

NATIONAL BICYCLING, WALKING STUDY: 10-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 
This report released by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, sets out to assess the U.S. Department of Transportation's activities and progress in respect to the National Bicycling and Walking Study goals and action plans in the ten years since the Study was released in 1994. The goals outlined in the 1994 study were to 1) double the percentage of trips made by bicycling and walking, from 7.9 percent to 15.8 percent; and 2) reduce by 10 percent the number of fatalities and injuries by pedestrians and bicyclists in traffic crashes. The status report documents progress made in reaching these goals. The report is available at http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=4441.

STUDY SHOWS FORESTS VITAL TO FLORIDA'S ECONOMY
A study released today by the Florida Forestry Association and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences reveals that Florida's forests and forest products industry are among the largest agricultural commodities in the state, with total output above $16.5 billion. Titled, "Economic Impacts of the Forest Industry in Florida," the study also shows that the industry supplied Florida with over 133,000 jobs in 2003.  For a copy of the report or executive summary, go to http://economicimpact.ifas.ufl.edu/.

STUDY TACKLES CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The Transportation Research Board and the Institute of Medicine last month issued this report, which reviews the broad trends affecting the relationships among physical activity, health, transportation, and land use. Funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the report discusses the implications for policy and recommends priorities for future research.  For additional information on the report, go to http://gulliver.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=4536.

TOP 10 BEST U.S. WALKING CITIES
A study by the American Podiatric Medical Association ranks the nation's best walking cities. For a list of the top ten, go to http://www.apma.org/s_apma/doc.asp?CID=18&DID=17913.

COMPLETE STREETS REPORT
The Thunderhead Alliance, national coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations, has published the first nationwide analysis of policies designed to create complete streets that routinely accommodate bicycle and pedestrian travel. The Complete Streets Report inventories complete streets policies around the country and analyzes them in preparation for the Thunderhead Complete the Streets Campaign Model to help state and local advocacy organizations spread complete streets to more communities. This report is available online as a PDF document at http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/doc/Thunderhead%20Complete%20Streets%20Report%2012-11-04.pdf.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
This publication from the Prevention Institute highlights examples of neighborhood-level successes in altering elements of the built environment to improve health behaviors and outcomes. Profiles focus on interventions that have occurred in low-income communities and are most likely to contribute to reducing health disparities in the United States.  A copy of the document is available online at http://www.preventioninstitute.org/builtenv.html.

ENDANGERED BY SPRAWL: HOW RUNAWAY DEVELOPMENT THREATENS AMERICA'S WILDLIFE
Produced by the National Wildlife Federation, Smart Growth America, and NatureServe, this new report details the effects on wildlife by rapid conversion of once-natural areas and farmland into subdivisions, shopping centers, roads and parking lots.  The results describe how rapid development has become a leading threat to America's native plants and animals. An online copy of the document is available at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/ebsreport2.html.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND THE OREGON LUBA
The Fannie Mae Foundation has issued a report on affordable housing that speaks well of the Oregon LUBA.  For more information or to access the report, go to http://www.fanniemaefoundation.org/programs/hff/v5i1-topten.shtml

MITIGATING TRAFFIC CONGESTION
This Federal Highway Administration report examines efforts to manage demand and improve the performance and efficiency of transportation systems. The report includes more than 25 in-depth case studies of demand-side strategies from across the country and is available at http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/mitig_traf_cong/index.htm.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH ROOTS OF ZONING
Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, this paper traces the public health roots of zoning through a family tree of land-use legal doctrines to better understand the dynamic nature of land-use law and policy, and how policymakers might accomplish zoning reform to encourage more physically active environments.  For more on this, visit http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/PIIS0749379704003083/fulltext#abstract.

DID SMART GROWTH MAKE PORTLAND UNAFFORDABLE?
In response to Philip Langdon's article that questioned whether Portland's growth boundary made the city less affordable (http://www.newurbannews.com/PortlandMar05.html), Randal O'Toole says that new data show that housing in Portland is not as unaffordable as once believed. This proves, he says, that Portland's urban-growth boundary did not decrease the region's affordability.  Using the best available data -- the 1990 and 2000 U.S. censuses, which estimated both median-family incomes and median home prices by urban areas -- Portland's affordability declined by more than any other urban area in the U.S.  Mr. O'Toole's full response is posted on the Thoreau Institute's website at http://ti.org/vaupdate52.html.

FROM BROOKINGS
The State of American Cities and Suburbs
Speech by Bruce Katz; Habitat Urban Conference (3/18/05) http://www.brookings.edu/metro/speeches/20050318_americancities.htm

Using Information Resources to Enhance Urban Markets
Report by Robert Weissbourd and Riccardo Bodini; Urban Markets Initiative (March 2005) http://www.brookings.edu/metro/umi/20050314_inforesource.htm

Market-Based Community Economic Development
Report by Robert Weissbourd and Riccardo Bodini; Urban Markets Initiative (March 2005) http://www.brookings.edu/metro/umi/20050314_communitydev.htm

Turning Around Downtown: Twelve Steps to Revitalization
Report by Christopher B. Leinberger; Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program (March 2005) http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20050307_12steps.htm

Today's Roads with Tomorrow's Dollars: Using GARVEE Bonds to Finance Transportation Projects
Report by Robert Puentes and David Warren; Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program (March 2005) http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20050322_garvee.htm

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NEWS CLIPS, MAGAZINE ARTICLES, ETC.

Some publications may require free registration.

Urbanist Joel Kotkin Examines Cities Across Time and Space in The City: A Global History
By Joel Kotkin, The Planning Report, March 2005

American Spatial Development and the New Megalopolis
By Carbonell, Armando and Robert D. Yaro, Land Lines Newsletter, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, April 2005
 
Halting sprawl is no easy task
Legislators from other areas of the state say they fear ending up like South Florida.
By Mark Hollis, Sun-Sentinel, Tallahassee Bureau, 4/72005 

A Wal-Mart charm offensive opens HQ to a rare peek inside
By Christopher Leonard, Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor, 4/8/2005

Eco-firms see growing profits
By Mark Clayton, Staff writer to The Christian Science Monitor, 4/7/2005

City planning by Those Who Know Best
By Steven Greenhut, The Orange County Register, 4/3/2005

Wal-Mart pitches green design for Vancouver
CTV.ca News Staff, 3/29/2005

Global Warming's Silver Lining 
By David Cohn, Wired News, 3/29/2005
 
Frankel attacks downtown growth plan
By Pat Beall, Palm Beach Post, 4/1/2005
 
Measure 37 changes in works
A Senate bill aims to spell out application guidelines and ease restrictions so some property owners can build on farmland
By Laura Oppenheimer, The Oregonian, 4/7/2005
 
Planner Says Don't Blame Developers
Encouraging urban growth can cure sprawl, he says.
By Michael W. Freeman, The Reporter, 3/24/2005

Water supply may become tapped out
By Greg C. Bruno, Gainesville Sun, 3/15/2005
 
It's time to make the most of suburban sprawl
Flight to the suburbs isn't going to stop
By Joel Kotkin for The Washington Post, Concord Monitor, 3/26/2005

U.S. Infrastructure: Increasingly Unsafe
By Alan Caruba, Canada Free Press, 3/21/2005

Woman wins Measure 37 claim
Multnomah County officials agree to let Dorothy English, the face of the land-use measure, divide her property into 8 parcels
By Kimberly A.C. Wilson, The Oregonian, 3/18/2005
 
Perspectives on Expansion: Part Two in a Five Part Series on Campus Planning
Penn Builds off Past Developments for Postal Lands Project
By Emily Schwarz, Columbia Spectator, 3/22/2005
 
Free parking is costly investment
By Haya El Nasser, USA TODAY, 3/20/2005

Mass Transit Hysteria
Take the plunge, save the planet.
By P.J. O'Rourke, Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, 3/16/2005
 
Adjacent Wal-Marts May Dodge Size Curbs
Calvert Had Stopped Supercenter Plans
By Amit R. Paley, Washington Post, 3/7/2005

Oldest City can't afford its past
Small tax base, other problems hurt preservation efforts
By Todd Lewan, AP National Writer, St. Augustine Record, 3/13/2005
 
Seaside town center to be transformed
By Robert Steuteville, New Urban News, March 2005

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 FAPA/APA/AICP NEWS & INFORMATION

FAPA 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Do you have a great project or planning approach that you would like to share with your colleagues? Presentation proposals for the September 7-10, 2005 FAPA Conference at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg are due by April 15, 2005. Proposals should be 200 words or less. The Conference Committee is looking for presentations that use creative techniques for presenting interesting information and issues of current relevance. Although proposals will be considered on a variety of topics, this year's presentation topics should focus on one of the five conference tracks.  For more information, please go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/conference/index.asp.

FAPA 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR PACKETS
The Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration Packet is are now available for FAPA's 2005 Annual Conference.  Visit the web address provided above or go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/conference/2005/Sponsor-ExhibitorsBrochureCH.pdf.
  
AICP TRAINING MATERIALS
The Chapter Office still has a few remaining copies of the Chapter Presidents' Council Training Manual.  Ordering instructions are posted to http://www.floridaplanning.org/aicp/2003_info.asp.  There you will also find a new listing of website links to aid in exam preparation.  FAPA thanks Henry Bittaker with the Treasure Coast Section for so diligently pulling this list together.

AICP SIMPLIFIES EXAM APPLICATION
APA is pleased to introduce a new one-step, single-payment application process for taking the AICP exam, starting with applications for the May 2005 exam. Upon submission and approval of a completed application, an applicant will receive an Authorization to Test and proceed with picking a testing center, date, and time. Applications for the May 2005 exam will be accepted through mid-March. To learn more, go to http://www.planning.org/certification/index.htm.

REGISTER NOW FOR APA'S LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
For the first time, APA is conducting its legislative conference and Capitol Hill advocacy day in conjunction with the American Society of Landscape Architects. APA and ASLA share a common agenda: advancing policies that create communities of lasting value. For a conference overview and registration information, visit http://www.planning.org/legislation/2005policyconf.htm.  The Conference will be held May 11-13, 2005 in Washington, D.C.

NEW STUDENT PUBLICATION FROM APA
The New Planner is a publication from the American Planning Association (APA) produced by and for APA's student members. Articles explore communities and planning from the student perspective. Subscription information for this publication can be found online at the following link:  http://www.planning.org/thenewplanner/nonmember/default.htm

AUDIO/WEB CONFERENCE TRAINING FOR COMMISSIONERS AND PROFESSIONALS APA/AICP and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy present eight new audio/web conferences for 2004-05. A four-program series for planning commissioners and other appointed and elected officials kiced off on October 6 with "Economic Development for Small Towns." "New Technologies for Planning and Public Participation" on November 3 was the first of four programs by AICP Training. Registration includes access to a special web page with extensive reading materials, program extras, and links to useful websites. The remaining programs are as follows:  In the Practicing Planner Series--May 25, 2005 (Development Finance & Pro Formas); June 29, 2005 (a joint program on Planning, Environmental and Land-Use Law for Planners and Planning Officials).  To register or for more information, go to http://www.planning.org/audioconference/index.htm.

APA'S PLANNERS LEGISLATIVE ACTION NETWORK--PLAN
PLAN--Planners Legislative Action Network is APA's new grassroots advocacy network.  Plan members receive email action alerts; special legislative briefings; recognition at APA conferences; conference "meet up" for PLAN members; invitations to special events and receptions; unique training opportunities; access to members-only web tools; PLAN listserv; congressional directory; and enhanced access to elected officials. Opportunities to be active in PLAN include writing letters and emails in response to action alerts; conducting meetings during Planner's Day on Capitol Hill; and taking advantage of special training programs and issue briefings.  You will also have a chance to shape APA's annual legislative priorities.  There is no cost to join.  Simply go to http://www.planning.org/advocacy/grassrootsadvocacy.htm and click on "Join APA's Advocacy Network." Sign up today to get with the PLAN.  Please direct any questions to APA's government affairs department at govtaffairs@planning.org or 202.872.0611.

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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

SMART GROWTH SHAREWARE
Smart Growth America offers Smart Growth Shareware, a free CD-ROM featuring 100 smart growth publications.  Visit the following website to sign up for a copy, http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY'S PLANNING SCHOOL OFFERS ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES FOR PLANNERS
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University is now offering online professional development courses for planners.  For more information, go to http://policy.rutgers.edu/bocep/bocep.html.

PARTICIPATORY LAND-USE MAPPING
As many communities continue to grow in patterns of low-density sprawl, forward thinking planners are looking for ways to develop long range plans that emphasize infill and compact development. Participatory Land-Use Mapping is a technique used to involve members of the public in exploring local and regional land-use planning issues. Through Participatory Land-Use Mapping, community members learn about the hazards of inefficient land-use and the challenge of accommodating a growing population in a compact urban area without densifying development and adopting alternative modes of transportation. The end result is often the fostering of public support for smart growth principles.  For more information, please visit http://www.lgc.org/freepub/land_use/participation_tools/landuse_mapping.html.

TRAFFIC CALMING LIBRARY
The Traffic Calming Library contains a searchable database of reports, articles and other documents related to traffic calming. In some cases the full publication is available online and in others only a source listing or abstract is available. For more information go to http://www.ite.org/traffic/default.asp

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RFPs/RFQs, GRANTS, AWARDS, ETC.

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/.  

FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FLORIDA FOREVER APPLICATION CYCLE
The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) has opened its fifth Florida Forever application cycle. Approximately $66,000,000 (unless otherwise allocated by the Legislature) will be available this funding cycle for grants to local governments and nonprofit environmental organizations to acquire land for conservation, open space and outdoor recreation purposes.  The deadline for submitting applications to FCT is 6:00 pm (EDT), May 5, 2005. For a copy of the NEW grant application form (FCT-3) or more information about the  program, please visit the FCT website at  http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/fct/.  

APPLY NOW TO BECOME A WATERFRONTS FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP COMMUNITY!
The Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program provides technical assistance and training to designated communities involved in the revitalization of working waterfronts and preparation of special area management plans to guide redevelopment efforts.  Three new Waterfronts Florida Partnership Communities will be designated in 2005. Cities or counties required to prepare a coastal management element in the comprehensive plan that are willing to fund a local program manager and establish a Waterfronts Florida Committee upon designation are eligible. The application deadline is May 27, 2005.  For more information, visit the Waterfronts Florida website at www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/waterfronts or contact Jennifer Z. Carver, AICP, at (850) 922-1772 or jennifer.carver@dca.state.fl.us.

APPLY FOR SMART GROWTH IMPLEMENTATION ASSISTANCE!
The Development, Community and Environment Division in U.S. EPA's Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation is seeking applications from communities that want to develop in ways that meet environmental and other community goals.  A team of multidisciplinary experts will provide technical assistance to communities that are selected. Communities around the country are interested in fostering economic development, protecting their environmental resources, enhancing public health, and planning for growth, but they may lack the tools, resources, or information to achieve these goals.  EPA can help communities overcome these roadblocks by providing evaluation tools and expert analysis. EPA is soliciting applications from communities that want help with either policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines, transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, alternatives analysis, build-out analysis, etc.).  Selected communities will receive assistance from a team of experts organized by EPA and other national partners to work with local leaders. For more information and application materials, please go to: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sg_implementation.htm 

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2005 NATIONAL AWARD FOR SMART GROWTH ACHIEVEMENT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement.  This competition is open to local or state governments and other public sector entities that have used the principles of smart growth to create better places and improve the environment.  This year, applications will be accepted in five categories: built projects; policies and regulations; small communities; military base redevelopment; overall excellence in smart growth.  Applications are due on May 18, 2005.  For more details about the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, including an application packet, please visit http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm.

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JOB MART

JOB MART advertisements now posted:

Senior Planner, Special Projects (Palm Beach County School District)
Community Redevelopment Agency Director (City of Port St. Lucie)
Planner (City of Port St. Lucie)
Growth Management Director (Okaloosa County)
Regional Planner/Entry Level (Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council)
Associate Planner (City of Wellington)
Planner (Glatting Jackson)
Principal Planner/Planner (City of South Miami)
Site Acquisition Specialist (FHMC Corporation)
Urban Planner (City of Tarpon Springs)
Senior Planner (City of Port Orange)
Urban Planner (East Central Florida Regional Planning Council)
Senior Planner (City of Apopka)
Planning & Zoning Analyst (City of Pinellas Park)
Assistant Planning Director (City of Auburn, Alabama)
Planner III/two positions (St. Lucie County)
Traffic Engineer/Transportation Planner (Bermello, Ajamil & Partners)
Senior Planner/Current Planning (Town of Jupiter)
Planner (Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc.)
Senior Planner/Project Manager (Renaissance Planning Group, Inc.)
GIS Analyst (Renaissance Planning Group, Inc.)
Planner (Renaissance Planning Group, Inc.)
Community Development Block Grant Planner (Manatee County)
Economic and Redevelopment Coordinator (City of Melbourne)
Manager of Strategic Planning (City of Panama City)
Community Redevelopment Agency Director (Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency)
Planner (Walton County)

Visit FAPA's Job Mart for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements, and application deadlines.

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FAPA CHAPTER & SECTION CALENDAR

April 19, 2005:  The Capital Area Section's monthly luncheon is in keeping with the spirit of the upcoming FPZA Conference.  TALLAHASSEE-LEON COUNTY 2050 will feature a panel discussion on the long-range vision for Tallahassee and Leon County.  Panelists include City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey, Leon County Commissioner Cliff Thaell, and Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Director, Wayne Tedder, AICP.

May 11-13, 2005:  Make plans to attend APA's LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONFERENCE.  A conference overview and registration information are available at http://www.planning.org/legislation/2005policyconf.htm.

June 22- 25, 2005:  The Mississippi Chapter of APA is planning a REGION III CONFERENCE at the Grand Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.  The theme of the Conference will be "Information Chain--the Process of Getting the Word Out" and will offer sessions on three tracks:  (a) Computer Technology, (b) Organizing Data and Creating Plans, and (c)  Community Building. Mobile tours and workshops will be offered in and around the Gulf Coast region.  For more information, contact George Carbo at gcarbo@ci.gulfport.ms.us.

July 1, 2005:  FAPA EC MEETING in Orlando.  Details to follow.

September 7, 2005:  FAPA EC MEETING in conjunction with FAPA's 2005 Annual Conference.

September 7-10, 2005:  Save the Date - FAPA'S 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE hosted by the Sun Coast Section.  This year's theme is Florida's Renaissance:  Responding to the Challenges of Tomorrow.  The Conference will be held at the historic Renaissance Vinoy in downtown St. Petersburg.  More information will be coming soon.

February 15, 2006:  Save the date for FAPA's 2006 ANNUAL PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP in Tallahassee.

February 16, 2006:  FAPA LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING, which will be held in conjunction with the 2006 Public Policy Workshop.

February 17-18, 2006:  Mark your calendars.  The FSU Department of Urban and Regional Planning will celebrate its 20th ANNIVERSARY in Tallassee.  If you wish to participate in the planning of the event, contact Dr. Charles Connerly at cconnerl@coss.fsu.edu.

April 22-26, 2006:  Save the date for APA's 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, which will be held in San Antonia, Texas.

September 27-30, 2006:  Save the date for FAPA's 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, which will be held at the Marco Island Marriott Resort.

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OTHER STATE & NATIONAL EVENTS

April 20, 2005:  Cosponsored by the Orland-Metro Section of FAPA, make plans to attend the AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS' DESIGN PARTY from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Leu Gardens.  Please RSVP to ltrobough@techrecon.net.

April 20, 2005:  GROWTH MANAGEMENT REFORM:  A PAY AS YOU GROW PLAN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the FCCJ Martin Center, 4th Floor, 501 West State Street, Jacksonville, FL  32202.  For more information and to RSVP contact Yolanda Jordan (904) 807-3212

April 21, 2005: GROWTH MANAGEMENT REFORM:  A PAY AS YOU GROW PLAN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, 40 South Alcaniz Street, Pensacola, FL  32502.  For more information and to RSVP contact Sally Cooey (850) 595-8300 x 1180.

April 25, 2005:  GROWTH MANAGEMENT REFORM:  A PAY AS YOU GROW PLAN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE will be held at 12:00 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Center Board Room, 2nd Floor, 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL  33602.  For more information and to RSVP contact Pam Vazquez (813) 744-6100 x 495.

April 27, 2005:  GROWTH MANAGEMENT REFORM:  A PAY AS YOU GROW PLAN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Gulf Coast University - TV Studio, 10501 FGCU Boulevard North, Ft. Myers, FL  33965.  For more information and to RSVP contact Lisa Douglass (239) 825-5178.

April 27-29, 2005:  UPTOWN, DOWTOWN AND AROUND TOWN MEPHIS! BUILDING VALUE IN COMMUNITY is a three day seminar at the Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee.  It will include three case studies of Memphis area projects - AutoZone Park, Harbor Town/Uptown and Downtown's South Main neighborhood.  This program is designed to be a candid discussion of the pitfalls and successes of Memphis' revitalization through a series of case studies and tours. Take back ideas of how to discover and mine opportunities in your own community and convert them to sustainable development strategies. Hear from seasoned veterans and new converts alike. Enjoy a taste of what Memphis has to offer and teach.  For more information and to register, please visit www.theseasideinstitute.org or call (850) 231.2421.  This event is hosted by Looney Ricks Kiss Architects and The Seaside Institute.  It is sponsored by Belz, Boyle, Henry Turley Company, LRK, and Wells Fargo.

April 28, 2005:  MPO Day and a joint meeting of the MPOAC GOVERNING BOARD AND STAFF DIRECTORS' MEETING will be held in Tallahassee.  MPO Day is scheduled to take place on the Capitol Courtyard from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The joint meeting will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel at 101 South Adams Street in Tallahassee from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For further information, contact Howard Glassman at (850) 414-4062 or Heidi Langston at (850) 414-4037.

April 28-29, 2005:  The University of Miami School of Architecture is offering an executive education course, RETAIL DEVELOPMENT:  FROM SHOPPING CENTERS TO TOWN CENTERS.  This intensive seminar is part of a series of executive education courses in real estate development informed by the School of Architecture's expertise in New Urbanism.  For further information, please visit www.arc.miami.edu/knight.

May 4-6, 2005:  The ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL STEWARDSHIP FORUM will be held in Washington D.C.  Twice each year, the Alliance for Regional Stewardship holds a forum to bring together regional advocates and activities from public, private, and non-profit sectors.  Plenary sessions generally focus on issues and innovations in the host region, while break-out sessions examine techniques used elsewhere in the country.  The theme for this forum is THE NEXT GENERATION IN COLLABORATION:  LINKING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES.  To register or for more information, go to www.regionalstewardship.org.

May 11-14, 2005: Florida Planning and Zoning Association Annual Conference, FLORIDA 2050: SEEING FLORIDA'S FUTURE will be held  at the Doubletree Hotel, Tallahassee.  Hotel rooms are filling up fast.  Make your reservations today at www.doubletree.org.  Featured speakers include James Howard Kunstler, Linda Keever, and Lance deHaven Smith. For more information on the conference, go to www.fpza.org/fpza/confr.html. 

May 19-20, 2005:  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR NEW URBANISTS will bring together leaders in the fields of design, retail, finance and development to discuss hands-on techniques for implementing and building traditional neighborhoods. Using real-life examples, the speakers will explore in depth the skills needed to design, plan and build communities which illustrate a strong sense of place. The setting of Franklin, Tennessee provides a unique opportunity to explore and learn from a thriving downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.  We invite all architects, builders, developers, planners, public officials, realtors and others to experience this seminar first hand and to participate in Q&A sessions with faculty members and fellow participants. For more information and to register, please visit www.theseasideinstitute.org or call (850) 231.2421. This event is sponsored by the City of Franklin and The Seaside Institute.

May 23-24, 2005:  DCA's 2005 GROWTH MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP will be held at FSU's University Center Club at Doak Campbell Stadium.  Workshop topics include recovery and mitigation following the 2004 hurricane season; efforts to reform the Growth Management Act; the latest on DCA's programs; and technologies and trends to better achieve growth management goals.  Registration information is posted to www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/gmw/index.cfm or contact Vicki Morrison at vicki.morrison@dca.state.fl.us.

May 23-25, 2005:  The Funders' Network & PolicyLink present the 2ND NATIONAL SUMMIT ON REGIONAL EQUITY AND SMART GROWTH in Philadelphia, PA.  Join neighborhood, labor, and faith leaders; public officials and academics; and representatives of foundations, regional, state, and national organizations for three days of enlightening presentations and engaging conversations that advance economic, environmental, and social equity.  For more information, go to http://www.fundersnetwork.org or contact Jesse Leon at jesse@fundersnetwork.org or (305) 667-6350, ext. 204.

June 1-3, 2005:  Mark your calendar for TRANSPLEX 2005, Florida's second Transportation Planning Exchange.  The conference is open to everyone involved in the transportation planning process including federal, state, and local agencies and the private sector.  Join your colleagues at the Renaissance Orlando Resort to exchange ideas, best practices and the latest developments in transportation planning.  For more details, or to register, visit http://www.transplexfl.com.

June 9-12, 2005:  Save the date for CNU XIII in Pasadena, California.  The Congress will demonstrate how the principles of New Urbanism are bringing coherence to places in Southern California and across the United States.  The theme of the 2005 Congress is "The Polycentric City," which is designed to explore how regions such as Southern California with multiple centers can establish a framework of development based on the principles of New Urbanism and the model of the Transect.  For more information, go to http://www.cnu.org/.

June 9-11, 2005:  The International Association of Facilitators' annual conference, THE ART AND MASTERY OF FACILITATION, will be held at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa.  The conference rate starts at $525.  For more information, visit http://www.iaf-world.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageid=3828. 

June 13-14, 2005:  The Urban Land Institute's Annual Conference, DEVELOPING MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES: TOOLS FOR GROWING SMART, will be held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center in Denver Colorado.  At this year's conference, you will learn what industry leaders are doing to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are beginning a new community or are involved in an ongoing development, whether your project is ten thousand acres, or less than one hundred, you will need to learn what the future holds--and what you can do to be prepared for it. Leading developers and expert consultants will share their experience and practices for achieving success. In today's competitive climate, the one thing that remains constant is the need to adapt to change.  For more information, visit www.uli.org/conferences.

June 16-17, 2005:  The 8th Annual Land Use Law Conference, UNDERSTANDING THE PUSHES AND PULLS ON LAND USE, will be held at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Tampa.  Secretary Thaddeus Cohen is the featured presenter.  For more information, go to www.cle.com/dev/.

October 1-9, 2005:  PLAYCE DISCOVERY TOUR TO ORVIETO, Italy has a June 11 enrollment deadline.  The trip is now half full.  Orvieto is one of Italy's "Slow Cities."  It is instructive in how to develop physical spaces and cultural support for people-friendly cities.  You will learn the importance of culture, characteristics of physical design critical to successful places, how uses and their arrangement enhance places for people, the warmth of a people environment, barriers to creating a sense of place, and how to apply what you learn in Orvieto back home.  For more information, visit www.sccommunitybuilders.org or email Bill Steiner with Community Builders, at bsteiner@masc.sc.

October 19-21, 2005:  Save the date for FLORIDA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE, which will be held at the St. Petersburg Hilton.  Watch http://www.redevelopment.net/Default.aspx?tabid=45 for more information.

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