A BI-WEEKLY BULLETIN FROM FAPA

December 7, 2005

2006 JOHN NOLEN AWARD DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 9! CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFO...

GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES SUE M. COBB AS SECRETARY OF STATE
Governor Jeb Governor Bush today announced the appointment of Sue McCourt Cobb as Secretary of the Florida Department of State. She replaces Glenda Hood who left to pursue other opportunities.  As stated in the Governor's press release, Cobb has a distinguished career in public service and the private sector. Most recently, she served as United States Ambassador to Jamaica from 2001 to 2005. As Ambassador, she was a passionate advocate for our country while working to build strong relations between the United States and Jamaica. Prior to being named Ambassador, Cobb had an extensive legal, business and public service career, including serving as interim Secretary of the Florida Lottery in 1999.  Her public sector experience also includes three terms as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank in Miami and participation in numerous non-profit organizations.   In the private sector, Cobb led several successful Florida corporations and law firms.

DCA ANNOUNCES NINE NEW GROWTH MANAGEMENT PILOT COMMUNITIES
Nine local governments were selected by DCA to serve as pilot communities for the annual Capital Improvements Element (CIE) update, a key component of the 2005 growth management legislation signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush last June. The CIE pilot communities will aid the implementation of growth management reforms by developing models that can be adapted for use by local governments across Florida. All nine are state leaders in innovative capital facilities planning.  The nine selected pilot communities are: City of Fort Myers; City of Gainesville; Hardee County; City of Hollywood; Indian River County; City of Jacksonville; Cty of Lakeland; Leon County; and City of Orlando.

GOVERNOR BUSH UNVEILS $3.1 BILLION IN TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Governor Jeb Bush unveiled more than $3 billion in transportation improvements as part of Florida's sweeping growth management reforms signed into law last June. The transportation funding will be used to relieve a backlog of road projects and improve major transportation corridors across the state. The $3.1 billion in transportation improvements includes $2.8 billion in state money and $351 million in public and private partner funding to enhance the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS). Projects planned for the next five budget cycles will be presented during public hearings on the Department of Transportation's proposed work program this fall. SIS projects selected for funding must be consistent with adopted local government comprehensive plans and link to growth management objectives in the new law. Projects must also relieve a backlog of transportation needs, provide improved alternatives for moving goods or support mobility within designated multimodal districts and urban infill, redevelopment and revitalization areas. In addition, $52 million of County Incentive Grant Program and Small County Outreach Program projects were placed in the department's work program in partnership with counties this year to improve roadways, safety and transportation facilities.

BUILDING PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR STRATEGIC INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT
In an effort to help build strong public-private partnerships for intermodal investment in Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation partnered with the Florida Intermodal Transportation Association to assess the local and regional economic implications of the Strategic Intermodal System on Florida' economy.  Read all about the findings, along with recommendations for strengthening stakeholder involvement, in the resulting report. Go to http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/SIS/resources/FITAp4.pdf

FHWA'S SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL WEBSITE
The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Safety has announced a web site dedicated to the new Safe Routes to School Program.  This web site provides preliminary information about the program as recently passed by Congress. Check back periodically as this site will be updated as new program information is developed.
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/saferoutes/

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RURAL AMERICA AT A GLANCE, 2005
This USDA brochure highlights recent indicators of social and economic conditions in rural areas. It is designed to provide information on key rural conditions and trends for use by public and private decision makers and others in efforts to enhance the economic opportunities and quality of life for people in rural communities.  The brochure can be downloaded from http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/EIB4/EIB4_lowres.pdf.

THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF GREEN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The first systematic analysis of its kind, this report from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation reveals that, although greening adds about 2 percent to the construction cost of affordable housing, it creates significant savings from lower operating, maintenance, and replacement costs over a 30-year building lifetime.  In addition, there are potential health and environmental benefits of greening can have an enormous impact on hard-hit, low-income areas where asthma rates and other illnesses have reached epidemic proportions. The full report is at http://www.newecology.org/.

STATE GUIDES HELP COMMUNITIES PLAN FOR AGRICULTURE
Communities often focus on planning for new residential, commercial and industrial development, but many municipalities have not dedicated significant resources to planning for agriculture. However, a growing number of states across the nation are recognizing the importance of planning to protect farmland and support their agricultural industries. In California, Wisconsin and New York, guidebooks are available to advise municipalities on farm-friendly planning policies.  For more information, visit http://www.farmland.org/consulting/planning.pdf and http://www.farmland.org/upper_midwest/wi_planningforag.htm.

FROM THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTION
Towards a Competitive and Sustainable Maine
Grow Smart Maine Summit, October 20, 2005
Bruce Katz, Vice President and Director, Metropolitan Policy Program
http://www.brookings.edu/views/speeches/katz/20051020.htm

The Economics of Historic Preservation
Randall Mason; September 2005
http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20050926_preservation.htm

Beyond Campaign Rhetoric: Find Real Solutions to Virginia's Transportation Tangle
Robert Puentes; Richmond Times-Dispatch (9/26/05)
http://www.brookings.edu/views/op-ed/20050926_puentes.htm

The Benefits of High Density Development
Amy Liu, Deputy Director, Metropolitan Policy Director (11/17/2005)
http://www.brookings.edu/metro/speeches/20051117_liu.htm 

Who Lives Downtown
Eugenie L. Birch, Metropolitan Policy, Census Series, November 2005
http://www.brook.edu/metro/pubs/20051115_birch.htm
 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CHALLENGE
The National Association of Counties, through its Center for Sustainable Communities, surveyed nearly 800 county officials to learn firsthand the challenges they face in creating affordable housing in their communities and what steps need to be taken to assist them in doing so. This report is based on their responses and insights, and provides brief profiles of three counties that have adapted existing tools and created new ones to assure that housing is accessible and affordable to as many citizens as possible. To download a copy of the report, go to http://www.knowledgeplex.org/showdoc.html?id=105168.

INFLUENCE OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE ON LAND USE
This recently released ULI report was produced for the Federal Highway Administration. The report describes how transportation influences both public and private sector land use decisions. The report can be accessed at www.uli.org/fhaworkshop.

POLICY BRIEFS FROM THE DEVOE L. MOORE CENTER, FSU
The DeVoe Moore Center has updated its website to reflect the Policy Brief's written to date in 2005.  At http://www.fsu.edu/%7Epolicy/research/publications.html you will find the following: Investigating the Impact of Florida's Growth Management Approach on the State's Largest Cities, written by Tim Chapin, January 2005; Planning for Growth: The Advantages of a Longer Planning Horizon, written by Randall G. Holcombe, February 2005; and Findings from a Review of Local Government: Concurrency Practices in Florida, written by Tim Chapin, September 2005.

GAS PRICES:  THE TIPPING POINT TOWARD BETTER DEVELOPMENT?
The primary objective of this survey, conducted for ULI during the first week of October by independent polling firm Harris Interactive, was to measure consumer attitudes toward transportation issues, including: transportation behavior--modes people use for both commute and non-commute trips; why consumers choose or reject alternatives to driving; the extent to which people would use or consider using an alternate mode of transportation; and the likelihood of using commuter rail transit or bus service. The results of this survey reinforce the need to build and rebuild urban regions in ways that offer alternatives to car-dependent development, according to representatives of the Institute. For more information, contact Trisha Riggs at (202) 624-7086, priggs@uli.org, or go to
http://www.uli.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News&CONTENTID=39181&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

FROM WALL STREET TO YOUR STREET:  NEW SOLUTIONS FOR SMART GROWTH FINANCING
Commissioned by the Funders' Network, this paper was written by Robert E. Lang, Jennifer LeFurgy, and Steven Hornburg for the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech in order to spark conversation and challenge assumptions about smart growth financing.  The paper reassesses the current methods for smart growth finance and sketches out two different "fixes" for the problem of financing smart growth. Further, the paper also addresses the history of both finance and the built environment in the United States, in order to put our current situation in context. Finally, the paper offers several case study examples from the Washington, D.C., region that help illustrate smart growth finance strategies. Download the paper at http://www.fundersnetwork.org/usr_doc/From_Wall_Street.pdf.

LAND USE IMPACTS ON TRANSPORT:  HOW LAND USE FACTORS AFFECT TRAVEL BEHAVIOR
This paper by Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, examines how various land use factors such as density, regional accessibility, mix and roadway connectivity affect travel behavior, including per capita vehicle travel, mode split and non-motorized travel. This information is useful for evaluating land use policies such as Smart Growth, New Urbanism and Access Management can help achieve transportation planning objectives. The report is available at http://www.vtpi.org/landtravel.pdf.

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Some publications may require free registration.

Babcock deal moves along with Lee commission approval
Jamie Page, News-Press, November 30, 2005

Affordable housing law ready for public hearing
Dale White, Herald Tribune, November 29, 2005

Commission combats state growth management law
Larry Hannan, Naples Daily News, November 29, 2005

Federal judge stops infrastructure work at Scripps site
The Associated Press, Gainesville Sun, November 22, 2005
 
A Look Back: Planner Ed Bacon
Architectural Record, November 22, 2005

Eminent Domain Project at Standstill Despite Ruling
William Yardley, New York Times, November 21, 2005

A clash, no vote on boundary
The Miami-Dade County Commission did not cast a formal vote on any of nine applications to amend the Urban Development Boundary. Opponents complained they were not allowed to address each application.
Matthew Haggman, Tere Figueras Negrete and Noaki Schwartz, The Miami-Herald, November 21, 2005

Contain costly sprawl in Miami-Dade
Our Opinion:  Reject the Assault on the Urban Development Boundary
Opinion, The Miami-Herald, November 21, 2005

Underground, but not unconnected -- BART offers wireless service to riders
Michael Cabanatuan, San Francisco Chronicle, November 19, 2005

Builders may pay extra fees
The new year may mean new, higher 'impact' fees for developers building in Miami. Home buyers will likely foot the cost.
Michael Vasquez, The Miami Herald, November 18, 2005

Bennett addresses Manatee growth law
It requires a plan for county schools, roadways
Laura Figueroa, Herald Today, November 17, 2005

Regional development should be state concern
Editorial, Key West Citizen, November 20, 2005

Curbing sprawl in region could save cash, author says
His study of national "economic areas" supports more compact development of communities.
David Bauerlein, The Florida Times-Union, November 15, 2005

School impact fees on the rise
Strapped counties add the cost to new homes only. Some question if that's fair.
By Steve Bousquet, St. Petersburg Times, November 14, 2005

Scrap the comp plan, start over from scratch
Brian Gleason, Sun-Herald, November 9, 2005

Road Planners Struggle To Keep Up With Development
Julia Ferrante, Tampa Tribune, November 8, 2005

Why is Lake O dying? Causes are numerous, lessons unlearned
Op-Ed, Palm Beach Post, November 8, 2005
Carroll Head is a former member of the South Florida Water Management District's Water Resources Advisory Commission and is president of Friends of Lake Okeechobee.

A Plan For Democratic And Equitable Planning In New Orleans
Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Planetizen Op-Ed, November 7, 2005

Eminent domain looks less imminent
House passes bill that could prevent private industry from using land seizures.
Shaheen Pasha, CNN/Money, November 4, 2005

County, cities try to blend agendas
Officials want to align planning guidelines.
Dale White, Herald Tribune, November 1, 2005

Property Seizures and the New London Tea Party
Homeowners' attorney Scott Bullock talks about the Supreme Court's Kelo v. New London decision and America's brewing revolution against eminent domain abuse.
Reason Online, November 2005

The Granny Flat Grows Up
A Santa Cruz program promotes garage conversions as an alternative to sprawl.
Martin C. Pedersen, Metropolis Magazine, October 2005

Rethinking the Urban Speedway
For decades, highway engineers focused on designing wider, straighter, faster roads. Now, moving traffic quickly is no longer the sole goal.
Christopher Swope, Governing Magazine, October 2005

State boosts Gainesville's plan for growth
Cindy Swirko and Jeff Adelson, Special to the Gainesville Sun, October 31, 2005

Tie Growth And Insurance
The Lakeland Ledger, October 26, 2005

State lawyers challenge ruling to put Measure 37 on hold
Laura Oppenheimer, The Oregonian, October 25, 2005

Ten Common Sense Rules for TOD
What are the necessary ingredients for successful Transit Oriented Development (TOD)?
Bruce Liedstrand, Planetizen, October 24, 2005

Rural Lands proposal raises questions
Program would establish value after the fact
Greg Martin, Sun-Herald, October 24, 2005

Legalizing New Urbanism
Some states ease laws, allow 'traditional neighborhood development'
Carolyn Kelly, Great Lakes Bulletin News Service, Michigan Land Use Institute, October 23, 2005

Builders get look at Coast plans
Local developers kept out of early stages to avoid influence of financial interests
Scott Waller, The Clarion Ledger, October 19, 2005 

Privatization: The Future of Regional Planning
Can property owners succeed where regional planners have failed?
David Renkert, Planetizen Op-Ed, October 17, 2005

Land-use ruling puts issue back at square one
Measure 37 - The question of how Oregon will balance property rights and livability now seems destined to return to voters or legislators
Peter Sleeth, The Oregonian, October 16, 2005 

Edmund Bacon, planner behind Phila.'s renaissance
Stephan Salisbury and Leonard W. Boasberg, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16, 2005
 
Green builders can prove sustainable projects cost less
Alison Ryan, St. Louis Daily Record, October 15, 2005 (via Housing Zone)
 
County needs a new plan for beyond Babcock
Brian Gleason, Sun Herald, October 14, 2005

Buyers flee farther for affordable homes
But rural or suburban homeowners may have to trade off more than they bargained for, experts say.
Kelly Griffith, Orlando Sentinel, October 12, 2005 

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THINK FEDERAL POLICY DOESN'T AFFECT YOUR WORK?
Think again. Every day, legislators and officials in Washington, D.C., make decisions that affect your plans. Come to APA's 2006 Legislative & Policy Conference January 29-30 to find out what they're up to. Planners Day on Capitol Hill on January 31 offers the opportunity to meet with legislators and let them know what your community needs. You can register for either the conference or Planners Day on Capitol Hill. Better yet, register for both at http://www.planning.org/policyconference/index.htm.

DECEMBER 5-9 IS PLANNERS ADVOCACY WEEK
Be an advocate for good planning -- join your local APA chapter in the launch of a new program to affirm the local importance of planning for safe and secure communities. APA will coordinate meetings between planners and their congressional representatives in their home districts. The focus is on actions that planners and elected officials can take to prepare for emergencies and mitigate disasters. For more information, visit http://www.planning.org/features/2005/advocacyweek.htm.

APA ADVISES CONGRESS ON REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS
APA Executive Director Paul Farmer, AICP, recently urged members of Congress to work with local planning commissions and regional planning organizations to plan redevelopment that encourages responsible reinvestment, judicious rebuilding, and sensitive restoration. Read his testimony in this month's Domestic Policy Watch by going to http://www.planning.org/domesticagenda/2005/oct05.htm. Log-in required.

APA LAUNCHES NEW LECTURE SERIES
APA and the National Building Museum have established an annual lecture to draw attention to critical issues in city and regional planning in the United States. Renowned British planner Sir Peter Hall will deliver the inaugural L'Enfant Lecture on City Planning and Design on December 15 at the NBM in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to http://www.planning.org/aboutapa/lenfantlecture.htm.

REGISTER EARLY FOR CONFERENCE HOUSING
Housing reservations are now being accepted for APA's 2006 National Planning Conference in San Antonio next April 22-26. San Antonio's annual Fiesta coincides with our conference and hotel rooms will be in great demand. APA has arranged to accommodate everyone who will need a reservation at one of eight nearby hotels. Nonetheless, we strongly suggest that you reserve housing as soon as possible. Please help to make the APA conference a success by staying in designated conference hotels. To make your reservation, go to http://www.planning.org/2006conference/housing.htm.

PREPAY APA WITH EXPIRING FUNDS
Does your agency have unspent FY05 funds you must put to good use by December 31 or lose forever? Make full use of this year's resources and free up some of next year's funds. Prepay your own or your staff's APA membership or your agency's subscriptions to PAS or other APA services and publications. Pay whatever amount is available now and APA will bill you for any unpaid balance at the appropriate time. To request more information or a special prepayment invoice, e-mail billings@planning.org.

APA'S AUDIO/WEB CONFERENCE TRAINING SERIES 2005-2006
What is an audio/web conference? APA's Audio/Web Conference Training Series provides long-distance training to planners and planning officials. Since 1995 these audio conference programs have reached thousands of officials, planners, researchers, students, and allied groups. These convenient, easy-to-use programs are delivered straight to your desktop or conference room. What are the different kinds of programs available? This year, APA provides three program types:  4-hour primer for planning commissioners; 60-minute introductory conferences; and 90-minute intensive conferences. How does an audio/web conference work? The audio portion of the conference is delivered via the telephone and the visual portion of the conference is delivered over the computer. To learn more, 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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NEW TRANSIT-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER
Created by NJ TRANSIT and the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) at Rutgers University, this newsletter features articles, news updates, and suggested readings. Transit-Friendly Development will lead and inform the TOD conversation in New Jersey's diverse communities by spreading the word about best practices, model programs, legislation, and the key issues that affect TOD's acceptance at the local level. More broadly, Transit-Friendly Development will provide a medium where county leaders, municipal decision-makers, and the public at-large can learn how to create livable, sustainable, and thriving places -- and discover why such places are vitally important to New Jersey as it moves ahead into the 21st century. To view the first issue or sign up for the newsletter, go to http://www.policy.rutgers.edu/vtc/tod/newsletter/vol1-num2/ 

USDA ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE
USDA's Economic Research Service explores how investments in rural people, businesses, and communities affect the capacity of rural economies to prosper in the new and changing global marketplace and in turn, enhances the quality of life for the Nation's small farmers who are increasingly dependent on these rural economies for their employment and economic support. For more information on this research service, visit http://www.ers.usda.gov/emphases/rural/.

SMART GROWTH IN ACTION:  AN OVERVIEW OF SMART GROWTH PROJECTS
Smart Growth projects offer a wealth of information on how to create solutions for growth issues. There are numerous projects throughout the United States that can provide perspective and show how other communities have dealt with development decisions.  The projects listed on this site draw from a range of possibilities. Each project is ranked on Smart Growth Principles and may also be downloaded from http://www.smartgrowth.org/library/projects.asp.

SIERRA CLUB RELEASES NEW HEALTHY GROWTH CALCULATOR
When visitors to this new online "calculator" from the Sierra Club enter their average auto gas mileage, the price of gas in their neighborhoods, and their ideal neighborhood density, they receive an instant feed-out of how this combination of factors will affect the amount of land occupied, pavement covered, water used, local shopping, nearby transit services, number of vehicles owned, parking spaces needed, annual mileage and gasoline consumption, auto costs, and resulting auto pollution.  Overall, the calculator demonstrates how increasing neighborhood density saves resources and reduces pollution for everyone.  It allows the user to explore the consequences of growth decisions.  To access the calculator, go to http://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/density/.

AFT'S INFORMATION CENTER
American Farmland Trust's Farmland Information Center is a clearinghouse for information about farmland protection and stewardship. It is a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and American Farmland Trust. On the website, you will find a collection of materials, agricultural and land use statistics, laws, literature and technical resources related to farmland protection and stewardship. For instance, under the "Laws" tab, search "Transfer of Development Rights" and the site will generate a list of the current 27 state enabling laws for TDR programs across the country.   For more information, go to http://www.farmlandinfo.org/.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS:  FLORIDA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ANNUAL MEETING - URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING SESSION
Consider presenting a paper at the upcoming 2006 annual meeting for the Florida Academy of Sciences.  The annual conference will be held on the campus of the Florida Institute of Technology, in Melbourne, Florida, on March 10 and 11. The session for Urban and Regional Planning will be held on Thursday (March 10).  Information about the conference can be found at the Academy's website at:  http://www.floridaacademyofsciences.org/ (click on the Annual Meeting link), where you will find a Call for Abstracts flyer, an Abstract Submittal form (in interactive pdf format), and a conference registration form (presenters must be registered). Please note that the December 15th (2005) deadline will very likely be extended into January (2006), if previous years are any indication.

2006 CHARTER AWARDS: HIGHEST HONOR OF THE NEW ERA OF PLACEMAKING
The Congress for the New Urbanism announces its annual Charter Awards.  The Charter Awards honor exceptional designs that complement, enhance or even repair their built and natural environments. Each year CNU convenes a jury of the highest caliber to review submissions and select the winning entries that best embody and advance the principles of the Charter of the New Urbanism. CNU is now welcoming professional submissions in three categories: The Region: Metropolis, City, and Town; The Neighborhood, District, and Corridor; and The Block, Street, and Building.  The submission deadline is January 31, 2006.  Visit http://www.cnu.org/awards2006/ for more information and entry forms.  Information and forms for the student/faculty awards are also on line at http://www.cnu.org/awards2006/students.html.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2006 JOHN NOLEN AWARD
On January 13, 2006, in Winter Park, Florida, the 2006 JOHN NOLEN MEDAL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO URBANISM IN FLORIDA will be handed out to a meritorious individual or organization which has made significant contributions to the advancement of New Urbanist principles in the State of Florida. This prestigious award provides the opportunity to recognize an outstanding body of work, holding up examples of performance and achievement to which all New Urbanists may aspire. Eligible individuals or groups are those active in the practice or promotion of Urbanism in Florida.  The Nolen Medal Review Committee will evaluate nominees based on the following criteria: Innovation, Transferability, Quality, Implementation, and Comprehensiveness.  For more information on the criteria or to obtain a copy of the submission form, please contact Charles Bohl, Award Committee Chairman at 305.284.4420 or Susan Manns, Coordinator, Knight Program Office at 305.284.4420 or svgmanns@aol.com.  The submission deadline is December 9, 2005.

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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/.  

BROWNFIELDS GRANT GUIDELINES POSTED TO INTERNET
The FY06 Guidelines for the Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants have been posted to the brownfields website at www.epa.gov/brownfields. The proposal deadline is December 14, 2005. These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum).

EPA SMART GROWTH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Local governments are confronted daily by growth pressures and the challenge to develop in ways that improve the tax base, provide housing and transportation choices, and minimize environmental impacts. Community demand for tools and assistance to address these issues has increased dramatically. In response EPA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and American Institute of Architects (AIA) have developed technical assistance programs to assist communities in meeting their individual development-related challenges and to help create examples that can serve as models for others. To streamline the process for local communities, AIA, EPA, and NOAA are releasing their requests for applications (RFA) together, with the same deadlines. All three requests are posted here. Applicants are welcome to apply to one or all three of these programs, depending on their ability to meet the requirements for each program. Please note that each program has a specific application that must be completed. All applications are due to the sponsoring organization on Friday, January 6, 2006. For additional information, please go to http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/techasst.htm.

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JOB MART advertisements now posted:

FAPA's JobMart postings are at an all time high and too numerous to list in this bulletin.  We encourage you to visit FAPA's JobMart website at http://www.floridaplanning.org/jobs2.asp as well as our new resume posting feature at http://www.floridaplanning.org/membership/resume_select.asp.

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

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December 15, 2005:  The Capital Area Section's December Luncheon will address HEALTH AND PLANNING issues.  It will be held at the Tallahassee City Hall beginning at noon.  For more information, contact Darrin Taylor at taylord@talgov.com.

December 13-15, 2005:  Co-sponsored by APA, LAND DEVELOPMENT BREAKTHROUGHS delivers strategic perspectives on the latest success strategies, trends, and issues to help effectively drive project and organizational direction. Sessions will be presented in the strategic areas of business management & finance, project leadership, sustainable principles and planning & policy. Gain leading perspective on the important issues, trends, and regulations that are vital to the success of all land development professionals in today's environment -- and build the relationships that will help build your success.  To register or for more information, go to Registration is now open online at http://www.ldbreakthroughs.com/main/Sections-article15-p1.htm.

December 15, 2005:  Renowned British planner SIR PETER HALL will deliver the inaugural L'Enfant Lecture on CITY PLANNING AND DESIGN on December 15 at the NBM in Washington, D.C.  This event is hosted by APA and the National Building Museum.  For more information, visit http://www.planning.org/aboutapa/lenfantlecture.htm. 

January 20, 2006:  The Capital Area's WINTER SOCIAL will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dorothy B. Oven Park.  For more information, contact Darrin Taylor at taylord@talgov.com.

January 20, 2006:  The Treasure Coast Section in coordination with the Palm Beach Planning Congress and numerous other organizations will be hosting their ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST.  For additional detail, please contact Kim Glas-Castro at kimberly.glas-castro@ruden.com or Aimee Carlson at acraigcarlson@centexhomes.com.

January 25, 2006:  Save the date for FAPA's 2006 ANNUAL PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP in Tallahassee.

January 26, 2006:  FAPA LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING, which will be held in conjunction with the 2006 Public Policy Workshop.

January 29-30, 2005:  APA's 2006 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONFERENCE will be held in Washington D.C. in combination with PLANNER'S DAY ON CAPITOL HILL on January 31, 2006.  You can register for either the conference or Planners Day on Capitol Hill. Better yet, register for both at http://www.planning.org/policyconference/index.htm.

April 22-26, 2006:  Save the date for APA's 2006 NATIONAL PLANNING 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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December 8-10, 2005:  Andres Duany will present ADVANCED TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT TECHNQUES.  Valuable insights will be offered to newcomers of the New Urbanism and experienced practitioners alike. Invited speakers include John Anderson, Jackie Benson, Tom DiGiovanni, Andres Duany, Carson Looney, Maureen McAvey, and Todd Zimmerman.  This is your opportunity to learn from some of the most respected practitioners the design and development skills needed to create strong neighborhoods.  The event will be held in Seaside.  To learn more and sign up today, please visit www.theseasideinstitute.org.

December 9, 2005:  Join Frank Schnidman of the Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, as he presents HOW THE KELO DECISION WILL AFFECT FLORIDA.  As one of six seminars, this event will be held at the Florida Gulf Coast University's Florida Institute of Government in Fort Myers.   The cost is $65.  To register, contact the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at 850.487.1870 or for more information regarding the seminars content, see FAPA's website calendar at http://www.catanese.org/index.asp.

December 12, 2005:  The IMPACT FEE REVIEW TASK FORCE will meet in Jacksonville.  For more information, visit http://fcn.state.fl.us/lcir/taskforce.html.

December 12-13, 2005:  The COASTAL HIGH HAZARD STUDY COMMITTEE will meet on these two days.  Location TBA.  As it becomes available, additional information will be posted to http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/chhsc/workshops.cfm.

December 12-13, 2005:  Make plans to attend the ULI Conference, PLACE MAKING:  DEVELOPING TOWN CENTERS, TRANSIT VILLAGES AND MAIN STREETS, being held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott in The Woodlands, Texas.  This year's keynote speaker is Joel Kotkin, Irvine Fellow, New America Foundation.  For more information go to www.uli.org/conferences or to register online, go to www.uli.org/register.  Please direct any questions to 800.321.5011.

December 12-13, 2005:  The 2nd Annual CLE International Conference on LITIGATING LAND USE DISPUTES  will be held at the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza in Tampa.  This conference will provide a start perspective on the 2005 growth management legislation; how the 2005 legislature affected the land use community; a legislative forecast and update for 2006, a review of Supreme Court Decisions from 2005 and much more.  For more information or to register, visit http://www.cle.com, email registrar@cle.com or call 800.873.7130.

January 5-6, 2006:  The COASTAL HIGH HAZARD STUDY COMMITTEE will meet on these two days.  Location TBA.  As it becomes available, additional information will be posted to http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/chhsc/workshops.cfm.

January 9, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting in Tallahassee.  For more information, visit www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm.

January 12-13, 2006:  CNU FLORIDA'S 2006 STATEWIDE MEETING will once again be held at Rollins College in Winter Park.  The theme of this year's Meeting is the link between transportation and regional planning. The discussion will examine the impact of auto-oriented transportation planning and the evolving potential to implement the New Urbanism in league with more diversified regional transportation systems. A highlight of the event will be the Thursday evening lecture by Robert Davis, the accomplished developer of Seaside. To register, go to http://www.cnuflorida.org/events/index.htm.

January 18, 2006:  The IMPACT FEE REVIEW TASK FORCE will meet in Tallahassee.  For more information, visit http://fcn.state.fl.us/lcir/taskforce.html.

January 18-20, 2006:  The COASTAL HIGH HAZARD STUDY COMMITTEE will meet on these two days.  Location TBA.  As it becomes available, additional information will be posted to http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/chhsc/workshops.cfm.

January 26-28, 2006:  The 5th ANNUAL NEW PARTNERS FOR SMART GROWTH:  Building Safe, Healthy, and Livable Communities will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Denver Colorado.  This event is presented by the Local Government Commission and Penn State.  To register or for more information, go to http://www.NewPartners.org.

January 20, 2006:  This is one of five free LIVABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS that will be held around the state.  Come and learn about the role that transportation and safety play in achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.  Trainers include Dan Burden, Senior Urban Designer with Glatting-Jackson and Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc., and Billy Hattaway, P.E., Vice President of Hall Planning and Engineering.  This workshop will be held in Fort Walton Beach. For registration and additional information, please visit www.fsu.edu/~durp/ or contact Stephanie Striefel at sstriefel38@yahoo.com.

February 3, 2006: This is one of five free LIVABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS that will be held around the state.  Come and learn about the role that transportation and safety play in achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.  Trainers include Dan Burden, Senior Urban Designer with Glatting-Jackson and Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc., and Billy Hattaway, P.E., Vice President of Hall Planning and Engineering.  This workshop will be held in Sarasota. For registration and additional information, please visit www.fsu.edu/~durp/ or contact Stephanie Striefel at sstriefel38@yahoo.com.

February 9-10, 2006:  METROPOLIS announces a unique two-day conference about building sustainably in hot and humid zones.  Organized in coordination with Zyscovich Inc., AIA Miami, FAPA, FAPA's Gold Coast Section and others, TROPICAL GREEN will be held at the Miami Dade College.  For more information, including a complete list of speakers, registration and information on webcasts, please visit http://www.metropolismag.com/tropicalgreen. 

February 10, 2006:  This is one of five free LIVABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS that will be held around the state.  Come and learn about the role that transportation and safety play in achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.  Trainers include Dan Burden, Senior Urban Designer with Glatting-Jackson and Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc., and Billy Hattaway, P.E., Vice President of Hall Planning and Engineering.  This workshop will be held in Orlando. For registration and additional information, please visit www.fsu.edu/~durp/ or contact Stephanie Striefel at sstriefel38@yahoo.com.

February 15-17, 2006:  Registration is now open at www.floridaenet.com for the Florida Chamber's 22nd Annual GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SHORT COURSE, which will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. This year's course will include a comprehensive and detailed update on Florida's landmark legislation, SB 360; the very latest on implementation of the 2005 Legislature's new blueprint for Florida's water future and will feature keynote speaker, Thaddeus Cohen, Secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Pleas visit the website for further information or contact Linda Long at (850) 425-2477 or llong@floridaenet.com. 

February 17-18, 2006:  All Alumni are invited to the FSU Department of Urban and Regional Planning's 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.  If you wish to participate in the planning of this event, please contact Dr. Chuck Connerly at cconnerl@coss.fsu.edu.

February 27-March 5, 2005:  The Public Transit Office of the Florida Department of Transportation is once again offering the very popular course, INTRODUCTION TO URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.  This course is especially useful to transportation planners early in their careers and to planners in other fields interested in expanding their knowledge of transportation planning. To register or for more information, please contact Tara Bartee at 850.414.4520 or tara.bartee@dot.state.fl.us

March 10-11, 2006:  The ANNUAL MEETING of the FLORIDA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES will be held on the campus of the Florida Institute of Technology, in Melbourne, Florida.  The session for Urban and Regional Planning will be held on Thursday (March 10).  Information about the conference can be found at the Academy's website at  http://www.floridaacademyofsciences.org/.

March 13, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting on this day.  Location TBA.  Visit http://www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm for more information.

April 19-13, 2006:  The 9th ANNUAL US COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MONUMENTS AND SITES will be held in Newport, Rhode Island.  For more information, go to http://www.icomos.org/usicomos or contact Dr. Donald Jones at 202.842.1866 or don.jones@usicomos.org.

May 8, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting on this day.  Location TBA.  Visit http://www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm for more information.

May 8-12, 2006:  Save the date for the GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL HURRICANE CONFERENCE, which will be held at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.  Watch http://www.flghc.org for more information.

June 1-4, 2006:  Save the date for CNU XIV: DEVELOPING THE NEW URBANISM in Providence, Rhode Island.  Watch the CNU website, http://www.cnu.org/ for more information.

June 26, 2006:  This is one of five free LIVABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS that will be held around the state.  Come and learn about the role that transportation and safety play in achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.  Trainers include Dan Burden, Senior Urban Designer with Glatting-Jackson and Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc., and Billy Hattaway, P.E., Vice President of Hall Planning and Engineering.  This workshop will be held in Marco Island. For registration and additional information, please visit www.fsu.edu/~durp/ or contact Stephanie Striefel at sstriefel38@yahoo.com.

July 10, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting on this day.  Location TBA.  Visit http://www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm for more information.

August 8, 2006:  This is one of five free LIVABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOPS that will be held around the state.  Come and learn about the role that transportation and safety play in achieving sustainable, livable, active communities.  Trainers include Dan Burden, Senior Urban Designer with Glatting-Jackson and Executive Director of Walkable Communities, Inc., and Billy Hattaway, P.E., Vice President of Hall Planning and Engineering.  This workshop will be held in Jacksonville. For registration and additional information, please visit www.fsu.edu/~durp/ or contact Stephanie Striefel at sstriefel38@yahoo.com.

September 11, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting on this day.  Location TBA.  Visit http://www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm for more information.

November 13, 2006:  The CENTURY COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA will be meeting on this day.  Location TBA.  Visit http://www.centurycommission.org or http://www.dca.state.fl.us/GrowthManagement2005/indexcc.cfm for more information.

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