A MONTHLY BULLETIN FROM APA FLORIDA

APA FLORIDA ANNUAL SPONSORS

 JANUARY 31, 2008

Thank you to our Public Policy Workshop Sponsors!

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Wendy Grey Land Use Planning

Carlton Fields

MSCW

Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, P.A.

Theriaque Vorbeck & Spain

Marina Pennington, Community Planning Consultant
Florida Regional Councils Association

Please note that the Public Policy Workshop is full.  No onsite registration will be accepted. 

STATE & FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS

DCA RELEASES DRAFT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
The Florida Department of Community Affairs has posted draft legislative proposals on its webpage.  The release covers the following topic areas:  Citizen's Planning Bill of Rights, Sector Planning, Coastal High Hazard Area, Alternative State Review and Everglades Protection.  In addition, a draft administrative rule relating to the Rural Land Stewardship Area program is also posted.  To view these proposals, go to http://www.dca.state.fl.us/LegislativeProposals/index.cfm .  Additional pieces will be released in the near future so make sure to periodically check the website.

FLORIDA HOUSING LAUNCHES SPECIAL NEEDS WEBSITE
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced the Special Needs Housing Website. This website is a comprehensive clearinghouse for Florida Housing's affordable housing funding programs and resources targeting households of persons with special needs. Features of the Special Needs Housing website include detailed information about the range of Florida Housing programs that can assist eligible organizations in building or substantially rehabilitating housing, as well as information on training and technical assistance available for nonprofit organizations that want to learn about housing development and operations for individuals or families with special needs. Search engines are incorporated that tailor requests for Florida Housing program and resource information, as well as available affordable rental units throughout Florida.  The website can be viewed at www.floridahousing.org/SpecialNeeds .

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REPORTS, PUBLICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS 

CENTURY COMMISSION'S SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
The Century Commission submitted its Second Annual Report to the Governor and the Legislature on January 16, 2008.   In this report, the Century Commission calls attention to significant future challenges, recommends actions to address them, and encourages the appropriate entities to move forward with implementation.  Their 2008 recommendations call for: ensuring an adequate and reliable water supply for current and future generations; mapping Florida's most critical natural resources and pursuing new conservation methods;  designing sustainable communities and buildings; making the creation of a sustainable Florida within one generation the central organizing theme for all state public policy and agencies; and monitoring progress on energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction.  To view the report in its entirety, go to https://www.commentmgr.com/projects/1148/docs/CCRptJan08.pdf .

NATIONAL "TRANSPORTATION FOR TOMORROW" REPORT ISSUED
On January 15, 2008, the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission transmitted "Transportation for Tomorrow: Report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission."  Established under Section 1909 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, the Commission was charged with looking at the current condition and needs, including funding, of surface transportation and developing a conceptual plan for ensuring that the surface transportation system will continue to meet the nation's needs. The Commission  found the the U.S. has significant transportation needs. They indicated that an investment of  at least $225 billion annually from all sources for the next 50 years is needed to upgrade our existing system to a state of good repair and create a more advanced surface transportation system to sustain and ensure strong economic growth.  The Commission also stated that more emphasis should be placed on transit and intercity passenger rail, making them a priority for the country.  The report offers a series of recommendations to reform institutions and programs, as well how to pay for these changes. To view the report, go to
 http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org/final_report/ .

U.S. GAO REPORT ON STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS GROWING FISCAL CHALLENGES
The U.S.Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that in the absence of policy changes, large and recurring fiscal challenges for the state and local sector will begin to emerge within a decade. For example, the analysis suggests that state and local governments will need to somewhat increase their pension contributions to fully fund pension costs for their employees. Additionally, there is increasing concern that investment in the nation's infrastructure is not sufficient to maintain its condition and to accommodate the increased demand of a growing economy. Moreover, as in the federal sector, the growth in health-related costs serves as the primary driver of the fiscal challenges facing the state and local government sector. Addressing the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances constitutes a major challenge for all levels of government. To read the report, go to http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08317.pdf

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NEWS CLIPS, MAGAZINE ARTICLES, ETC.

Some publications may require free registration.
Palm Beach County tries to create growth plan for western part of county
Angel Streeter, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, January 31, 2008
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpsector0131pnjan31,0,2640145.story

Florida Building Commission Recommends Stronger Structures for Florida Coast
Florida Department of Community Affairs, January 30, 2008
http://www.wmbb.com/gulfcoastwest/mbb/news.apx.-content-articles-MBB-2008-01-30-0007.html

Crist sends budget proposal to Legislature
Bill Kaczor and David Royse, Associated Press Writers, January 31, 2008
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080131/APN/801310689

Babcock Ranch developer surprised by Lee's commission's challenge
Charlie Whitehead, Naples Daily News,  January 29, 2008
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jan/29/babcock-ranch-developer-surprised-lee-commissions-/

Levee report shocks city
Feds plan tough restrictions that could halt building in Natomas and require flood insurance
Mary Lynne Vellinga and Matt Weiser, sacbee.com, January 16, 2008
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/637772.html

Streetcar Plan has Money and Desire
Funding approved for N. Va. Network
Michael Laris, Washington Post Staff Writer, January 14, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/13/AR2008011303609.html

Homestead building moratorium passes first test
City tentatively approved a one-year residential moritorium, with a few exceptions
Rebecca Dellagloria, Miami Herald, January 27, 2008
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/south/story/394408.html

EPA staff finds emissions threat
The White House is reviewing the 'endangerment' conclusion, which would require regulations. The agency, contradicting its chief, has also concluded that a California tailpipe law was justified.
Janet Wilson and Richard Simon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers, January 24, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-endanger24jan24,1,887919.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Ever-popular Florida finds itself becoming less popular
Matt Sedensky, Associated Press Writer, January 22, 2008
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_FLORIDA_POPULATION_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

University of Miami envisions massive biotech complex along I-95
Bob LaMendola, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, January 25, 2008
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzbiotech0125sbjan25,0,433674.story

Council Again Pushes For Greener Projects
Ellen Gedalius, The Tampa Tribune, January 25, 2008
http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBQYHR7UBF.html

Resident appeals land-use override
Jessica Raynor, Florida Today, January 23, 2008
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/NEWS01/80123006&template=news0301

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 APA FLORIDA/APA/AICP NEWS & INFORMATION

 ELECTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STATEWIDE OFFICES

The election of statewide officers for APA Florida takes place every two years.  2008 is an election year.  A nominating committee appointed by the President presents a slate of at least two candidates for each of the seven positions: President-Elect, Vice President for Professional Development, Vice President for Membership Services, Vice-President for Conference Services, Vice-President for Section Affairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. The list of duties associated with each office is described in the bylaws, which are posted on the APA Florida website under the subheading "About FAPA."

 If you are interested in running for office, please email your intent to Alex Magee, Executive Director, at fapa@floridaplanning.org no later than March 14, 2008.   Please indicate the specific position you are interested in, or if you are willing to serve where needed.   If you need further information, contact the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272 or fapa@floridaplanning.org .

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR 2008 APA FLORIDA CONFERENCE
If you are interested in submitting a session for the 2008 APA Florida Conference in Miami, please go tohttp://www.floridaplanning.org/conference/index.asp .  You will find the form which must be submitted as well as information about this year's theme, "Sustainabilty...just plan it."  All proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2008.

APA AND AICP NOMINATE CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

The APA Nominating Committee selected the following slated candidates for the 2008 elections:

APA President-Elect:  Fernando Costa. AICP and Bruce Knight, FAICP

Board Director, Region II:  Carol Rhea, AICP and Otis Rolley, AICP

Board Director, Region III:  Carol Stricklin, AICP and Marie York, AICP

Board Director Region IV:  Cynthia A. Bowen, AICP and Kristin M. Hopkins, AICP

Board Director At Large:  Mitzi C. Barker, FAICP and Whit Blanton, AICP

Board Director At Large (Minority-focused):  Irayda Ruiz, AICP and Anita Yap, AICP

The AICP Nominating Committee selected the following slated candidates for the 2008 elections:

AICP President-Elect:  Bob Barber, AICP and Paul Inghram, AICP

AICP Commissioner, Region II:  Jamie A. Cochran, AICP and Terrance L. Harrington, AICP

AICP Commissioner, Region III:  Timothy W. Brown, AICP and Valerie J. Hubbard, AICP

AICP Commissioner, Region IV:  Lee M. Brown, FAICP and Dale R. Powers, AICP

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association is located in Region III.  Candidates biographical information and position statements are posted to www.planning.org/elections/ .  Petition candidates will be announced in late February and should be posted to APA's website soon thereafter.

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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

24TH ANNUAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SHORT COURSE
The Florida Chamber's annual short course is scheduled for February 20-22,2008 at the Daytona Beach Hilton.  Secretary Tom Pelham will be the Keynote Speaker and Clay Henderson will be the course moderator.  The Florida Chamber has applied for AICP CM credits for several of the sessions. They have also indicated that they will allow planners to register at the Chamber Member rate. For more information about the conference or to register, go to www.floridaenet.com .

DEVOE MOORE CENTER SYMPOSIUM
The DeVoe Moore Center symposium on Achieving Growth Management through Public Open Space Acquisition will be held in Tallahassee on Friday, February 15th and Saturday, February 16th, 2008. The event will be held in the DeVoe Moore Center Conference Room (Room 150E) in the Bellamy Building, centrally located on the Florida State University campus. The event will feature eight papers from ten researchers and practitioners covering a range of topics related to land acquisition initiatives in Florida and elsewhere. Individuals interested in attending the event should contact Dr. Tim Chapin (tchapin@fsu.edu) to reserve a space. Space for the event is limited and we need an accurate headcount to provide sufficient materials and snacks for those attending the event. Please RSVP if you plan on attending the event.

MICROSOFT'S NEW E-GOV PLATFORM
Microsoft has introduced a suite of tools it will provide without charge to local and regional governments worldwide to help them deliver web-based services to citizens. Microsoft's Citizen Service Platform incorporates the company's work with local and regional governments over the past several years, and consists of templates designed to run in Microsoft operating environments for the most commonly deployed e-government services. Microsoft will offer the initial set of online services to governments for customization and integration into their current environment later this year. Microsoft designed the platform to give local and regional governments the ability to customize the level of sophistication they offer in their e-government services, which can range from simple presence offerings that provide static information to citizens to more complex transactional services that enable interaction between citizens and government.  To read more about this, go to http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/45720-1.html .

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RFPs/RFQs, GRANTS, AWARDS, ETC.

  RFQs/RFPs are listed in this newsletter and posted to APA Florida's website at no charge. APA Florida does this as a service to its members. Please take advantage of it.  Email a one paragraph summary to the Chapter Office at fapa@floridaplanning.org for posting.  Be sure to include a deadline and web link.                                                                                                            

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City of Leesburg:  The City of Leesburg has issued an RFP for City Wide Planning Services. The following list represents examples of the types of work which may be required of the professional.  This list is not an attempt to define exclusively those specific activities, which the planner will perform, as it is impossible to anticipate all services for which the planner may be required.  Specific deliverables as well as cost will be identified in each individual task order.
i.     Review and revision of the Land Development Code
ii.     Development of city specific appropriate design standards
iii.     Development of Community Involvement programs and campaigns
iv.     Multimodal Transportation Planning
v.     Beautification Standards & Design
vi.     Historic Preservation District Design Standards,Architectural Standards and Review Processes
vii.     Community Redevelopment Area
viii.     Review of Building Department processes and procedures.
The full document can be obtained at  ftp://leesburgflorida.gov/Purchasing/80123CityWidePlanning.  The deadline is February 18, 2008.

City of St. Petersburg:  The City of St. Petersburg, Florida issued a Request for Proposals ("RFP") on January 18, 2008 for an 86-acre assembled site located in downtown St. Petersburg, which could be available for phased development as early as 2009. Responses to the RFP are due by March 18, 2008 by 10:00am EST.  The site is currently occupied by Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. However, the Rays have submitted a plan to the City to construct a new ballpark at an alternative site and make the Tropicana Field site available for development. The site is adjacent to I-175 and I-275, with multiple interstate access points, and is located approximately one mile west of the St. Petersburg Tampa Bay waterfront. The RFP is being issued in response to the potential opportunity presented by The Rays to redevelop the Tropicana Field site. For complete details and contact information, please visit the Request for Proposals (RFP) online at http://stpeteshines.stpete.org/default.aspx?pageid=877

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JOB MART

Newest JOB MART advertisements now posted:

ZONING REVIEW OFFICER (City of Coral Springs); DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (City of Eustis); PLANNING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (City of Eustis); PRINCIPAL PLANNER (City of Fort Myers); COMPREHENSIVE PLANNER (City of Vero Beach); SENIOR PLANNER( Marion County); PLANNING MANAGER (City of Fort Myers); DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (City of Sunrise); ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (City of Sunrise); MULTIPLE POSITIONS (Broward County Planning Council); PLANNER II (Broward County); COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING MANAGER (Monroe County-Marathon);TRANSPORTATION PLANNING MANAGER (St. Johns County); SENIOR PLANNER (Nassau County); SENIOR PLANNER (Lake County); SENIOR PLANNER (Iler Planning Group); LONG RANGE PLANNING DIRECTOR (Polk County); PLANNING DIRECTOR (City of Key West); MULTIPLE POSITIONS (City of Key West); SENIOR PLANNER (Putnam County-Palatka).

 We encourage you to visit APA Florida's JobMart website at http://www.floridaplanning.org/jobs2.asp for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements and application deadlines.  Also, don't forget about APA Florida's resume posting feature at http://www.floridaplanning.org/membership/resume_select.asp.

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APA FLORIDA CHAPTER & SECTION CALENDAR

February 13, 2008:  The audio/web Conference Series, Mastering Density, will be offered by the Emerald Coast Section from 3:00 - 4:30 CT at  the offices of PBS&J, 120 Beckrich Road, Panama City.  The session has been approved for 1.5 AICP CM credits.  Contact Tim Brown at downtown54@hotmail.com

February 14, 2008:  The First Coast Section will hold its Legislative Luncheon at noon at the University Center, University of North Florida.  Featured speaker will be Charles Pattison, President of 1000 Friends of Florida.  Register for this event by February 8th by sending a check or money order for $25.00 to Lori Hodges, First Coast APA c/o England, Thims and Miller, Inc., 14775 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville Florida, 32258.

February 15, 2008: The Capital Area Section will host a 2008 Sustainability Luncheon Lecture at noon at the Renaissance Center in Tallahassee. The topic is "StarMetro's Renaissance and the Changing Face of Transit in Tallahassee".  The speaker will be Senior Planner Samuel Scheib. Contact Erin Dorn at  erindorn@wilsonmiller.com

April 27 - May 1, 2008:  Las Vegas will host the American Planning Association's 2008 NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE. Enjoy 200-plus conference sessions, mobile workshops, training seminars, and networking opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.planning.org/2008conference/.

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OTHER STATE & NATIONAL EVENTS

February 15, 2008:  The 7th Annual South Florida Environmental Ethics Consortium conference is set for Feb. 15 at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences on Virginia Key. This year's theme is  "Good Food: From Farm and Sea to Table in South Florida." For more information, including the program, registration form and sponsor prospectus, visit http://www.miami.edu/ethics.

March 13-15, 2008:  Save the date for the 4th Annual Miccosukee Indian Law Conference, to be held at the Miccosukee Resort and Convention Center in Miami.  For more information, call 305-223-8380 x 2226.

April 3-6, 2008:  Save the date for the CNU XIV, the annual Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), to be held in Austin Texas.  CNU members come from far and wide to discuss development practices and public policies, learn from recent innovative work, and advance new initiatives to transform our communities.  For more information, go to the CNU website at http://www.cnu.org/cnuxvi/

June 16-17, 2008:  Save the date for DCA's Annual Growth Management Workshop, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

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