A MONTHLY BULLETIN FROM APA FLORIDA

APA FLORIDA ANNUAL SPONSORS

 
February 29, 2008

As the deadline for proposal submittals (March 1st) for the Miami Conference falls on a Saturday, we will continue to accept proposals until 5:00 PM on March 3rd!

Go to www.floridaplanning.org to download the submission form and Call for Presentations

Remember - if you submitted a session proposal for the 2008 Conference in Miami and did not get an email acknowledging its receipt, please call the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272.

STATE & FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS

FLORIDA FOREVER APPLICATION CYCLE NOW OPEN
Florida Communities Trust, the state's premier program for helping local communities preserve parks and recreational space, opened its 2008 Florida Forever grant funding cycle on February 22, 2008.   Cities, counties and non-profit environmental organizations may submit applications for grants through May 7. The Trust's Governing Board will determine which projects will receive funding during a selection meeting in September.  A series of  application workshops were scheduled through February and March around the state, with two remaining. One is scheduled for March 4th at the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council in Jacksonville and the other will be held on March 6th at DCA in Tallahassee.  The workshops run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST.  For more information about these workshops or the application process, visit www.dca.state.fl.us.

FLORIDA ENERGY COMMISSION REPORTS TO LEGISLATURE
The Florida Energy Commission is charged with developing recommendations for legislation to establish a state energy policy and submitted its report to the Legislature on December 31, 2007.  The Commission's division of work into four advisory groups resulted in the Commission adopting 85 recommendations. Those  recommendations have been generally grouped into the following policy goals in the report: Restructuring the State Governance for Developing Florida's Energy Policies and Programs; Responding to the Challenges of Global Climate Change; Increasing Florida's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts; Maximizing Florida's Development of Renewable Energy Resources; Strengthening Florida's Energy Supply and Delivery Infrastructure; Enhancing Florida's Energy-Related Education, Research and Development Programs; and Developing Issues for the FEC's 2008 Report.  To view the report and its recommendations in its entirety, go to http://www.floridaenergycommission.gov/recommendations.cfm .

HOUSE COMMITTEE STUDIES CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS
In January, 2008, the House Committee on Agribusiness completed an interim report on the conservation and preservation of agricultural lands in Florida. The purpose of the interim project was threefold: to gather data and information as to the amount of agricultural lands in the state that are as yet undeveloped; to assess the rate at which such lands are being converted to residential, commercial and industrial uses; and to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of current legal mechanisms for preserving lands in agricultural uses. The research conducted for this report suggests a need for the protection of Florida's agricultural lands that is recognized by numerous persons and groups, not just those involved in agriculture. It concludes that a healthy, viable agricultural industry is critical to Florida's economy, and identifies a number of policy options for protecting these lands.  The report can be viewed at http//:www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeID=2339&Session=2008&DocumentType=Reports&FileName=Conservation-Preservation of Agricultural Lands.pdf.

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REPORTS, PUBLICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS 

2007 AFFORDABLE HOUSING REPORT ISSUED BY DCA
DCA recently released its 2007 Affordable Housing Report, "Solutions to Florida's Affordable Housing Needs".  As part of this undertaking,  applicable housing-related portions of Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), were reviewed and asssessed to determine their effectiveness. Further, the review evaluated applicable portions of the Adequate Housing Rule of Chapter 380, Part I, F.S., and Rule 9J-2, F.A.C., to determine their effectiveness in identifying and mitigating regional, affordable housing impacts.  The findings outlined in the report indicate that Housing Elements of local government comprehensive plans could be modified in eight specific areas to improve the ability of local government to meet affordable housing needs. Local governments, housing organizations, and affordable housing developers have access to numerous federal, state, and local programs to fund affordable housing; however, the coordination between the program requirements and the Housing Element could be improved.  Local incentives for affordable housing, such as expedited permitting, density bonuses, development fee waivers, can enhance the provision of affordable housing, but additional training regarding these tools,specifically for the Local Housing Advisory Committees of the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program, should be explored.  To read all the findings, go to http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/dcp/affordablehousing/2007AHReport.pdf .

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION'S CONTRIBUTION TO GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
Released in September 2007, this study was conducted for the American Public Transportation Association.  The role of public transportation in terms of net carbon dioxide savings, favorable land use impacts that result in positive environmental and social benefits, and individual household savings were among the issues studied.  Report findings conclude that public transportation is a highly valuable asset for reducing global warning.  In 2005, public transportation reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 6.9 million metric tons. Furthermore, investments in public transportation have the benefit of supporting higher density landuses that allow for fewer vehicle miles of travel. While it is difficult to precisely measure this impact, a number of studies have attempted to estimate the relationship between transit passenger miles and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction as a proxy for this effect. The results range from a reduction in VMT of between 1.4 miles and 9 miles for every transit passenger mile traveled. The outcome would be more efficient use of roadways, reduced road maintenance, shorter highway commute times and reduced need for street and off- street parking. Go to http://www.apta.com/research/info/online/documents/climate_change.pdf to view this report.

2007 REPORT ON FLORIDA'S TOURIST-RELATED TAXES
The House Committee on Tourism and Trade report, 2007 Report on Florida's Tourist-Related Taxes, is a valuable tool for Legislators, local governments, and citizens in understanding the state's local option tourist-related taxes and how they are used at the local level. It is a comprehensive report on the history of the taxes; a detailed description of the taxes, including which counties levy taxes for specific purposes; and, a 10-year-to-date history of the use of these taxes by each county. The report also includes data on the comparison of tourism taxes collected at the local level to the overall sales tax collection.  The report can be viewed at http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=2337&Session=2008&DocumentType=Reports&FileName=committee_on_torism_and_trade_published_interim_project.pdf

REVIEW OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Conducted by the House Committee on Urban and Local Affairs, this project researches and updates the current law for, the current number of, the taxation and special assessment authority of, the monitoring of and reporting by, and recent legislation for special districts in Florida. The project also includes research into other state laws related to special districts for comparison purposes. Further, the report describes issues that arose during the project research and presents options for possible changes. Released in January 2008, the report can be viewed at http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/publications.aspx?CommitteeId=2347&PublicationType=Committees&DocumentType=Interim%20Projects%20(Reports)&Session=2008&SessionId=57 .

STATE LANDS AQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT REPORT
The purpose of this January 2008 interim report by the House Committee on Conservation & State Lands is to assist members in evaluating current state lands use policies and practices and to provide policy options to improve the management of state lands. The interim report also is intended to assist members who may develop legislation for a Florida Forever successor program by developing policies options for such a program with an emphasis on the role of land management in the acquisition decisions and long-term land management. The state currently manages over 3.7 million acres of conservation land at a management cost of approximately $220 million annually. As the state acquires more conservation land, these costs will increase, as will the need to effectively manage these lands and track, and report performance. However, the current management system is decentralized among three agencies, and the existing accountability system needs improvement. The report presents four policy options for the  legislature to consider. These options include maintaining the current system of conservation land management by three separate state agencies; creating a council to ccoordinate and oversee land management activities ; centralizing land management activities under one state agency; and centralizing all land management activities under a new entity. The full report can be viewed at http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?PublicationType=Committees&CommitteeId=2340&Session=2008&DocumentType=Reports&FileName=State Lands Acquisition and Management.pdf

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NEWS CLIPS, MAGAZINE ARTICLES, ETC.

Some publications may require free registration.

Lee drops linkage fees from possible consideration
Charlie Whitehead, Naples News, February 8, 2008
http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/feb/08/lee-drops-linkage-fees-possible-consideration/

Groups oppose widening of turnpike, parkway
Jonathan Tamari, Gannett State Bureau, Courier Post, February 8, 2008
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS01/802080370/1006/NEWS01

Local lands get high priority
Crist OKs list of areas in need of conservation
Bruce Ritchie, Pensacola News Journal, February 27, 2008
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS01/802270349/1006/NEWS11

State to Dade:Don't move development boundary
Matthew I. Pinzur and Curtis Morgan, Miami Herald, February 28, 2008
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/story/436541.html

For Floridians, enough may finally be enough Growth
Craig Pittman, Times Staff Writer, St. Petersburg Times, February 10, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/10/Opinion/For_Floridians__enoug.shtml

Florida Is First to See the Effects of an Aging America
Advocates convene to plan the future of the state with the most seniors
Anthony Clark, NYT Regional Media Group, The Ledger, February 11, 2008
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080211/NEWS/802110352/1004

Sharp Growing Pains
A Times Editorial, St. Petersburg Times, February 10, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/10/Opinion/Sharp_growing_pains.shtml

Florida universities could turn away 60,000 students by 2012, report says
Scott Travis, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, February 11, 2008
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/sfl-flpfreeze0211sbfeb11,0,1951435.story?track=rss

Property Tax Break Proposal Could Save Natural Florida
Editorial, The Tampa Tribune, February 11, 2008
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/feb/11/na-property-tax-break-proposal-could-save-natural-/?news-opinion-editorials

Vote on Taylor development delayed
State intervention has again stopped a vote a controversial development along the Taylor County Coast
Nathan Crabbe, Sun staff writer, Gainesville Sun, February 13, 2008
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080213/NEWS/802130332/1002/NEWS

Charlotte Commission to consider rescinding impact-fee rollback because of "unintended consequences"
Jason Witz, Staff Writer, Sun Herald, February 18, 2008
http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsstory.cfm?pubdate=021708&story=tp6ch2.htm&folder=NewsArchive2

Protesters tilt at turbine plan
FPL wants to build a wind farm with three towering turbines in a St. Lucie park and conservation area
Craig Pittman, Times Staff Writer, St. Petersburg Times, February 17, 2008
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/17/State/Protesters_tilt_at_tu.shtml

St. Johns River Water Management District won't trade public conservation land
Kevin Spear, Sentinel Staff Writer, Orlando Sentinel, February 28, 2008
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-land2808feb28,0,5177417.story?track=rss

Crist wants to raid $740 million from trust funds to balance budget
Joe Kollin, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, February 28, 2008
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbcondofund0228sbfeb28,0,5300729.story?track=rss

Lynx to roll out nation's first fleet with biodiesel fuel
Jay Hamburg and Kevin Spear, Sentinel Staff Writers, Orlando Sentinel, February 27, 2008
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-lynx2708feb27,0,21976.story

State panel turns to education issues
Lloyd Dunkelburger, Herald Tribune, February 26, 2008
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080226/NEWS/802260385/-1/RSS01

Lawmaker wants public to speak first during local government hearings
David Damron, Sentinel Staff Writer, Orlando Sentinel, February 26, 2008
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-comments2608feb26,0,6576772.story

Property tax cut approved, service tax plan killed
Bill Kaczor, Associated Press Writer, Bradenton Herald, February 25, 2008
http://www.bradenton.com/331/story/425180.html

Panel OKS vote for sales tax hike
Referendum far from inevitable, though
Jim Ash, News Press, February 26, 2008
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/NEWS0107/802260354/1075

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 APA FLORIDA/APA/AICP NEWS & INFORMATION

CHAPTER DELEGATES TO APA CONFERENCE NAMED
Nine members have agreed to represent APA Florida at the National Delegate Assembly in Las Vegas. Scheduled for Sunday April 27th, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the delegates will be reviewing and voting on the proposed Climate Change Policy draft.  Thank you to Rich Unger, Allison Megrath, Tony LaColla, Tracy Crowe, Kevin Tyjeski, Kim Glas-Casto, Merle Bishop, and alternates Melissa Zornita, Tim Stillings and Kelley Klepper for agreeing to serve.

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 .

SEARCH FOR AICP CM OPPORTUNITIES ON CALENDAR OF EVENTS
APA's  "Calendar of Events" site is an easy way for members to keep track of where training is offered.  The site is searchable by "state" as well as "topic" and "date".  It is also very important to consider self-study products, which are accessible by any location.  APA has created a "Self Study" tab on the Calendar of Events that makes it easy to search by this type of training product. The Calendar of Events can be accessed by logging in as an member and clicking on "Find Upcoming CM Events".

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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

NEW WEB SITE TEACHES WATER CONSERVATION
The South Florida Water Management District has unveiled a new web site, aimed at teaching residents and businesses how to conserve water.  It contains a variety of tools and best management practices designed to showcase simple ways that water use reduction can be achieved, including how to conduct a home water use audit.  Check it out at http://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=3074,20103213&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

CALL FOR SPEAKERS FOR THE FPZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Presentation proposals are requested for the June 11-14, 2008 FPZA State Conference, "Planning Through History: Leaving a Legacy".  Interested parties should submit a brief summary of presentation and its applicable session topic to Lara Diettrich at lara.diettrich@kimley-horn.com.  The deadline for submittals is March 31, 2008. If you should have any questions, please email or call 904.828.3967.

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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 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

Town of Ebro:  The Town of Ebro is issuing a Request for Proposals for Planning and Land Use Services. To request a copy of the RFP you may contact Linda Marlow, Clerk at 850-535-2842 . All proposals must be submitted to the Town of Ebro no later than 12:00 p.m. April 1, 2008

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JOB MART

Newest JOB MART advertisements now posted:

DEPUTY CITY MANAGER FOR DEVELOPMENT (CITY OF EUSTIS); PLANNER III (Orange County Growth Management Department); SENIOR POLICY ANALYST (Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Tallahassee); DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROJECT COORDINATOR (City of Dunedin); PLANNER II (EC&D Consulting, Gainesville); PLANNING AND ZONING TECHNICIAN (City of Fort Myers Beach); ASSISTANT CITY PLANNER (City of Port Orange); PLANNER (City of Brooksville); SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER (Ocala/Marion TPO); TRANSIT PLANNER (Ocala/Marion County TPO); LONG RANGE PLANNING DIRECTOR (Polk County); DIRECTOR OF SMART GROWTH/URBAN PLANNING (Sarasota County); SENIOR PLANNER (Treasure Coast RPC); SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MODELER (Manatee County Public Works Department); LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/PLANNER (Glatting Jackson); PLANNING DIRECTOR (City of Key West); GIS ANALYST (City of Miami Gardens); ZONING REVIEW OFFICER (City of Coral Springs); DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (City of Eustis); PLANNING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT MANAGER (City of Eustis); COMPREHENSIVE PLANNER (VERO BEACH).

 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

March 28-29, 2008:  APA Florida's Sun Coast Section will be offering its 11th Annual AICP Prep Seminar at the USF Downtown Center in the Channel District of Tampa.  Registration is due by March 17, 2008.  For details, visit http://www.suncoastfapa.org . 

April 11, 2208:  The APA Florida Executive Committee Quarterly Meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites Orlando-Airport in Orlando.  FOr more infomration contact the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272 or email fapa@floridaplanning.org .

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/.

May 21, 2008:  APA Florida's Broward Section is one of the sponsors of the Effective Planning in an Anti-Government Environment Seminar at the "6500 Building" Auditorium in Boca Raton.  For more information, go to http://www.pbcplanningcongress.org .  AICP credits are being applied for.

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OTHER STATE & NATIONAL EVENTS

March 11, 2008:  The Creating Sustainable Communites: Strategies For Succeeding in Florida's Unique Environment Workshop will be held at the Leu Gardens in Orlando.  Register by March 7, 2008.  For more information, call 407-466-5409.

March 12, 2008:  The Tampa Bay Trends Conference will be held at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.  Registration ends March 5, 2008 and AICP credit is being sought.  Contact Sarah Bricklemyer at 813-839-9231 for more information.

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/

April 7-8, 2008:  Save the date for Developing and Investing Green: Creating Value through Sustainability sponsored by ULI at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.  For information, call 1-800-321-5011.

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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