A MONTHLY BULLETIN FROM APA FLORIDA

APA FLORIDA ANNUAL SPONSORS

January 27, 2010



Election Opportunities for APA Florida Executive Committee
(click here for details)

DCA RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 29TH
The Department of Community Affairs will hold a Rule Development Workshop to amend Rules 9J-5.003, 9J-5.006, 9J-5.010, 9J-5.13, and 9J-5.019, F.A.C., to establish minimum criteria to be used in reviewing comprehensive plans to determine whether they comply with the new requirements of Chapters 2008-191 & 2009-96, Laws of Florida, regarding energy efficient land use patterns accounting for existing and future electric power generation and transmission systems, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, strategies to address reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, factors that affect energy conservation, depicting energy conservation on the future land use map series, energy efficiency in the design and construction of new housing, the use of renewable energy resources, the discouragement of urban sprawl, the achievement of healthy, vibrant urban centers, and strategies to support and fund mobility within certain transportation concurrency exception areas.

The workshop will be held on January 29th in Ft. Lauderdale at the Florida Department of Transportation's District 4 Auditorium, 3400 West Commercial Boulevard beginning at 10:00 a.m.  To access the public notice or for a copy of the draft rule, please visit the Department's web site at http://www.dca.state.fl.us/Notices.cfm.  Please direct any questions regarding the proposed rule or rule development to Robert Pennock at (850) 922-1735 or robert.pennock@dca.state.fl.us.

CALIFORNIA ADOPTS  GREEN BUILDING CODE
The state of California has adopted a mandatory state-wide Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Taking effect on January 1, 2011, these comprehensive regulations will achieve major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use to create a greener California.  It includes a provision that allows local governments to keep or even adopt stricter environmental building rules. CALGREEN will require that every new building constructed in California reduce water consumption by 20 percent, divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills and install low pollutant-emitting materials. It also requires separate water meters for nonresidential buildings for indoor and outdoor water use, with a requirement for moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape projects and mandatory inspections of energy systems (e.g., heat furnace, air conditioner and mechanical equipment) for nonresidential buildings over 10,000 square feet to ensure that all are working at their maximum capacity and according to their design efficiencies. The California Air Resources Board estimates that the mandatory provisions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) by 3 million metric tons equivalent in 2020. Upon passing state building inspection, California property owners will have the ability to label their facilities as CALGREEN compliant without using additional costly third-party certification programs.

To learn more about CALGREEN, go to
http://images.emaildirect.com/clients/govpressoffice847/GreenBuildingCodeOnepager.pdf .

EPA PUBLISHES DRAFT REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF INCORPORATING CLIMATE CHANGE INTO LAND PROTECTION PLANNING
A draft report prepared for EPA entitled, "An Assessment of Decision-Making Processes: The Feasibility of Incorporating Climate Change Information into Land Protection Planning."  offers a review of decision-making processes of 19 selected land protection programs for the purpose of assessing the feasibility of incorporating climate change impacts into the evaluation of these programs. The  analysis revealed that strategies that might be useful for incorporating climate change into decision making include new decision-support tools for advisory committees, promulgation of different land protection models, and educational outreach for elected officials. As jurisdictions learn more about possible climate change impacts, certain land protection strategies may become more desirable and feasible as part of a portfolio of adaptation strategies that ameliorate impacts on watersheds and wildlife. To download the report, go to http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=210027#Download  .  Comments on the report will be accepted through February 1st, with the final report being issued in April/May.

NACTO LAUNCHES CITIES FOR CYCLING INITIATIVE
 The National Association of City Transportation Officials last month launched an initiative called Cities for Cycling. The idea is to offer a clearinghouse of information for municipalities interested in bringing urban cycling's best practices to the United States.  Examples of design options that have been already been implemented will help cities share ways to navigate federal rules and apply innovative street design concepts that support cycling.  To get more information on this initiative and review the emerging best practices sheets, go to http://www.nacto.org/citiesforcycling.html  . 

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DEP RELEASES 75% RECYCLING GOAL REPORT
In early January,  the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)  released its report with recommendations to achieve a new statewide recycling goal of 75% by the year 2020 to Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature. The Energy, Climate Change and Economic Security Act of 2008 established this new goal and directed DEP to submit a comprehensive program to achieve it by January 1, 2010.  The report explores ways to increase the percent of material recycled in an economically responsible way through heightened public awareness, state leadership, development and expansion of recycling markets as well as increased investments throughout the local government and commercial sectors.  Some of the key recommendations in the report include requiring state agencies to meet the 75% goal; applying the new recycling goal to counties with a population greater than 100,000 and cities with a population greater than 50,000; requiring commercial recycling in large counties and cities to include multi-family residential units such as apartments and condominiums, as well as institutional facilities such as schools and hospitals; and directing school districts to implement recycling programs.  The next step in the process is for the Legislature to consider these recommendations during the 2010 legislative session.To view the report, please visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick_topics/publications/shw/recycling/75percent/75_recycling_report.pdf.

BROOKINGS INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW REPORT ON SUBURBANIZATION OF POVERTY
A new Brookings Institute study, The Suburbanization of Poverty: Trends in Metropolitan America, 2000-2008, shows that the recession has exacerbated conditions of poverty in America's suburbs, to the point where they hold the greatest proportion of the nation's poor. The Institute examined poverty conditions between 2000 and 2008 and found that suburban areas are home to almost 1/3 of the nation's poor population.  Among the findings is that western cities and Florida were among the first to see the effects of the recession translate into significant increases in poverty between 2007 and 2008.  Download the report at http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2010/0120_poverty_kneebone.aspx . 

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ELECTION OPPORTUNITIES IN APA FLORIDA
Looking for a way to get more involved in planning issues and your professional planning organization?  Consider running for statewide office in APA Florida.  The election of statewide officers for APA Florida takes place every two years and 2010 is an election year.  A nominating committee appointed by the President presents a slate of at least two candidates for each of these eight positions: President-Elect, Vice President for Professional Development, Vice President for Membership Services, Vice-President for Conference Services, Vice-President for Section Affairs, Vice President for Certification Maintenance, 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 APA Florida" .

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 15, 2010.   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 . 

FLORIDA DELEGATES SOUGHT FOR DELEGATE ASSEMBLY AT APA CONFERENCE
If you are planning on attending the 2010 APA National Conference in New Orleans and would be interested in serving as an APA Florida Delegate, please contact the Chapter Office by March 1st.   The Delegate Assembly will be held on  Saturday, April 10th from 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM.  Delegates will review an update to the Surface Transportation Policy Guide.  If you need further information, please contact the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272 or fapa@floridaplanning.org.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR APA CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS
Registration is open for the APA National Conference in New Orleans.  Early registration ends on February 18th so save some money by not waiting.  Go to http://www.planning.org/conference/  for details.

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 TAKE A DENSITY QUIZ ON YOUTUBE
Dan Zack, downtown development coordinator for Redwood City, CA, gave a 50-minute presentation on Delightful Density to a Palo Alto audience on Nov. 5. This 12-minute excerpt is composed of 17 buildings - get out your pencils and guess their density.  To take the quiz, go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUvR9QNAzvc .

PLANNERS WITHOUT BORDERS BEING FORMED IN FLORIDA
While listening to recent National Public Radio coverage of the situation in Haiti, several comments caught APA Florida member Tracy Mullins' attention. One official in Port-au-Prince cited building and zoning codes as major needs in Haiti. Another interview discussed the problem of spontaneous settlements springing up in the tent cities that will house hundred of thousand of Haitians. And an article in the January 2010 issue of Planning magazine called "Local Talent: No Need to Look Further" by Robert Becker, FAICP cited three lessons learned from Katrina: the importance of local knowledge, the importance of local planners in recovery, and the importance of up-to-date plans. Tracy wondered about the level at which planners were involved in Haiti, so he placed a query on six LinkedIn discussions, including the American Planning Association group and the International Urban Planning and Regional Planning group. Over 70 replies arrived, most of which supported the idea of an organization that would specifically assist populations in creating appropriate development and preservation of physical and human resources. As a result, a new Florida nonprofit called Planners Without Borders is quickly moving towards acquiring its tax exempt status. He hopes other Florida planners will join the discussion to provide their thoughts and input. If you're interested, simply join the LinkedIn group called Planners Without Borders.

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 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. Include deadline and web link.
 
City of Sebastian:  The City of Sebastian is accepting written proposals from individuals or firms for the preparation of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report for the City of Sebastian Comprehensive Plan. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM on January 28, 2010.  Those interested in submitting a proposal shall request RFP packets from the Office of the City Manager, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, Florida 32958. These documents may be obtained by e- mail request to jtarbell@cityofsebastian.org or by calling (772) 388-8203.

Florida Redevelopment Association:  The Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) is seeking qualifications from individuals or firms interested in developing a training module for Operations and Capacity Building, one of the courses in a series within the FRA professional certification program.  The contract for services shall be for a period ending December 31, 2010. The RFQ guideline package can be obtained by email from Carol Westmoreland at cwestmoreland@flcities.com.  Responses to the RFQ are due on or before 2:00 p.m., February 24, 2010,  More information can also be found at http://www.redevelopment.net/rfp.aspx .

Florida Redevelopment Association: The Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) is seeking qualifications from individuals or firms interested in developing a training module on Creating and Using Redevelopment Incentives, one of the courses in a series within the FRA professional certification program.  The contract for services shall be for a period ending December 31, 2010. The RFQ guideline package can be obtained by email from Carol Westmoreland at cwestmoreland@flcities.com.  Responses to the RFQ are due on or before 2:00 p.m., February 24, 2010, More information can also be found at http://www.redevelopment.net/rfp.aspx .

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January 31, 2010:  Nominations are due for 1000 Friends of Florida's 2010 Better Community Awards.  The nomination form is available at www.1000fof.org.  Call Vivian Young at 850-222-6277, ext 9 if you have any questions.

February 4, 2010:  A free lecture by Cynthia Burnett, Senior Reporter for Florida Trend, will be held at the R.A. Grey Building Auditorium in Tallahassee.  The lecture is entitled Blue is the New Green: Water Sustainability & the Future of Florida, and will start at 7:00 pm.  It will be preceded by a social at 6:00 pm.

February 4-5, 2010:  Florida Earth will conduct its Introduction to Florida Module, the first in the Florida Earth Seminar Series and will be held at the downtown Fort Lauderdale location of Florida Atlantic University. Further information is found at http://floridaearth.org by going to the Events link on the right side of the homepage.

February 5-7, 2010:  FSU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning is working with the City of Colquitt, Georgia to present the Building Creative Communities Conference.  For details and registration, go to
http://www.swampgravy.com/swamp_gravy_institute.php .

February 10, 2010:  Bob Rhodes, a former Growth Management Administrator for the State of Florida, will be talking about "Growth Management Policy: The State, The People and the Future," on February 10th at 7 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora at the University of Florida. The event is free. For more information about this event, visit the Graham Center website at http://www.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu. 
 
February 10, 2010:  Earn 6 hours professional development credit (pdh for PEs | cm for AICPs) at the Florida Section of Institute of Transportation Engineers (FSITE) Winter Workshop scheduled at the FDOT District 5 Urban Office from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This one-day workshop will feature speakers from the FDOT, local municipalities and the private sector who will be discussing cutting-edge growth management and transportation issues affecting the State of Florida  To get registered for the meeting, visit the FSITE web page (www.FloridaSectionITE.org) and click on the "Meeting Info" tab.

February 10, 2010:  The Florida Department of Health and 1000 Friends of Florida are hosting a workshop in Sarasota in for county health department staff, other interested health professionals and community planners to examine the public health related impacts of climate change. Specific input from participants will help the Department of Health develop a climate change strategic plan. Details on the workshop and registration can be found at http://www.1000fof.org/planning/PlanningandHealth/GeneralDOHWorkshop%20Info.asp .

February 23-25, 2010:  The Florida Chamber will hold its 26th Annual Growth Management, Energy, Climate Change and Environment Short Course. Details on the program, registration and hotel information can be found online at http://www.floridaenet.com/management.php . AICP CM credits are pending approval.

February 26, 2010:  The Florida Department of Health and 1000 Friends of Florida are hosting a workshop in Orlando in for county health department staff, other interested health professionals and community planners to examine the public health related impacts of climate change. Specific input from participants will help the Department of Health develop a climate change strategic plan. Details on the workshop and registration can be found at http://www.1000fof.org/planning/PlanningandHealth/GeneralDOHWorkshop%20Info.asp .

March 5, 2010:  The Florida Department of Health and 1000 Friends of Florida are hosting a workshop in Pensacola in for county health department staff, other interested health professionals and community planners to examine the public health related impacts of climate change. Specific input from participants will help the Department of Health develop a climate change strategic plan. Details on the workshop and registration can be found at http://www.1000fof.org/planning/PlanningandHealth/GeneralDOHWorkshop%20Info.asp .

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