A MONTHLY BULLETIN FROM APA FLORIDA

APA FLORIDA ANNUAL SPONSORS

FDOT SEEKING INPUT ON 2060 FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The Florida Department of Transportation recently launched the 2060 Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) process. The first meeting of the 2060 FTP Steering Committee was held on January 25-26 in Orlando.  As part of its initial task to identify and prioritize key issues for the 2060 FTP, the Steering Committee reviewed your input from the December briefing along with other early partner and public input.   The presentations and other materials from this first meeting, can be found on FDOT's web site at the
http://www.2060ftp.org/index.php/learn_more/meeting_materials/5/.  If you are interested in getting automatic email updates on the FTP process, sign up at  http://www.2060ftp.org/index.php/involved/news_and_events/20/ .

A statewide webinar on the 2060 FTP is also scheduled for March 10, 2010, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.  If you sign up for the automatic email updates, you will receive registration information for this webinar.  For more information, please contact Rob Magee at robert.magee@dot.state.fl.us. 
 
INTERIOR LAUNCHES WATERSMART INITIATIVE
On February 22nd, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial order establishing a new water sustainability strategy for the United States. The WaterSMART Secretarial Order has several parts, all of which are focused on improving water conservation and helping water and resource managers make wise decisions about water use, including:
.A national framework to integrate and coordinate water sustainability efforts of the Department and its federal, state and private partners
.A WaterSMART Clearinghouse for the American public.  Through the clearinghouse, the Department will provide leadership and assistance to state and local governments, tribal nations, and others in water conservation and sustainable water strategies. 
.Criteria that the Department applies to identify and support energy projects and actions that promote sustainable water strategies. 
.A water footprint reduction program for facilities and water-consuming operations to achieve and exceed the goal established by President Obama to reduce overall consumption of potable water by 26 percent by 2020 and industrial, landscaping, and agricultural water by 20 percent by 2020. 

To learn more about this initiative, go to  http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/2010_02_22_release.cfm .

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SMALL COUNTIES LAGGING IN HEALTH RANKINGS
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has released a study entitled 2010 County Health Rankings. This is a collection of reports that reflect the overall health of counties in every state across the country. As the title implies, counties are ranked according to their summary measures of health outcomes and health factors, as well as the components used to create each summary measure. A copy of the Florida section of the report is at the following site - http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/sites/default/files/CHR2010_FL.pdf .  Specific County Health Rankings within Florida is at the following site as well - http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/florida .

SMART GROWTH GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
In Connecticut, the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) partnered with the U.S. EPA to address the challenges and opportunities of growing smarter and building greener.  CRCOG collaborated with EPA's Smart Growth Program to identify tools and strategies for implementing a state affordable housing program, HOMEConnecticut, to grow smarter, ensure healthy and affordable housing, and support long-term economic competitiveness at the local and regional levels. A copy of their recent report can be viewed at
http://crcog.org/publications/CommDevDocs/Sustainable%20Communities/EPA_SG_Guidelines_Finalsm.pdf .

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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 . 

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR APA FLORIDA 2010 CONFERENCE NOW OPEN
Are you...  a planning innovator? Involved in cutting-edge research? Interested in sharing ideas or projects? If so, we need you as a Presenter at the APA Florida 2010 Conference!  Submittals due by 5:00 pm, March 31, 2010.  Go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/conference/index.asp for details.

SPONSOR AND EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES AT THE APA FLORIDA 2010 CONFERENCE
Consider being a sponsor and/or exhibitor at the APA Florida 2010 Conference this September in Tampa.  Over 800 planners and related professionals are expected to come to learn and network over the three day event.  It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your firm and gain maximum exposure to the planning community.  For more information, go to  http://www.floridaplanning.org/conference/2010/2010_APA_FL_Sponsor_and_Exhibitor_Guide_FINAL.pdf .

APA FLORIDA PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP A SUCCESS
The APA Florida Public Policy Workshop, held in Tallahassee on February 3rd, was a great success.  Over 140 planners from around the state gathered to learn more about a number of emerging issues, as well as what can be expected during the 2010 Legislative session.  If you were unable to attend, you can read a summary of the workshop at http://www.floridaplanning.org/announcefiles/2010PPWorkshopSummary.pdf .

MINI AICP EXAM PREP COURSE OFFERED IN ORLANDO
The APA Florida Orlando Metro Section will offer a free Mini AICP Exam Prep Course from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on March 26th at the offices of Greenberg Traurig, 450 S. Orange Ave, Suite #650, Orlando.  Wiatt Bowers, AICP, will present a short-course guide to help you in your studies as you prepare to take the test.  Contact Shalene Estes at s.estes@gaiconsultants.com to register or for more information.

TWO DAY AICP EXAM PREP COURSE OFFERED IN PINELLAS PARK
 The APA Florida Sun Coast Section AICP Prep Seminar will be held March 26-27, 2010, at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council offices in Pinellas Park, FL.  For a registration fee of $140, you will receive two days of instruction from working professionals, a comprehensive study guide, and continental breakfast and lunch.  One or two volunteer opportunities exist to reduce the registration fee.  Please contact Debra Hempel at debra.hempel@hdrinc.com  if you are interested in volunteering. For more information or to pay via check, please download the registration flyer at http://www.suncoastplanning.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2010-AICP-flyer1.pdf.  The form also contains information on hotel accommodations.

NEWS FROM APA'S TRANSPORTATION DIVISION
The Transportation Planning Division has published the "State of Transportation Planning 2010!" It is brief, helpful, and easy to read.  Download it at http://www.apa-tpd.org/TPDAnnualReport_files/TPD_State_of_Transportation_(2010).pdf . 

The TPD Business Meeting at the 2010 APA National Conference in New Orleans is Monday night from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. TPD is heading over to Ernst Cafe' afterwards for appetizers and drinks. All are welcome!

Finally, the Talking Freight seminars are eligible for AICP Certification Maintenance credits. Each seminar is worth 1.5 credits. In order to receive credit you must attend the full seminar and either login with your full first and last name, or type your full name into the chat box if you are attending with a group of people. To register for Talking Freight, please visit http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/fpd/talking_freight/index.htm.   Please contact Jennifer Symoun, symounj@saic.com, with any questions.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR APA CONFERENCE IN NEW ORLEANS
Registration is open for the APA National Conference in New Orleans.   Go to http://www.planning.org/conference/ for details.

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EPA SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR SMART GROWTH AWARDS
Applications are now being accepted for EPA's 2010 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. The application period is open from February 8, 2010 to April 5, 2010. Up to five awards will be given in the following categories:  Programs, Policies, and Regulations; Smart Growth and Green Building; Civic Places; Rural Smart Growth; and Overall Excellence.  More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm .

AARP SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Are you a retired planner looking for something fun to do?  Consider volunteering at the Orlando @50+ National Conference being sponsored by AARP.  The convention will be in Orlando at the convention center September 30-October 2, 2010.  The event will draw 25,000 or more AARP members from Florida and across the country for 3 days of education and fun.  Volunteers working a 4-hour shift at the event receive free registration  as well as a meal voucher and free parking the day they volunteer.  More information about the event can be found at  http://www.aarp.org/aarp/events/Life_at_50_Orlando/ .  If you are interested in volunteering, go to www.aarp.org/volunteerorlando .

SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA ACCEPTING BEST PRACTICE NOMINATIONS
Sustainable Florida is accepting nominations for its 11th Annual Best Practice Awards. More than 100 businesses, non-profit organizations, governmental groups and individuals have been honored for their work that demonstrates that a healthy environment and a healthy economy are mutually supportive. Awards will be presented in several categories including Leadership, Small Business, Large Business, Non-Profit, Partnership, and Green Building. An independent blue-ribbon panel of experts in sustainable practices will review and score the nominees. Nomination forms may be accessed on the web at http://collinscenter.site-ym.com/?1bSFAwardNom and are due March 31, 2010.

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RFP FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF DOWNTOWN PARCEL:  The City of DeLand has issued an RFP for assistance with the development of a downtown parcel.  The City owns 1.86 acres of land located in the heart of downtown and would like this property redeveloped with market rate residential units, or a combination of market rate residential units, retail, and office units. The full RFP may be obtained from Dale Arrington at arringtond@deland.org .  The deadline is March 22, 2010. 

RFP FOR PURCHASE, LEASE OR LEASE WITH PURCHASE OPTION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY:  The City of North Lauderdale, centrally located in Broward County Florida, is offering an RFP (Request for Proposal) to solicit proposals by interested parties for the purchase, lease and/or lease with purchase option of City owned property which includes  a 3 story 76,000 square feet facility. Copies of Request for Proposal Number 10-02-310, as well as additional information relating to the RFP can be obtained by phone 954-724-7041, the City's website www.nlauderdale.org, or e-mail tcordova@nlauderdale.org.  All Responses to the RFP are due no later than 10 am, March 23, 2010, at 701 SW 71 Ave., North Lauderdale FL, 33068.

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March 17, 2010 :  The APA Florida San Felasco Section will be hosting an audio web conference on Redevelopment and Revitalization for a New Era at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.  It is free and approved for AICP CM Credit.  Go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/calendar_details.asp?EventID=970 for details. 

March 17, 2010:  The APA Florida Sun Coast Section will be hosting an audio web conference on Redevelopment and Revitalization for a New Era at the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.  It is free and approved for AICP CM Credit.  Go to http://www.suncoastplanning.org/aicp-cm-credits/  for details. 

March 17, 2010:  The APA Florida Promised Lands Section will be hosting an audio web conference on Redevelopment and Revitalization for a New Era at the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.  It is free and approved for AICP CM Credit.  Go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/announcefiles/2010_Webinar_Schedule_PromisedLandsAPAFL.pdf  for details.
 
March 19, 2010:  The APA Florida Orlando Metro Section will be hosting a Lunch and Learn Session on Agreement Writing 101 in Orlando.  For details go to http://www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/calendar_details.asp?EventID=971

March 19, 2010: The APA Florida Promised Lands Section, in conjunction with the FGCU Center for Public & Social Policy, invites you to attend an interactive tour of the nationally‐recognized Florida Power & Light Solar Energy Center in DeSoto County.  2.5 AICP CM are pending. For details, go to http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=NDJ1aHFncGlscmg5aDFqY3F2ZXNxYXJ1ZzAgcHJlc2lkZW50QHN1bmNvYXN0cGxhbm5pbmcub3Jn&ctz=America/New_York . 

March 20, 2010:  The APA Florida First Coast Section will be sponsoring a Spring Trash Bash: St Johns River Cleanup, as part of the 15th Annual St. Johns River Celebration. It will be held from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM.  Contact Stephen Tocknell at stevetock@clearwire.net for more information.

March 26, 2010:   Cosponsored by the Orlando Metro Section (OMS) of APA-FL, and FPZA, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Florida is pleased to announce Planning Day 2010. Planning Day will provide a forum for students and members of the community to interact and discuss important planning issues. This year's Planning Day consists of two panels, one on Planning Ethics and another discussing the current Supreme Court case, Save Our Beaches v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  The two panels will count for AICP CM I 1.5 I Law, for the Law Panel and CM I 1.5 I Ethics for the Ethics Panel (pending APA approval).   For more information or to register, please visit http://www.dcp.ufl.edu/calendar/planning-day-2010. 

March 31, 2010:  The APA Florida Sun Coast Section will be hosting a web-based Ethics Session for AICP CM credit.  For details, go to http://www.suncoastplanning.org/aicp-cm-credits/ .

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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 .

March 10, 2010:  The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a webinar on the ongoing update to the Florida Transportation Plan.  Reserve your space at  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/529225400  .

March 19, 2010:  The Florida Department of Health and 1000 Friends of Florida are hosting a workshop in Jacksonville 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/Jacksonville.asp  .

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