A MONTHLY BULLETIN FROM APA FLORIDA

APA FLORIDA ANNUAL SPONSORS

2010 CONFERENCE UPDATE:  THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING SESSION PROPOSALS HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL NO LATER THAN 5:00 pm ON APRIL 5, 2010
(click here for submittal package)

SIGN UP NOW TO BECOME A SPONSOR AND/OR EXHIBITOR
(click here for details)

ACTIVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACT PROPOSED BY BLUMENAUER
U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation (ACT) Act of 2010, in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. For the past several years, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has been working closely with local, state and national partners around the country on the Campaign for Active Transportation. The Act would establish a competitive active transportation investment fund, to invest in walking and bicycling improvements in targeted communities around the country.  These resources would enable communities to build interconnected systems--allowing people to travel between the places they work, live, play, learn and shop without needing a car.  If the act is passed, the U.S. Department of Transportation will administer a competitive fund, which will invest in communities that best make the case for resources to shift large numbers of trips from driving to walking and bicycling. The two billion-dollar program, with funds set aside within the Surface Transportation Program, will allow dozens of communities nationally to improve their walking and bicycling networks.    Learn more about this bill here.

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON OIL AND GAS DRILLING REPORT
 In November 2009, Senate President Jeff Atwater called upon the Century Commission - along with Florida State University's Institute for Energy Systems and Economic Sustainability (IESES) and the Florida Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research - to assist the Senate with a detailed and comprehensive review of the implications of offshore drilling. In responding to the charge from Mr. Atwater, the Collins Center for Public Policy, which staffs the Century Commission, developed an information resource for the citizens of Florida. Research was conducted by Collins Center staff with the assistance of an expert advisory group.  The findings have been published in a web-based format that allows readers to post comments. To read the report and offer your comments, click here.

U.S. DOT ISSUES POLICY STATEMENT ON BIKE/PED ACCOMMODATION
On March 15th, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the signing of a policy statement on bicycle/pedestrian accommodation regulations and recommendations.  The statement says in part that "Every transportation agency, including DOT, has the responsibility to improve conditions and opportunities for walking and bicycling and to integrate walking and bicycling into their transportation systems."  U.S. DOT recommends that walking and bicycling be considered as equals with other transportation modes and encourages going beyond minimum standards for design of these facilities.  Read the statement by clicking here.

 TOP

 EPA STUDY SHOWS REDEVELOPMENT TREND STILL STRONG
An updated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report shows a continuing shift in development toward urban neighborhoods in the United States, despite a slow real estate market. This trend, described in EPA's 2010 report, "Residential Construction Trends in America's Metropolitan Regions," shows that redevelopment continues in many urban neighborhoods. The data show that, compared to the early 1990s, the share of construction in urban neighborhoods was up 28 percent in mid-sized metropolitan regions that have promoted redevelopment of underused sites and development around transit, such as Portland, Ore; Denver, Colo.; and Sacramento, Calif. The latest report shows that an even stronger trend toward urban redevelopment in the largest metropolitan regions continued in 2008. New York City accounted for 63 percent of the building permits issued within its region. By comparison, the city averaged about 15 percent of regional building permits during the early 1990s. Similarly, Chicago now accounts for 45 percent of the building permits within its region, up from just 7 percent in the early 1990s. Miami was identified as one of 8 areas where redevelopment in urban neighborhoods accounted for between ¼ and ½ of new construction.

The original report, issued in Feb. 2009, examined building trends in the 50 largest metropolitan areas from 1990 to 2007. The update incorporates data for 2008, which included several months of national economic downturn.  Access the reports here.  

BGREEN 2020 PLAN DEVELOPED FOR BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT
BGreen 2020 is the result of a public-private partnership between the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, a consortium of local business groups. By building on Bridgeport's existing strengths, "BGreen will modernize the city's infrastructure, create wealth, intensify urban amenities, enhance environmental quality, enable revitalization without gentrification, and retain Bridgeport's historic character."  Early priorities are the creation of an Energy Improvement District to support energy efficiency and production, adopting a "Transit First" policy, developing a plan for open space use and maintenance, expanding recycling, and protecting the region's waterways through enhanced stormwater management. A Green Collar Institute will train workers and act as an incubator for developing green industries. You can download the plan by clicking here.

 TOP

Some publications may require free subscriptions.

Pleasanton housing cap violates law, judge says
Bob Egelko, Staff Writer, San Francisco Chronicle, March 16, 2010

If it does matter where CO2 is released, cities are in trouble
Jonathan Hiskes, Grist, March 17, 2010

NORCs in NYC
Interboro Partners, UrbanOmnibus, March 17, 2010

North Tyneside high street "revived" by fake shop front
BBC News. March 3, 2010

Woonerf: It's Dutch for smart city-building
Christopher Hume, The Star.com, March 14, 2010

TIGER grants highlight new transportation paradigm
Robert Steuteville, New Urban News

Making Planning More Accessible
Tim Halbur, Planetizen, March 29, 2010

A tale of two cities in Florida, where walkability trumps sprawl - again
Kaid Benfield, Director, Smart Growth Program, NRDC Switchboard, March 23, 2010

More cities ban digital billboards
Larry Copeland, USA Today, March 25, 2010

Stimulus Plan for Rail Line Shows System of Weak Links
Michael Cooper, New York Times, March 22, 2010

Phone GPS Camera = Revolution
Smart phones are revolutionizing how governments serve citizens -- and it's just the tip of the iceberg.
Stephen Goldsmith, Governing, March 17, 2010

Airport Built, It's Time to See if the Traffic Comes
Susan Stellin, New York Times, March 9, 2010

Commerce Department to Revise Poverty Measure
Neal Conan, NPR, March 2, 2010

 TOP

COMMENTS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING DELEGATES ASSEMBLY
The upcoming Chapter Delegates Assembly at the APA National Conference will be discussing a draft revision of the APA Policy Guide on Surface Transportation.  APA Florida will have nine delegates participating and we need your input!

The updated version develops more specific guidelines that recommend specific actions on the part of APA members through leadership, chapters, divisions, and allied organizations that move toward an improved social and political environment for planning to play its most effective role. During the Assembly on April 10th, chapter delegates may make any final changes and then vote to adopt the draft guide. Once the guide is adopted, it will be forwarded to the APA Board of Directors for ratification. Download the draft document here.  Please send any comments to fapa@floridaplanning.org by April 4th.

FLORIDA RECEPTION AT APA CONFERENCE
If you are going to the National Conference in New Orleans, make plans to stop by the APA Florida/Florida Planning Schools Joint Reception!  It will be held at Mulate's from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Monday, April 12th.  Mulate's is across the street from the Convention Center at 201 Julia Street.  Hope to see you there!

REMEMBER TO COMPLETE THE 2010 MEMBERSHIP SATISFACTION SURVEY
In preparation for the upcoming Executive Committee Retreat in May, the Chapter Office has developed a Membership Satisfaction Survey.  The results will be used to update and revise the Strategic Operational Plan for APA Florida.  Each member should have received an email with a link to the survey.  If you do not remember seeing one, contact Alex at 850-201-3272 or fapa@floridaplanning.org . 

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, click here.  

 TOP

STATEWIDE WEBINAR "INTRODUCTION TO THE FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION PLAN" 
On Wednesday March 10th, FDOT hosted a webinar to introduce members of the public and interested parties to the 2060 Florida Transportation Plan (FTP). The web presentation provided an overview of the process, schedule, and scope of the 2010 plan update, as well as the opportunity for viewers to submit comments and questions. If you were unable to participate, the webinar is now available as a pdf or an audio and video recording on FDOT's website.  Click here to view. 

SUSTAINABLE FLORIDA SEEKING BEST PRACTICES NOMINATIONS
Each year Sustainable Florida - Collins Center recognizes best practices that promote and implement sustainable development principles.  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 www.CollinsCenter.org and are due April 7, 2010.

 TOP

 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.

         Sorry - there are currently no RFQs/RFPs posted on the website.

 TOP

RECENT JOBS POSTED:

 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (City of Clearwater); PLANNER III (City of DeBary); PLANNER I (City of DeBary); GIS PLANNING TECHNICIAN (LYNX)

 TOP

 April 9, 2010:  The APA Florida First Coast Section will host an education seminar on The St. Johns River "Sustainable Case Study" in Jacksonville.  The session has been submitted for AICP CM credit. Click here for details.

April 21, 2010:  The APA Florida San Felasco Section will be hosting an APA Audio Web Conference entitled Development Finance and Pro Formas at the offices of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.  Contact the NCFRPC at 352-955-2200 for more information.

April 21, 2010:  The APA Florida Promised Lands Section will be hosting an APA Audio Web Conference entitled Development Finance and Pro Formas at the offices of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.  Contact the SWFRPC at 239-338-2550 for more information.

April 21, 2010:  The APA Florida Sun Coast Section will be hosting an APA Audio Web Conference entitled Development Finance and Pro Formas at the offices of the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.  Contact Tony LaColla at lacollaa@plancom.org  for more information.

 TOP

April 7, 2010:  The Florida Forever Coalition will be holding "Florida Forever Day" at the Florida Capitol.  Go to http://supportfloridaforever.org/?page_id=101 for details.

April 7, 2010:  The FAU School of Urban and Regional Planning is hosting a free lecture on "Airport Planning, Implications for South Florida in the Next Twenty Years."  Contact dmorri47@fau.edu for more information and to RSVP.

April 8, 2010:  The Florida Bicycle Association will hold the 2nd Annual Florida Bike Summit at the Florida Capitol.  For more details and to register, visit http://www.floridabicycle.org/joinus/summit.html.

May 6, 2010:  The John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government at FAU will host a seminar, Transportation Today - Session II in Fort Lauderdale.  AICP CM credit is pending.  Email sdean@fau.edu for more information.

May 23-28, 2010:  The 24th Annual Governor's Hurricane Conference will be held at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center.  More than 30 AICP CM credits are pending approval.  Register now at www.flghc.org.

May 28, 2010:  Save the date for the 3rd Annual Planning Challenges of the Twenty-First Century offered by the Palm Beach County Planning Congress.  Go to http://www.pbcplanningcongress.org for more details.

June 9 - June 12, 2010:  The FPZA Conference will be held at the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton.  Earn AICP CM credit.  Go to  http://fpza.org/main/page_conference.html for more information and registration. 

June 22-23, 2010:  Save the date for DCA's Annual Growth Management Implementation Workshop.  Watch http://www.dca.state.fl.us/ for details.

 TOP