FLORIDA PLANNING A Publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Fall 2018
www.floridaplanning.org
PLACES IN T F A
RIDA LO
2018 G RE
DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN Established in 1903, Winter Garden is a former citrus town that’s now home to more than 40,000 residents and offers a wealth of historical and natural assets. Nestled on beautiful Lake Apopka and roughly 20 minutes west of Orlando, Winter Garden is well known and recognized for its many recreational amenities, events, and historical charm that make it a Great Place to live, work and visit. The Historic Downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a favorite destination for West Orange County residents and those who travel the award- winning West Orange Trail. In 1992, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency established strategic outdoor areas to continued on page 4
OTHER FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
6
CPAT Volunteers Change Communities
9
OC’s Citizens Planner Academy
11
Fort Lauderdale’s NLA
12 14 15 17
Mid-Level Career Coaching
FDOT’s Citizen Academy
Mentoring in Today’s Workplace
Building Future Planners
21
2018 Conference Leadership & Planning Awards
28
Rebuilding After Hurricane Michael
29
Travel With a Planner’s Eye
President’s Message - p. 3 Planner Q&A p. 31 APA Working for You - p. 32 Planners on the Move p. 33 Consultants Directory - p. 34 Events - back page
The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.
[APA FLORIDA] KEY CONTACTS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Name
Phone
APA Florida Executive Committee President Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA
813-327-5450
president@floridaplanning.org
Immediate Past President
Andre Anderson, AICP
407-957-8428
pastpresident@floridaplanning.org fx
President-Elect
Wiatt Bowers, AICP
904-363-8488
presidentelect@floridaplanning.org
Heart of Florida Section
Marisa Barmby, AICP
863-534-7130
heartoffl@floridaplanning.org
Secretary
Lara Bouck, AICP, PE
407-514-2782
secretary@floridaplanning.org
First Coast Section
Ennis Davis, AICP
904-396-5727
firstcoast@floridaplanning.org
Orlando Metro Section
Joshua DeVries, AICP
407-742-7813
orlandometro@floridaplanning.org
Sun Coast Section
Melissa Dickens, AICP
813-273-3774
suncoast@floridaplanning.org
Atlantic Coast Section
Mike Disher, AICP
386-236-2183
atlanticcoast@floridaplanning.org
San Felasco Section
Forrest Eddelton
352-334-5022
sanfelasco@floridaplanning.org
Treasurer
Kathyrn Gademer, AICP, CFM
386-671-8120
treasurer@floridaplanning.org
Promised Lands Section
Jason Green, AICP
941-505-1700
promisedlands@floridaplanning.org
University Liaison
Christopher Hawkins
407-823-2604
university@floridaplanning.org
VP Communications
Michelle Heinrich, AICP
813-276-2167
communications@floridaplanning.org
YPG Representative
Brandon Henry
813-272-5940
ypg@floridaplanning.org
VP Section Affairs
Doug Kelly, AICP, CSI
321-319-3213
sectionaffairs@floridaplanning.org
Capital Area Section
Devan Leavins
850-891-6441
capitalarea@floridaplanning.org
VP-Professional Development
Allison Megrath, AICP
352-438-3046
profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org
Emerald Coast Section
Catherine McCloy, AICP
850-769-6476
emeraldcoast@floridaplanning.org
Broward Section
Robert Modys
954-828-4911
broward@floridaplanning.org
Gold Coast Section
Edward Ng, AICP, MPP, MPI
305-594-0735
goldcoast@floridaplanning.org
Treasure Coast Section
Alessandria Palmer
561-366-1100
treasurecoast@floridaplanning.orgf
VP Certification Maintenance
Jill Quigley, AICP
954-641-5680
certmaintenance@floridaplanning.org
VP Member Services
Yexsy Schomberg
561-299-0508
membership@floridaplanning.org
VP Conference Services
Thuy Turner, AICP, LEED AP BD+C
954-357-6623
conferencesvcs@floridaplanning.org
Student Representative
Tyler Woolsey
954-527-4282
students@floridaplanning.org taf
Executive Director
Julia “Alex“ Magee
850-201-3272
fapa@floridaplanning.org
Ad. Assistant/Bookkeeper
Amanda Pickles
850-201-3272
adminbk@floridaplanning.org
Communications Coordinator Patti Shea
850-201-3272
staff@floridaplanning.org
Legislative Representative
Lester Abberger
850-524-2779
lesterabberger@nettally.com
Webmaster (Consultant)
Summer Taylor
888-949-5487 x706 summer@exaktmarketing.com
All Other Inquiries, contact APA Florida at 1-850-201-3272 or e-mail fapa@floridaplanning.org. 2 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Spirit of Volunteerism: Hurricane Michael and Beyond While we certainly didn’t plan it this way, having this issue of Florida Planning focus on volunteerism in the wake of Hurricane Michael certainly makes sense. The number of you who have reached out to our Executive Committee and staff about how we, as an organization, can help has been tremendous. I thank you for thinking of our members and communities in the Panhandle. I want to assure you that the Executive Committee is exploring opportunities for our chapter to get involved in both the shortand long-term. We are coordinating with national APA to ensure that we can offer a variety of avenues to provide support whether that in the form of financial, volunteer, or other types of assistance. Please stay tuned for more information as plans solidify. One thing I can tell you is to start making your plans for our annual conference in Sandestin as I am certain that we will be offering multiple trainings and mobile tours that will offer great post-Michael learning opportunities for our members. Attending the conference will also inject much-needed financial support into the area.
One thing I can tell you is to start making your plans for our annual conference in Sandestin as I am certain that we will be offering multiple trainings and mobile tours that will offer great post-Michael learning opportunities for our members. As we ready ourselves to assist in the recovery from Michael, we have highlighted some past APA Florida volunteer activities in this issue of Florida Planning. We have some dedicated members doing some amazing things so grab a pumpkin spice latte, curl up on the couch, and settle in for a good fall read: • Learn how several of our members have successfully used our newly created elementary, middle, and high school teaching guides in the school system to educate students about planning; • Find out more about how Fort Lauderdale’s Neighborhood Leader Academy is shaping their community; and • Take a moment to meet our newly elected APA Florida officers as they embark on a two-year commitment to the organization. While our Executive Committee members settle into their roles, I would like to take a moment to thank our outgoing APA Florida President Andre Anderson. As our first African-American President, Andre has elevated the conversation around diversity and inclusion both within APA Florida and at APA’s national level. I am excited to announce that he will continue to spearhead our efforts by stepping into the chair role for the newly formed Diversity and Inclusion Committee for APA Florida as well as serve on the national APA Diversity Committee. I am grateful for Andre’s leadership and continued service to the organization. I am also grateful for our APA Florida Executive Committee members who are stepping off the board this year. Thank you Henry Bittaker, Tony LaColla, Kim Glas-Castro, Allara Mills Gutcher, Marcie Stenmark, and Melissa Zornitta for many, many years of service to APA Florida. You will be missed! Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the tremendous work of the 2018 Conference Committee. Led by Josh Long and John Roach, over 60 volunteers came together to put on a spectacular conference with recordbreaking attendance in West Palm Beach. From vetting our plenary speakers to organizing sessions to hosting entertaining mobile tours and receptions, our members volunteered countless hours to put on a fabulous conference. Thank you to each of you! As we look ahead, I hope to see you at our Public Policy Workshop on Feb. 7 in Tallahassee. Feel free to contact me (president@floridaplanning.org) if you have any thoughts or comments about APA Florida. Thanks for your continued membership,
Laura Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 3
[GREAT PLACES] WINTER GARDEN
continued from cover page
Images courtesy of Downtown Winter Garden.
CONGRATULATIONS
create energy and activity along the main Splash Park, the Winter Garden Farmers corridor – West Plant Street. This started Market, and a plethora of micro events with the bike trail, the West Orange Trail, held throughout the year. Open every to all the finalists! which is soon to be part of the 250-mile Saturday, the Farmers Market is a regional The Plaza de la Constitución continuously paved multi-use Coastfarmers market and has been recognized St. Augustine to-Coast Connector. The trail segment nationally year after year. The Blues and that runs directly through the middle of BBQ festival pairs the hottest Blues and Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts Downtown was developed as a linear park Roots musicians with award-winning local Barberville on land formerly used as a railway. The BBQ connoisseurs, creating incredible Downtown route is pedestrian-friendly energy when the smooth sounds of blues Downtown Lake Mary Central Park and provides an “outdoor living room” and barbecue fill the air. Downtown Winter Garden feel, featuring the City Clock Tower, Downtown is an urban garden with Centennial Plaza Fountain, a Gazebo with colorful planters, landscaping and lots of READ MORE ABOUT THESE WONDERFUL PLACES! benches, and swings: all elements that trees. This is an integral part of Winter help create an outdoor environment that is Garden’s heritage and name. When you constantly filled with people and energy. A visit, the buildings and streets are softened parking garage was recently constructed in Downtown to provide by the green landscaping. Known for brick mercantile buildings hundreds of free parking spaces to both residents and visitors. and masonry vernacular storefronts with varied colors and Regional amenities that are popular include the Garden facades, Downtown Winter Garden exudes a perfect blend of Theatre, the SoBo Art Gallery, historic icons, boutique shops, warmth and energy, leaving you with a feeling that you truly are restaurants, museums, and the Pavilion which is home to the experiencing a great place! 4 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
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888.274.0081 · www.cgasolutions.com Fort Lauderdale · Miami-Dade · West Palm Beach · Clearwater/Tampa · Estero · Port St. Lucie Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 5
APA’S COMMUNITY PLANNING ASSISTANCE TEAMS PROGRAM By: Ryan Scherzinger, AICP
Originally conceived by APA in 1995 and launched as an ongoing program in 2011, APA’s Community Planning Assistance Teams program, or CPAT for short, offers direct technical assistance to under-resourced communities around the country. Nearly 40 communities have received assistance from teams of volunteer planning professionals. Five projects have been in Florida, which is currently more than any other state: Two were in the panhandle – Wakulla Gardens in 2012 and Marianna in 2018; one in metropolitan Orlando focused on a town center in the Pine Hills neighborhood in 2014; and two took place in cities along the Atlantic coast in Deerfield Beach (2015) and West Melbourne (2016). CPAT forms teams of volunteer planners from around the country, selected specifically for the skills and experience needed to address a focused project in a community. CPATs strive to fill gaps in expertise, offer an unbiased perspective,
The Pine Hills NID adopted the slogan and color palette the team created.
effectively engage communities to uncover and organize their vision, build momentum, and deliver productive recommendations, strategies, and design solutions to implement. CPAT is an excellent opportunity not only for communities that receive assistance, but also for APA member volunteers to get involved by demonstrating the value of planning and working alongside professional peers from around the country. Not all towns, or counties have the capacity or resources to tackle many of their planning challenges. Many don’t have a planner on staff; and others, if they’re lucky, have one, maybe two. Budgets are tight, issues don’t disappear and build up over time, and the need for planning solutions is often urgent. Know of a community like that? Maybe you live in one? APA is looking to its members to help spread the word about the opportunity that CPAT offers. While teams have worked in many communities where APA members work, communities that often need the most help frequently aren’t aware of APA, let alone its CPAT program. Let communities continued on page 7
6 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
[COMMUNITY] PLANNING ASSISTANCE
continued from page 6
know! Help them with developing their project and a proposal, if needed. CPAT generally works with local governments but has also received proposals and worked directly with CDCs, BIDs, and other local nonprofits. Aside from spreading the word to communities about the opportunity, you can also volunteer. Teams are multidisciplinary, so both members and nonmember professionals are encouraged to fill out the online volunteer form to let us know they’re interested. CPAT works on a broad range of challenges and at different scales. Past teams helped counties with regional economic development strategies, trail planning, and smart growth initiatives, small downtowns with redevelopment, historic preservation, and marketing, and neighborhoods with revitalization and community image-building. Around Florida, a team helped Wakulla County, a fast-growing county, with an infrastructure plan for a dense residential subdivision, originally part of a land scam from the 1950s that was never intended for development. In Orange County outside of Orlando, a team provided a town center plan in the heart of Pine Hills, a culturally diverse neighborhood that’s experienced decades of disinvestment. In Deerfield Beach, the team conducted a study and created planning and design recommendations for a new local activity center, now called Pioneer Village. A team in West Melbourne conducted a corridor study of Minton Road to explore possibilities for a new town center. And just this year, in Marianna, a team conducted a corridor study of Pennsylvania Avenue, an important gateway to the city from I-10. Planning is, of course, a long game, but success has occurred on many fronts in the Florida CPAT communities. For example, in Deerfield Beach, “the CPAT study [in 2015] ultimately led to land use and zoning changes that were implemented in the summer of 2017,” Steve Graham, AICP, the assistant director in the City of Deerfield Beach’s planning and development services department recently reported. In Pine Hills, the Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) created a signature event called the “Taste of Pine Hills,” a direct recommendation from the team, and one that celebrates the cultural diversity of the area. They adopted the slogan and color palette created by the team, “Many Cultures, One Bright Future.” Lynx Transit have entered the design phase for a new Super Stop transfer station in an area identified by the team and the Pine Hills NID formed a strategic plan that places a high priority on the town center plan. If you’d like to learn more, please visit the CPAT website. You can also contact APA CPAT program staff to discuss potential projects and answer any other questions about the program. Ryan Scherzinger, AICP, is the Programs Manager, Professional Practice for the American Planning Association. He can be reached at rscherzinger@planning.org.
In Deerfield Beach, the team created the land use and urban design plan that led to land use and zoning changes adopted in 2017.
The Pine Hills CPAT met with many residents and other stakeholders throughout their visit to create their town center plan.
The City of Marianna held a “Marry Marianna” celebration that drew close to 1,000 residents who were required to submit a brief survey about the West End study area to the CPAT to get free food tickets.
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 7
Planning professionals play an integral part in building and improving the quality of life in their communities. More often than not, this community building role circumscribes to the management of regulatory procedures such as evaluating land use and building permits, improving local infrastructure, and managing grants and other entitlement programs. Planners can expand this role by volunteering their expertise and leadership to non-profit and community organizations. Our profession equips us with a unique set of skills that could benefit the mission of these groups. For example, planners are natural conveners and facilitators. We are also trained to address problems in a systematic way, which makes us great problem solvers. It is much easier for planners to identify the connections between different fields of study and understand the long-term consequences of decisions. Finally, planners are proficient in data analysis and can provide other technical assistance to these organizations. Living in the Orlando area for the past 12 years, I have had the pleasure of volunteering with several community organizations. While these experiences have been a source of personal satisfaction, they have also provided me with additional professional development opportunities and made me a more effective planner. Most influential to my career has been my involvement with the Jobs Partnership of Florida. This is a faith-based organization that seeks to improve the lives of Metro Orlando’s unemployed and underemployed. During the course of the 12-week program, students are paired with a trained volunteer coach who becomes their mentor and advocate. They learn important soft and job seeking skills and have the opportunity to attend exclusive events such as Employer Partner Career Fairs and Community Resource Fairs. Upon graduation, students are guided in choosing the right next step, whether its new career opportunities, specialized vocational training in high demand careers or higher education. As a job coach, I have helped dozens of individuals to get jobs or pursue higher education. Volunteering with Jobs Partnership for the past ten years has not only strengthened my facilitation and leadership skills, but it has also provided important insights about economic development. If our goal is to build healthy and thriving communities, planners
8 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
need to focus their efforts on developing programs and initiatives that create access to economic opportunity. I recently applied this lesson in my work with the Goldsboro Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) in Sanford. The CNI economic development plan identifies possible career paths that residents could follow based on the region’s growing industries. Moreover, several Goldsboro residents are food entrepreneurs selling items such as boiled peanuts, gelato, and fruit sauces. Thus, I am also currently collaborating with city staff to help build a shared commercial kitchen in the community. Planning professionals are the unequivocal community builders. However, there is much more that planners can do to cement this reputation. We must strive to identify places where our skills are most needed, focus on building new community partnerships, and not be afraid to lend our expertise outside of our jobs. Luis Nieves-Ruiz currently serves as the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council’s Economic Development Manager. He can be reached at luis@ecfrpc.org
BUILDING COMMUNITIES BY BUILDING PEOPLE:
My Experience With The Jobs Partnership Program By: Luis Nieves-Ruiz, AICP
ORANGE COUNTY’S CITIZEN PLANNER ACADEMY: A Traditional, and effective, approach to public outreach
By Daniel Kilponen, AICP
Online classes, webinars and other
distance learning choices definitely have their place in today’s educational landscape. But is there still a place for a more traditional approach to learning, one that recalls memories of teachers and students, class exercises and even field trips?
The fact is, teaching a class in person remains a tried and true method of sharing information, and many pundits agree it is still the best way to educate and impart knowledge. Such is the case with Orange County’s Citizen Planner Academy — a series of classes designed to educate the public about urban planning, the land development process in Orange County and special topics within the planning field. The goal of the academy is to empower citizens with the tools and knowledge to become informed and active decision makers within their communities. The Citizen Planner Academy began in 2005. At that time, in the years leading up to the Great Recession, development was occurring at a record pace in Orange County, and residents were contacting the county with concerns about development occurring near their homes. In response, the county created the Citizen Planner Academy to promote citizen understanding of growth management, the land development process and a working knowledge on how to become engaged within the landdevelopment process. Orange County originally conducted the academy as monthly workshops held on weekday evenings over six months, but reinvented it as a series of eight 3-hour workshops held on Saturday mornings over the course of one year. This scheduling change allows for a wider audience, with participants ranging from college students to retirees. Orange County offers the academy to all county citizens at no charge, but attendees are required to register using an Eventbrite webpage. The academy offers two Core Classes and a series of Special Topics each year. Instructors present information and use interactive exercises to help participants apply the principles taught during that class. Those who attend the two Core Classes and three Special Topics courses qualify to graduate. Orange County recruits planning professionals from the public and private sector to be instructors, encourages interesting and fun workshops, and gives instructors great flexibility in how they present their topics. The two Core Classes are Planning Basics, which provides an overview of urban planning principles and the land development process in Orange County, and Sustainability, which focuses on natural resource preservation and long-term water, waste management and energy needs. continued on page 10
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 9
[ORANGE] COUNTY CITIZEN PLANNER ACADEMY
continued from page 9
The subjects covered by the Special Topics classes vary from year to year, offering the flexibility to inform residents of current issues in the Planning field. Typically, classes on Urban Design, Transportation Planning and Emergency Management are offered. Other topics have included Infrastructure Planning, Neighborhood Planning, CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), Nature and Bicycle Trails, and Aging in Place. Do you remember how exciting field trips were back in grade school? One of the more popular classes in the academy is Urban Design, during which students participate in a walking tour of Orlando’s Baldwin Park neighborhood. Students meet onsite and experience existing, on-the-ground examples of urban design principles. Another hands-on exercise occurs in the Transportation Planning class, during which participants ride a LYNX (the transportation authority in Central Florida) bus through Downtown Orlando.
“I’m grateful to have been a part of these workshops,” said Jo’an Rice, a two-time graduate of the Citizen Planner Academy and active community leader. “They’re all very informative, and they also provide the opportunity to meet with others who are interested in making our neighborhoods better places to live.” Orange County’s Citizen Planner Academy increases public understanding about urban planning. We encourage government planners to use various tools in outreach to residents – and make sure you don’t overlook traditional outreach methods. For more information, please visit the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Office website at www.ocfl.net/neighborhoods. Daniel Kilponen, AICP, is the Chief Planner for the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Office. He can be reached at Daniel.Kilponen@ocfl.net.
Historic Fourth Ward Park, Atlanta, GA
Ideas Transform Communities The greatest accomplishments start with the smallest details.
First Coast Flyer, Jacksonville, FL
10 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
City of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Leadership Academy By: Marsha Noel, ICMA Fellow
The mission of the City of Fort Lauderdale is “We Build Community,” where residents are considered neighbors and employees are considered community builders.
The city is dedicated to fostering relationships with the community through engagement and opportunities to participate in various initiatives. The Office of Neighbor Support is a Division within the city manager’s office that focuses on building and maintaining relationships with more than 80 neighborhoods throughout the city. In 2015, The Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations (CFLCA) shared strong interest about having the city institute a program that could empower neighborhoods and become a pipeline for emerging community leaders. Thereafter, in 2017, the Office of Neighbor Support launched its very first Neighbor Leadership Academy (NLA). NLA is designed to educate neighbors about various city functions and equips them with leadership skills to become effective neighborhood leaders. The academy is a five-week program that is held twice a year and so far, 57 neighbors have graduated the program since the last three sessions. Now, with a fourth session on the way, 77 neighbors are expected to make the total number of the NLA alumni by the end of 2018. In addition, the academy holds workshops that cover an array of topics, such as, city structure, leadership assessment, navigating the city’s budget, effective teams, community engagement and so much more. Thankfully, each workshop is taught by volunteer speakers from both inside and outside the organization. Speakers bring their creative style, knowledge and enthusiasm to make for a fun, learning atmosphere.
Also, one of the most beneficial aspects of this program is the community projects initiated by each NLA class, including the Meet Your Neighbors Block Party (Class 1) and a Landscaping and Arts project (Class 2). Both events drew neighbors out of their homes to interact with each other and city staff while also leaving a lasting impact in their communities. Class 3 recently held their community project in June called, “Food for Thought a la Fort Lauderdale,” which featured a community dinner. More than 80 neighbors from various neighborhoods joined together with City Community Builders to “build community one bite at a time though conversations that matter.” Transportation was the topic for the evening and Community Builders and neighbors engaged in discussions focused on transportation-oriented solutions to improve mobility for neighbors in the city. Class 3 planned the entire event, secured sponsors, and coordinated an engaging program. NLA participants demonstrate the success of the program in not only applying the knowledge they receive to their community projects, but they also become active members of the community. For instance, some have become neighborhood association presidents, joined a city advisory board and participated in city events or programs. The academy has certainly made a name for itself, even earning national recognition by receiving second place for the Neighborhoods USA, Best Neighborhood Program Award in May 2018. Marsha Noel is the ICMA Fellow for the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Office of Neighbor Support. She can be reached at mnoel@fortlauderdale.gov.
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 11
M
any people think of mentoring as something that is primarily intended for students or planners entering the first phases of their career. For this reason, formal mentorship programs often exclusively target new professionals. However, mentoring during the middle of one’s career is equally important and a critical component of moving into planning leadership. At the mid-career level, these advisors can often be the difference between plateauing or making the transitioning to planning leadership. The APA Florida Sun Coast Section launched its Coaching for the Advancement of Mid-Level Planners (CAMPs) Program in 2017 which matches mid-level professionals (those with approximately 5 years of experience) with senior planning leadership in the community. This program is open to a wide variety of career objectives including transitioning into management, enhancing leadership capabilities, and becoming a more effective and successful planner. Mentors and mentees are matched based on career goals, skill sets, and a simple questionnaire. The pairs meet throughout the year and the relationship provides motivation and accountability to help develop new skills, enhance professional networks and define “next steps” for achieving career goals. CAMPs, in its second year, is growing by leaps and bounds, almost doubling in participants. The Sun Coast Section is the largest section in the state of Florida. Therefore, we are fortunate
to have a large pool of mentors with diverse backgrounds to guide and coach mentees. Kickoffs each year start with a Planning Director Panel and networking event providing advice in a group setting and broadening mid-level planner career connections. Being a mentor provides a framework for mentees and an insight into the next level of their planning profession. Mentors share their planning experience providing concrete direction based on mentees’ career aspirations. They expand the mentees’ networking circle and help build necessary skill sets such as public speaking, confidence, and resume writing. Mentors inspire, motivate and believe in their mentees, building a foundation for a lasting relationship. Mentors help mentees aspire to become great planning leaders. continued on page 13
Coaching
for the advancement of mid-level Planners By Kathy Gademer, AICP
12 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
[COACHING] MID-LEVEL PLANNERS
continued from page 12
Mentees benefit from their coach’s guidance on career navigation, expanded networking circles, leadership skills, motivation and accountability paving a pathway way to exceptional planning leaders. Mentees can take the initiative to reach out to a coach either in a formal or informal setting, be a risk-taker by asking for advice, and be eager to listen and learn from their coach for a successful route to their next great planning adventure. Organizations investing in both coaches and mentees encourage the growth of the organization and help to reduce turnover. Solid support from an organization fosters leadership skills and encourages growth thus creating a more positive work environment, benefitting not only the organization, but the mentor and mentee, as well.
Whether a connection is established through a formal program or an informal relationship, having a mentor (or even better, a network of mentors) is critical to continuing to grow, develop, and enhance one’s planning career. So, build something great, become a mentor or mentee today! Kathy Gademer, AICP, CFM, is a Planning Manager for the Planning Department in Daytona Beach. She can be reached at kgademer@gmail.com.
Sun Coast Mentoring Programs – MAPS and CAMPs Help Guide Students and Mid-Level Professionals CAMPs information, application and checklists The Benefits of Mid-Career Mentoring blog post
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 13
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
Education Empowers Engagement By: Danielle Moran
In May 2017, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) launched Tampa Bay Next, a program to modernize Tampa Bay’s transportation infrastructure. The core of the program is a process of engagement Tampa, Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning and collaboration with the community in Tampa Organization, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Bay. In the early months of the Tampa Bay Authority, and Tampa Bay Area Regional Next program, FDOT held dozens of outreach Transit Authority to develop and deliver events, Community Working Groups, the sessions. roundtable discussions, and stakeholder Held in September, October, meetings. A strong take-away was that the and November 2017, participation in community wanted a better understanding the Citizens Transportation Academy of how the project development process included elected officials, neighborhood works. association representatives, business Ed McKinney, FDOT District Seven’s and civic leaders, and members of the Planning and Environmental Administrator, general public. Attendance at each session explains: “As we’ve engaged the public, one varied, but approximately 100 people consistent message has been repeated – participated in the live sessions people want to better understand online, while a few people chose to : ed ud cl the processes of planning, funding attend in person at FDOT’s District in s Session es ol R on ti and implementing transportation Seven Headquarters. The webinars Transporta • Regional projects so they can have a say in the are posted online and there are links s ie it and Responsibil decisions that affect them. We believe on that page to additional resources rocess litan Planning P po ro et M that education empowers people to about transportation planning and • on ti ta or sp an Tr be more engaged in transportation funding. tion to • Introduc t en m issues, so we created the Citizens The Citizens Transportation op el Project Dev Transportation Academy, a webinar Academy laid a strong foundation ansit tion to Transit: Tr • Introduc series to help citizens learn more about for further engagement on the k d How They Wor an es od M the transportation development process. Tampa Bay Next program. Rather Are Funded s ct je ro P t si We felt it was an efficient way to provide than using siloed approach to an • How Tr s ie eg at tr S useful information that helps people be the conversation, FDOT has n Management • Congestio more involved in transportation projects in invited agency partners to their communities.” participate in the program’s The Citizens Transportation Academy, public involvement activities, which provides direct access a six-session online series, was free and open to the public. For to various transportation agencies and helps the public better members of the public who did not have access to a computer understand the roles and responsibilities of each agency. By or who preferred to participate in person, FDOT provided providing this opportunity to learn more about how the process the opportunity to attend the sessions at its District Seven works, FDOT has made it easier for the public and stakeholders Headquarters on McKinley Drive near the University of South to engage with the right agencies at the right time to positively Florida campus. FDOT collaborated with agency partners including influence transportation decisions in Tampa Bay. Danielle Moran is the Tampa Bay Next Program’s Public Involvement the Federal Highway Administration, Forward Pinellas, City of Director for FDOT. She can be reached at danielle.moran@dot.state.fl.us.
14 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
“I think it’s any young planner’s dream to be mentored by a successful leader already established in the planning industry.” - Jorge Puente
UPDATING
By: Carmen Monroy and Jorge Puente
mentoring for today’s workplace CARMEN: When APA Florida asked if I would mentor a junior planner, my immediate reaction was yes, absolutely. The planner in me wants to share my experience and knowledge, help someone prepare for the future and make the most of their career opportunities. The business side of me knows that mentoring is a great investment of my time and resources. JORGE: I think it’s any young planner’s dream to be mentored by a successful leader already established in the planning industry. The principal goal of the student is to acquire as much industry knowledge as possible and establish a solid network of both students and professionals to maximize opportunities after graduation.
MEET US. My name is Carmen Monroy and I am the Director of Policy Planning with the Florida Department of Transportation. Jorge Puente is a second-year student at FSU’s Planning School. We connected through APA Florida’s formal mentoring program within the Capital Area Section. As planners, we predictably approached our mentoring with a methodical ordered plan which included scheduling regular meetings, setting expectations on both sides and talking through what we wanted as successful outcomes. We set one rule for every meeting – each of us would come with an “ask.” Each meeting we catch up briefly and then get right to work on the “ask” part. Jorge has asked me to review his resume and letters of interest. When he was applying for an internship, we worked through a mock interview, complete with surprise questions. I’ve asked Jorge to listen to a presentation, attend a Women in Transportation meeting with me and talked through generational perceptions. Additionally, through Jorge’s internship experiences, he sees the complex relationships that exist in the Florida planning world and has seen me (Carmen) interact with stakeholders in multiple ongoing projects and efforts.
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[WORKPLACE] MENTORING
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Today’s business climate is changing traditional mentoring. Once seen as a senior-junior relationship of knowledge transfer workplace diversity, rapidly changing technology, automation, and lessons learned has made mentoring much more dynamic. The mentoring relationships now last longer, are more collaborative and move through career progression. Mentoring has become more than just a one-on-one conversation. Mentoring today works to connect resources, develop peer
networks and boost networking opportunities. In the planning field, where the profession touches so many fields of practice, the business reasons for creating opportunities for mentoring are limitless and as mentoring has changed, leaders like APA Florida are taking mentoring to a new level. Be a mentor! Carmen Monroy is the Director of the Office of Policy Planning for FDOT. She can be reached at carmen.monroy@dot.state.fl.us. Jorge Puente is a planning student at FSU. He can be reached at jjp12@my.fsu.edu.
URBAN KNIGHTS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM CREATED TO HELP STUDENTS BECOME PROFESSIONALS By James Hartsfield
T
he Urban Knights Planning Association was created to help expand urban and regional planning students’ professional opportunities at the University of Central Florida. Shortly after its inception, the Urban Knights began bringing regional planning practitioners into UCF classrooms in the form of technical skill workshops, which are designed to expose students to practical career skills and to help illustrate the practical application of topics covered in the classroom. The workshops also are prime networking opportunities students can use to talk with working professionals who provide valuable insight into the day-to-day work life of an urban planner. Since 2014, the Knights have averaged six to eight technical workshops per year covering a wide variety of topics. Most workshops have been dedicated to specialized planning activities such as wetland mitigation, site plan review, LEED focused urban design, Sketch Up, and annexations; whereas others have focused on valuable intrapersonal skills for planners with public engagement and negotiating tactics workshops. Speakers have also covered localized planning applications in workshops with such topics as the International Drive Strategic Plan, neighborhood
16 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
planning for Pine Hills, and affordable housing opportunities in the Orlando Area. Additionally, there are career readiness workshops covering AICP ethics, resume building exercises, and a moderated discussion about public/private career paths help students to better prepare for life after graduation. The Urban Knights Technical Skills Workshop Series is a studentled initiative that chooses speakers and topics based on the self-reported needs of UCF’s planning students. The program has been fortunate in receiving significant buy-in from local planning professionals who have sacrificed personal time to speak to interested students. The speakers for the workshops are drawn from the greater Central Florida area, representing both public and private sector planning, and help to build the professional networks of UCF’s graduate and undergraduate planning students while teaching valuable skills and lessons learned outside of the classroom. James Hartsfield is a Planner I with Osceola County. He can be reached at urbanknights3@gmail.com
G N I D L I BU
FUTURE PLANNERS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA By Leny Huaman, MPA
The APA Ambassador Program is a volunteer program conducted by members of the American Planning Association with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the power and value that the planning profession brings to communities. This year I became an APA Ambassador and, to date, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences as a planner. Recently I worked with two small communities in Central Florida, Polk City and Frostproof, For both activities, I used APA Florida Chapter Kindergarten to Second Grade Guidebook and materials that meet Common Core Standards and facilitators guide. These teaching guides are not only user friendly, but they also provide detailed and well-designed instructions that any planner can use to teach students. I created an agenda and prepared my class based on the guidebook before presenting it to the students. The students of Polk City Elementary School might live in a small city in Florida, but they know how to dream big. On March 5, 2018 I visited the school and taught 43 Kindergarten and Second Grade students the basics of creating plans for their city. The City, with a population of 1,793, is currently seeking to improve its local economy and identify key community assets through a program funded by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and working with
Leny explaining how to create maps to a group of Kindergarten students in Polk City
At the end of the activity, the best map was selected.
Second graders of Polk City Elementary were also very excited when they were awarded by Polk City Public Works Director, Keith Prestage. All images by Leny Huaman
these students was an opportunity to learn how they see their city and hear their vision for the future. During the activity, the students recognized assets located within the city limits such as parks, public facilities, elementary school, and, most importantly, an important hydrological area, known area the Green Swamp. Although the activity was scheduled to last only 45 minutes, students enjoyed creating maps and talking about their City so much they didn’t want me to leave. At the beginning of the activity, children were divided into groups of 4 or 5. I explained basic cardinal directions, how and why roads are built and asked what their favorite parks are. As newly appointed “Map Makers”, their first task was to color all the facilities and buildings that are in the City, then they organized based on their location, and finally, they created the roads that connected all buildings. On July 10, 2018, an APA Ambassador activity was designed for the Frostproof Care Center’s Summer Camp students. In partnership with another APA Ambassador, we used the 3rd grade through 5th grade teaching guide and we adapted it to the Frostproof students. The 3rd through 5th grade teaching guides cover complex topics continued on page 18
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[BUILDING] FUTURE PLANNERS
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like neighborhood and land uses, however, based on the rural nature of the community and time constraints, we decided to adapt the materials. For this group of students, we wanted them to become familiar with using maps and we focused on explaining the different land uses. In both communities, the students enjoyed working in groups, and they all had lots of opinions and took pride in their city. Polk City Elementary students and Frostproof students not only became map makers, they also became future planners. As an Ambassador, I was excited to work with children and to show them how exciting my career is. Although both activities required several hours of preparation, having the opportunity to see the pride the kids have in their city and their excitement as they created their maps was well worth it. Leny Huaman, MPA, is a planner with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council that provides support to citizens and local governments in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and Polk Counties. She can be reached at lhuaman@cfrpc.org.
At the Summer Camp of Frostproof Care Center.
Students voting why plan for your community at the beginning of the APA Ambassador activity in Frostproof, Fla.
YOU TOO CAN USE OUR K – 12 GRADE TEACHING GUIDES Download maps, posters, facilitator guides, presentations and more here.
GATORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
In April, Gainesville city planners, University of Florida building construction students, church groups and other nonprofits partner with Habitat for Humanity to accomplish a first for our community: construct multiple houses side-by-side simultaneously.
Ultimately this became a great networking opportunity for Habitat as they were able to connect directly with some of the planners from the City of Gainesville and get direct guidance on how to streamline permitting in the future.
The APA Florida San Felasco Section hosted a booth at the Gainesville Fall Arts Festival. Each year we pair a project with a table top game that gets kids involved. This past November we had professors from the Urban and Regional Planning program at UF presenting their work on Neighborhood Storytelling.
We also had a table top game where you could build your own neighborhood. Highest scores went to the neighborhoods that had the fewest car trips, encouraged walking, and had a mix of uses. Some of the designs the kids came up with were stunning!
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FSU’S BOX CITY PUTS GRAD STUDENTS IN CLASSROOMS By Carolyn Back
Box City is a program that connects graduate Urban and Regional Planning students with elementary school students to introduce basic principles of community growth and development through a series of fun, interactive activities.
Carolyn Back is a Graduate Research Assistant at FSU DURP. She can be reached at ceb13g@my.fsu.edu.
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This past year, the Mayor of Havana, Florida visited elementary school students along with Box City to show the children that anything is possible. Box City is a great opportunity for DURP students to become positive role models and teach the youth the importance of civic engagement. Additionally, for graduate students, Box City provides an opportunity to improve and/or begin to develop facilitation, collaboration, teaching, and outreach skill sets. It is an chance to share knowledge learned during their time in the department, and inspire the growing minds of future city leaders and planners. DURP students met several times over the course of the year to prepare for the Box City events. Last year, they also organized a cultural competency conversation and collaborated with students in the College of Social Work to look for ways to improve and expand the program in the future. FSU Box City is a unique program that is hosted annually by Synoptikos, DURP’s graduate student organization. It is also a qualifying event for the American Planning Association’s Ambassadors Program, of which several DURP students (via Box City) are members.
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2018-2020 APA Florida Executive Committee
Congratulations to the incoming members of the
Executive Committee (full list), who join the 12 section 2018-20 ELECTION RESULTS PRESIDENT ELECT Wiatt Bowers, AICP
chairs, President Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA, and Andre Anderson, AICP, Immediate Past President, to serve the 3,000 members of APA Florida.
SECRETARY Lara Bouck, AICP, PE
Also appointed to the committee are University Liaison Christopher Hawkins and Student Representative Tyler Woolsey.
TREASURER Kathryn Gademer, AICP
MEET YOUR STATEWIDE OFFICERS
VICE PRESIDENTS Professional Development
Allison Megrath, AICP Conference Services
Thuy Turner, AICP, LEED AP BD+C Certification Maintenance
Jill Quigley, AICP
Laura Everitt, AICP President
Communications
Michelle Henrich, AICP
Wiatt Bowers, AICP Andre Anderson, AICP Immediate Past President-Elect President
Section Affairs
Doug Kelly, AICP Membership Services
Yexsy Schomberg Lara Bouck, AICP, PE Secretary
Allison Megrath, AICP Thuy Turner, AICP, Professional LEED AP BD+C Development Conference Services
20 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
Jill Quigley, AICP Certification Maintenance
Michelle Henrich, AICP Communications
Kathryn Gademer, AICP Treasurer
Doug Kelly, AICP Section Affairs
Yexsy Schomberg Membership Services
2018 APA FLORIDA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE Thank you to everyone who made the 2018 conference a success! See you next year in Sandestin!
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 21
Congratulations to the
2018 LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS! LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Michael Busha, AICP Michael Busha’s 37-year career with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and his last 24 years as its Executive Director, in conjunction with his involvement in other related professional organizations, exemplify the sustained contributions to the planning profession at the local, regional, state, and national levels that this award is intended to recognize. Michael has personally and professionally transformed the planning culture in Southeast Florida during his tenure at Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. He was not content with just managing the systems and habits that led to so much crippling suburban sprawl in the Sunshine State. He saw the need for change. He has tirelessly advocated for compact, complete, connected communities that are built upon the framework of walkable, mixed use neighborhoods and coherent corridors. He grasps the importance of both the big picture and the small details, and has used his role to educate and assist the citizenry, local government leaders, developers and institutions. And in all of this, Michael recognized developers, architects, planners and engineers as important partners in achieving a greater good for the community and region. His impact and influence on the built environment extend beyond the regional council’s geographic boundaries. The council’s local and regional technical assistance, visioning and urban design initiatives have changed the way communities all across Florida think about urban, suburban and rural planning. Through various speaker series and his own personal contacts, Michael has brought renowned experts to South Florida to provide guidance on how to strategically tackle burning local and regional issues such as transportation, land use, sea level rise, economic development and farmland preservation. Michael has also spoken from coast to coast on the importance of thinking regionally on topics related to downtown redevelopment, disaster preparedness, coastal resiliency, transportation, water, economic development and job creation. He is truly leading by example.
2018 OUTSTANDING LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIAL Joni Brinkman, AICP Joni Brinkman, AICP, has been serving in a public official capacity in the Village of Palm Springs since 1994, when she was a member of the local Land Development Board. In 1999, she was appointed to the Village Council. She currently serves a council member and Mayor Pro Tempore. Beyond her work on the Village Council, Joni has committed herself to numerous public service roles through the years. She serves as the village’s representative to the Palm Beach County League of Cities. As a member of the League of Cities, she was appointed by the league and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council in 2000 and 2012. She also currently serves as the Village of Palm Springs representative on the Palm Beach County Transportation Agency Governing Board, which plans and funds transportation projects and programs in Palm Beach County. Joni is also a practicing planner and has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2000. Her appointments to other boards and councils are largely due to her extensive knowledge of planning and development in South Florida. This has enabled her to educate other members on these boards and the public to help further sound planning decisions and sustainable communities. DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHAPTER Tony LaColla, AICP Tony LaColla, AICP, has been active in the chapter for more than a decade, working on two statewide conferences, serving as Sun Coast Section Chair, serving two terms as the chapter’s vice-president of section affairs and now finishing his current term as the chapter’s treasurer. But over the past year, in addition to his duties as treasurer, Tony volunteered to lead and spearhead an intense and time-consuming initiative to create model curriculum to educate young students about planning and what planners do. The result of Tony’s leadership is a series of teaching guides to help kindergarten through high school students understand more about how communities are planned. Using Common Core Standards, the guides provide materials that will help you to be an effective facilitator in the typical K-12 continued on page 23
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school classroom. Each guide provides tools for reaching out to educators, helping you prepare materials, provide an agenda, and give you a step-by-step curriculum to follow. You, as the facilitator, can use the guide however you wish by using the entire program or even just elements of it. These guides are posted on the florida.planning.org website and have already been used with great success by several members. The APA national staff has recognized these guides as a model for other chapters to emulate. Tony recently accepted a position as the Land Use Division Chief with the City of Alexandria, Va. OUTSTANDING MEDIA LEADERSHIP AWARD Richard Danielson of the Tampa Bay Times As a staff writer for the Tampa Bay Times, Richard Danielson has enhanced local public awareness and brought national attention to planning in Tampa Bay. His work brings exposure to ideas long advocated by planners, and helps to make topics such as public investment, central city redevelopment, walkable neighborhoods and economic revitalization accessible to citizens, community groups, and elected officials. Richard writes about topics such as parking requirements and the impact on affordable housing, adaptive reuse of historic spaces, and partnerships between businesses, community groups and local government. Planners are familiar with these subjects, as well as a shared language of acronyms, formulas and jargon, but storytellers like Richard are needed to help translate and communicate these innovations in the planning profession to others. His stories showcasing innovative planning concepts are produced in print and online, and shared via social media, reaching thousands of readers. Richard also covers local APA Florida programming. In order to communicate the value of the planning profession and our APA Florida and beyond, planners need journalists like Richard. Communicating an innovative planning idea to a group of planners is a great first step, but by having Richard present and covering events, APA ideas are also shared with a planner’s greatest stakeholder – the residents they serve.
STUDENT PLANNERS OF THE YEAR Connor Bailey, Florida Atlantic University Connor entered the master’s program after being the first student to graduate from FAU’s Bachelor of Urban Design program with honors. Connor has excelled in the master’s program as evidenced by his high grade point average. He personally set a goal for himself to acquire advanced GIS analytical skills by taking several graduate-level GIS courses both in the MURP program as well as in the Department of Geosciences. In addition to his impressive coursework, Connor worked as a graduate research assistant, helping Dr. Diana Mitsova with several research projects. These projects included the living shoreline suitability analysis funded by The Nature Conservancy and a project with the School of Architecture funded by the Florida Sea Grant and focusing on sea level rise adaptation. The mapping product resulting from this work will be available on the coastalresilience.org website. Connor served in an important leadership role in the student planning organization during the 2017-18 academic year, when he was vice president. Connor also obtained an internship with WGI which has subsequently turned into a fulltime position with the company. As stated in his nomination letter, “Conner is one of our very best planning students and has demonstrated a great work ethic as a graduate research assistant, intern, and now permanent employee. We are confident that he will have great success as a professional planner.” Bridget Callea, Florida State University Bridget has demonstrated outstanding achievement in her academic performance by virtue of her stellar grade point average in her coursework for which she received the department’s Edward McClure Award, in recognition of her academic performance. She often assumed leadership roles in class group projects and developed visually engaging planning documents for the communities in Providence, South City and Frenchtown. She also served as a research assistant, conducting literature reviews, performing quantitative analysis, and transcribing and coding the results of qualitative research. continued on page 24
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Bridget balanced her classroom responsibilities with a successful internship at WGI Consultants and she will be formally hired as a Planner at WGI upon graduation. Bridget was also actively involved in the student planning organization. She was very successful in organizing, communicating and implementing their community outreach and department social events this year. She also redesigned their website. Additionally, Bridget was very engaged in community service, including volunteering at community events, supporting outreach activities through the Better Block initiative in the Frenchtown neighborhood, and teaching elementary school students about planning as part of the Box City program. As stated in her nomination letter, “She has been an excellent student, is a respected and engaged young professional, and is well positioned to have a highly successful career as a professional planner.“ Allison Regan, University of Florida Allison has demonstrated a sincere enthusiasm for the planning profession through her involvement within the university as a teaching assistant and an executive member in the student organization Students for New Urbanism. Her participation also extends beyond the university through her multiple internships in the field of planning and through her involvement on two of Gainesville’s citizen advisory boards. While going to school full time, Allison worked as a planning intern for the City of Hawthorne where she functionally served as the city’s principal planner. Allison went beyond the traditional role of an intern, engaging with the city’s numerous legislative plans and land development code, conducting GIS analysis, meeting with prominent community leaders and concerned citizens, facilitating board meetings and conducting diligent reviews of submitted development plans. Most notably, Allison worked on the controversial, ±1,400-acre Plum Creek/Weyerhaeuser development, where she reviewed a large-scale Comprehensive Plan amendment and Planned Unit Development Rezoning application. Allison has also had an active role in the community as a member of Gainesville’s Development Review and Historic Preservation citizen advisory boards. As stated in her letter of recommendation for this award, “Allison is a talented, dedicated and passionate student of the planning profession. She is a phenomenal student, coworker, and introductory planner. Her ability to think critically, work efficiently, and master all materials has been demonstrated unflinchingly.” 24 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR Sen. Bobby Powell, AICP Sen. Bobby Powell, AICP, has served in the Florida Legislature since 2102 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He currently serves as the senator from District 30 and is the Palm Beach County Delegation Chair. Sen. Powell is also a practicing planner and is the first AICP planner ever to be elected to the state legislature. Bobby’s legislative and planning efforts are representative of His overall dedication to the planning profession. He has served on several committees, including the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development; Agriculture; Health Policy; and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. In all his committee work, Sen. Powell has shared his knowledge and expertise, promoting sound planning policies and principles. His planning background has provided a foundation upon which to build his legislative work. His early planning work experience includes Neighborhood Planning at the Tallahassee/Leon County Planning Department where he worked on revitalization plans. He managed and tracked the distribution of Emergency Home Repair Funding and State Housing Initiatives Partnership Funding. He also worked for the Department of Community Affairs reviewing comp plans and EARS in western Florida. Working now as a planner in the private sector, he continues to bring his experience to bear in his role as a legislator. The senator is also supportive in advancing the planning profession in his local area, and actively tries to help his fellow planners understand what is happening in the legislative area. He is always willing to take time away from his busy professional and legislative responsibilities to speak about current legislative issues, new legislation, pending bills, and the impacts to the community that he himself is a part of.
Congratulations to the
2018 PROJECT AWARDS RECIPIENTS! AWARDS OF MERIT
Eddie Browder
Garett Rowe, Kimberly Brown, AICP
Claudia Ray, Patrick Panza, AICP, Vanessa Pinkney, Peter Sechler, AICP
Paw Park Village Category: Planning Project Paw Park Village was designated by the City of Sanford in 2013 as the centerpiece of the four-phase Downtown West Conceptual Plan. In 2014, the Department of Economic Opportunity awarded Sanford a Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant for the Master Plan design of Paw Park Village. The Paw Park Master Plan was largely implemented and unveiled in 2017. Citizen involvement in creation of public art for Paw Park Village was a major component of the project. The project’s success has laid the groundwork for the next phase of the Downtown West plan, the vision for the “Downtown West Trail and Pedestrian Overpass,” which will encourage economic development in this area between the historic African American community of Goldsboro and Downtown Sanford. Ludlam Trail Corridor District Category: Comprehensive Plan (Large) The Ludlam Trail Corridor District (LTCD) amendment to the Miami-Dade County Comprehensive Development Master Plan established the framework for the conversion of a privately-owned inactive railroad corridor connecting key areas of the County into a continuous bicycle/pedestrian trail linking vibrant open spaces. The application, filed by County planning staff, reflected the result of an extensive public engagement process that bridged the interests of the private property owners, neighboring residents and trail advocates. The Ludlam Trail is expected to enhance overall accessibility to schools, parks, and transit for as many as 30,550 people living within two miles of the corridor.
OBTNext Category: Neighborhood Planning The OBTNext Project is the first-ever comprehensive master and implementation plan prepared for an 8.3-mile segment of the Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) in Orange County, FL. Funded by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunities (DEO), the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board (OBTDB) initiated a planning effort to address issues impacting the OBT corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods’ viability through a series of plans and studies: 1) The OBT CRA Plan Update; 2) OBT Safe Neighborhood Plan Update; and 3) Master Implementation Plan. All three plans are complementary, but only the Master Plan illustrates the overall vision and framework for the entire corridor while addressing existing issues that impact the corridor’s viability.
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AWARDS OF MERIT
Greg Matovina, Billy Howell, Kailey Saver, MURP, Taco Pope, AICP, Kathy Williford, Pat Edwards
Dana Little, Pat Steed
Erica Wennlund, Christie Barreiro, AICP, Mary Helen Duke, AICP, Ernie Monaco, MCP, MBA, Angela Viviana Martinez, Joaquin Servia, Amy Hyler
William Burgess Overlay District Category: Best Practices The William Burgess Overlay District (WBD) and associated Vision Book represent a philosophical shift in landuse planning in Nassau County away from the auto-dependent development pattern that has dominated growth and towards a sustainable, compact, mixed-use and multi-modal development pattern. The intent of the WBD is to utilize the built environment to promote strong social ties and the cultivation of community, highlight Nassau’s railroad history to facilitate an authentic sense of place experience, and take advantage of multi-modal transportation opportunities in a growing part of Yulee. South Florida Avenue (SR 37) Complete Street Master Plan Category: Best Practices The Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 (FDOT), with Central Florida Regional Planning Council, supported by Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council staff, and City of Lakeland, studied and evaluated implementation strategies to improve mobility, quality of life, and economic vitality along the South Florida Avenue (SR 37) corridor (Ariana Street and Pine Street) in Lakeland, Florida. A significant public involvement process including a “Complete Streets” public design charrette was conducted, along with an economic development analysis and detailed traffic study on South Florida Avenue to assist FDOT with goals of promoting safety, quality of life, and economic development. Connected City Plan & Land Development Code Category: Best Practices Pasco County’s Connected City is America’s first Gigabit community built from the ground up that will have roads ready for driverless vehicles, multi-modal transportation options, flexible zoning attracting high tech companies, an incremental approval process that significantly reduces construction costs, new school and startup funds, builder credits for incorporating gigabit technologies and solar power, and the first community in America with a Crystal Lagoon. The public private partnership created the necessary enabling documents (Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, Stewardship Ordinance, Financial Plan, Master Roadway Plan and Conceptual Utilities Plan), demonstrating a successful model of how counties and private sector can work together to create new plans, codes, and review processes, and how counties can offer mobility fee credits rather than cash investments to motivate the private sector to install gigabit fiber and other high tech improvements in future communities.
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AWARDS OF MERIT City of Venice 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan Category: Comprehensive Plan (Small) The City of Venice’s 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan represents a significant shift in the status quo, and from the City’s previous plan which was more regulatory in nature. The new plan revised hundreds of items to improve readability and enhance predictability. To begin, the City took the approach of planning for neighborhood contexts through the identification of 7 distinct neighborhoods based on geography and other unique characteristics. Also, to reflect the City’s desire to see tangible results, the plan was Jeff Shrum, AICP, Kelley Klepper, AICP structured utilizing “Vision, Intent, and Strategies” in lieu of the “Goal, Objectives, and Policies” structure typical of comprehensive plans. Smokey Hollow Barbershop Category: Grassroots Initiatives The Smokey Hollow Barbershop is the only commercial structure remaining from an established African-American neighborhood in Tallahassee dismantled by midcentury urban renewal. Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency partnered with former residents to include the building’s restoration in one of its projects and return the displaced Barbershop to Smokey Hollow. From the support of the community, to the active participation of former Megan Doherty, AICP, Amanda Sapala residents, to the creative inclusion of vocational students at our local technical school, the Barbershop is an example of how the community leveraged the planning process to preserve a piece of history.
Ronnie Shelly Jr., Dennis Smith, AICP, Jeremy Crute
MPO Policy and Planning Guidance for Transit Applications of Automated Vehicles Category: Student Project Utilizing an innovative and collaborative process, a team of faculty and students from Florida State University developed a policy guidance document that provides practice-ready recommendations and policy language that MPOs can incorporate into their long-range transportation plans today to address the state’s mandate to incorporate AV technology into LRTPs and to capitalize on the exciting opportunities that AV technology provides.
SAVE THE DATE 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEPT. 10-13 • SANDESTIN
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REBUILDING AFTER HURRICANE MICHAEL By: Kristen Shell, AICP munities or places. The city has a diverse population with a historical Beyond any doubt Hurricane Michael was one of the worst storms African-American community that was contemplating place-making in Florida history. The storm was devastating in terms of wind speeds based on cultural heritage. These places where and are special. Reand storm surge. While still early, the University of West Florida has building will be long and arduous. Displacement is a real concern. estimated the economic impact of Hurricane Michael at $1.5 billion just In general, planners I have spoken within the region feel that the dibased on timber industry losses in 11 counties and insured storm surge saster response and organization on the front losses in Bay and Gulf Counties. end was good. The loss of life could have More than 1,300 people are currently If you want to help, please consider been much greater, and recovery of critical living in FEMA housing in Bay County a donation to the APA Foundation infrastructure has been remarkably fast for alone and the death toll due to this storm in the Panhandle or consider the most part. is 35 in Florida and 45 total. As many are purchasing a Shore Up t-shirt, Some of our Emerald Coast Section memaware, the Panhandle is home to several these shirts are a co-effort of the bers did sustain property damage and lives large military installations including Naval Walton County TDC and are made have in general been turned upside down with Air Station Pensacola, Hurlburt Field, Eglin from 100% recycled materials schools out or changing, jobs also changing. As Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base. with 100% of the profits going to a community of planners we are just beginning These military operations make up a large hurricane victims. These shirts have to formulate how we can work together. portion of our economy. been hugely successful and are one I am sure there will be political debates Tyndall, located on the eastern side of county’s way of helping its neighbor. about how and where to rebuild. Panama Panama City was devastated and the rebuilding City had a strong citizen based new urbanist of Tyndall is critical to that area’s economy, esmovement underway before the storm. The pecially to the cities of Lynn Haven and Parker. Panhandle has lower new construction wind load standards than While the national news has focused on Mexico Beach, which other areas of the state that I am sure will be debated. sustained the worst damage, other areas where also affected heav In addition, resilience will no doubt move to the forefront of our ily. Many people do not think about the City of Panama City when conversations more so than it previously was. Right now, though, the they hear “Panama City”; instead what comes to mind is the City of focus is still on helping those displaced and getting critical services, Panama City Beach which is a major tourism destination. such as schools, operational. The City of Panama City, which was hit very hard by the storm, is a historical Florida downtown complimented by series of unique com Kristen Shell works for Walton County. She can be reached at SheKristen@co.walton.fl.us.
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TRAVEL WITH A PLANNER’S EYE We asked our members to send us pictures from recent travels and tell us if they noticed something unique about the city/town/village from a planner’s perspective.
Cynthia Spidell
FRA Intl Airport: German Architecture.
Ancient Crosswalk in Pompeii. Traffic Calming and pedestrian crossings are apparently not a new concept!
Commuting in Rome: Bus riding is very popular in Rome. One could hardly get the door closed.
Street Trolley in Frankfurt: Many modes of transportation share the road.
Urban Drainage in Sorrento: It is easy to make urban drainage functional but yet part of the beautiful surroundings.
Redeveloping Frankfurt. The old Henninger Turm (Beer tower and former home of Henninger beer) was refurbished into an apartment building. Multiuse path with marker. The urban forest offers 5k and 10k routes with easy signage.
EUROPE
See through bicycle storage. It’s easy to keep your bikes in this see through storage. It’s safe and looks very modern.
continued on page 27
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 29
[TRAVEL] PLANNER’S EYE
Josh Long
continued from page 26
The Gre at S at the Th moky Mountain e Island Wheel in Pigeo They did n Forge. have a g interacti reat cen ve e tr plaza wit ntertainment fo al untain/ h a very efficient public tram sy stem
owski Alice Bojaneakch bench-
hB Lake Wort some way. YES, lk a w r te n la p g even at eep workin planners k the beach!
TENNESSE E
FLORIDA Luis NievesRuiz, AICP
Visit to the Red Rocks Park
can be Most of the downtown area se are The ils. tra the g usin reached ver’s Den e rov imp t tha ets ass at gre . life of quality
s The South Platte Rivers run ver Den of through the middle creating great recreational ntown opportunities within the dow ivity. act l area and inspiring physica
Giant Sculptures near the Denver Convention Center (bear) Sculpture near the State Capitol Area.
COLORADO 30 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
Presenting the results of the final project at the Urban Land Institute’s Health Leaders Closing Forum
Denver Museum of Art
Denver’s River North Arts District (RINO) is an old industrial neighborhood e going through a renaissanc ce pla and s art the sparked by making projects.
Denver Performing Arts Center (people)
Member Spotlight Q&A:
Jason Green
Where are you originally from? I lived in a couple of small towns in Central and Upstate NY, but Adams Center is where my family lived throughout middle and high school. What college/university did you attend? UNC Charlotte for undergraduate and Florida Gulf Coast University for my Masters. What is your current position? I work for Weiler Engineering Corp., which I call the biggest little firm in Florida. My position title is Planning Manager, but I serve in a number of roles, including project manager and business development. What is your current and any past positions in APA FL and/or APA National? I am the current Chair of the Promised Lands Section. I was the Treasurer for our section for four years. I’ve previously served on the Membership, Marketing, and Outreach committee for APA Florida. What you would be doing now if you hadn’t chosen the planning profession? This is something I’ve often wondered. I grew up in a family of planners, architects, and developers, so it is pretty much all I know. Perhaps a teacher. Are you a member in other planning or non-planning boards, committees or organizations? I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to serve on some great local boards. Currently they include the Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte County, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA) Coastal Committee, and Centennial Bank Citizen Advisory Board. Would you like to share anything about your family? As I mentioned, my family has several generations of planning and development professionals. My father was a planner for New York State, my uncle taught planning in California, another uncle owned his own architecture firm for several decades, and my cousins are in development real estate. Thanksgiving dinner conversations are more interesting than you would think!
Ever had your 15 minutes of fame? It was a local 15 minutes of fame. I am a past Champion of the Dancing with the Charlotte Stars, which is an annual dancing competition that raises money for the Charlotte County Arts and Humanities Council. We raised a lot of money and I got to keep a small mirror ball like on the real show. Do you have any advice or career tips for new planning graduates? I would advise new graduates to look for diversity in their professional experience. Don’t be afraid to walk down the hall and ask for mentoring from those you work with in floodplain management, transportation, environmental, or any other field that you work with. It will serve you well in the future. What have you gained or learned by being a member of APA Florida and serving as a section leader? I’ve gained a new respect for the amount of time and energy that our members put into both their professional and volunteer life. Our Executive Committee members, from the President down to the section chairs, are doing amazing work that inspire me every day. Is there a particular state planning topic you’d like to comment on or feel fellow planners need to follow? Floodplain management is a topic I would encourage all planning professionals to get more involved with. New maps, new regulations, and substantial financial impacts because of insurance are going to reshape our communities, especially here in Florida. Do you have a planning or personal achievement to discuss? The Department of Economic Opportunity selected the DeSoto County Comprehensive Plan, which I helped navigate through a few years of challenges and uncertainty, as an example of how to integrate land use and economic development policies. It was also recognized by some environmental groups as an environmentally friendly plan. If you can successfully hit on land use, economic development, and environmental protection, then I think you’ve hit the sweet spot for any community. I’m proud of the work I’ve done throughout my career by helping find the right balance for each community I’ve worked with. Anything else you would like us to know about you? I like peanut butter cups.
What are your hobbies and interests? I am a sports enthusiast, both playing and watching. I grew up playing basketball, baseball, football, golf, and pretty much anything else that was competitive. Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 31
APA FLORIDA WORKING FOR YOU APA FLORIDA PARTICIPATES IN PLANNERS’ DAY ON CAPITOL HILL
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP ATTENDS APA’S FALL LEADERSHIP MEETING IN WASHINGTON, DC
APA Florida President Laura Everitt, AICP, LEED GA, Esq., and member Whit Blanton, FAICP, met with staff members of Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Kathy Castor to advocate and discuss funding for transit and affordable housing. The two emphasized the impacts of federal spending on these issues in Florida. Planners’ Day on Capitol Hill is an opportunity for planners to meet one-on-one with our elected officials and their staffs to advocate for better planning during APA’s 2018 Policy and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.
2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SECTION
Each section within the Florida Chapter has been provided with $800 to be used for scholarships to the 2019 Annual APA Florida Conference. Scholarship awardees from the various sections are provided with funds for conference registration (which includes full conference sessions, mobile tours and pre-conference workshops) and/or hotel costs. Eligible recipients must be existing, non-student APA members or APA Florida Members. Stay tuned with your section for details and announcements next year.
RECORD ATTENDANCE AT 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE West Palm Beach was the site for our chapter’s largest attendance at an annual conference to date. Nearly 900 members gathered from Sept. 11 – 14 to attend a variety of sessions, experience the area through mobile workshops, meet new and old friends at nightly receptions and hear from nationally recognized speakers. We thank the Treasure Coast Section for a fun and educational experience! Mark your calendars now for our 2019 Annual Conference in Sandestin on Sept. 10 – 13.
32 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
In late September, Chapter President Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA, and Immediate Past President Andre Anderson, AICP, represented APA Florida at the APA Fall Leadership Meetings. They attended a series of committee meetings and participated in the Chapters Presidents Council. Executive Director Alex Magee, also in attendance, spoke on a panel regarding chapter office options.
Outgoing President Andre Anderson addresses the Chapter Presidents Council.
OMS SECTION ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Orlando Metro Section has established an endowed scholarship that will enable a qualifying University of Central Florida student to receive a $1,000 annual scholarship in the University’s Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning Program. Scholarship distribution will begin in the summer of 2019. This scholarship is in honor of Judith Mucci, who was the Associate Director and former Head of Reference and Information Section for the Orlando Public Library. Judith was known to value planning education and kept a special public policy collection at the Orange County Library that reflected that commitment. Professionals who shared that vision, and users of this collection, launched this initiative in her honor to benefit planning students given the newly PAB accredited UCF program.
SAVE THE DATE
APA Florida Public Policy Workshop Tallahassee, FL - February 7, 2019
APA Florida
PLANNERS ON THE MOVE NIEVES-RUIZ GARNERS TWO HUGE HONORS The Wallace Center at Winrock International recently named Luis Nieves-Ruiz to its inaugural cohort of Regional Food Economies Fellows. This program seeks to create models for the successful engagement between regional food systems and other community stakeholders. Luis work will focus on developing an inventory of food production assets in East Central Florida’s eight-counties and creating materials to educate planners about the potential of regional food systems to drive community and economic development. In addition to this honor, Luis was also recently selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida as the 2018 Big Brother of the Year. At 11 years, he is part of the second longest match in the region. Luis currently serves as Economic Development Manager for the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Besides food systems planning, his other areas of expertise include economic impact analysis, health and the built environment, and industry cluster analysis.
PAYNE NAMED NEXT NFRPC CEO Elizabeth Payne, AICP, was named the next chief executive officer for the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council. “I am very much looking forward to the opportunity – to work to position the council to address the changing trends of the coming years in Florida,” Payne said in a news release. Payne, who has been with the council for 10 years, currently serves as its emergency preparedness programs director. She starts the position on March 1.
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 33
[CONSULTANTS] DIRECTORY Advertise in the Consultants Directory The Consultant Directory is a fitting place to showcase your firm. $250 buys space for a year in the newsletter (five issues) plus inclusion in our web-based consultant directory. Display ads to promote your business, conference, projects and more are available. Contact the Chapter office at 850-201-3272 for rates and details.
TRANSIT PLANNING T R A F F I C O P E R AT I O N S
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Contact Rosana Correa, PE, PTOE TAMPA PLANNING GROUP LEADER Statewide and State Wise
813.676.2041 rosana.correa@jacobs.com
S A F E T Y A N A LY S I S
BIKE/PED PLANNING & DESIGN CONSENSUS BUILDING
IMPLEMENTATION S T R AT E G I C V I S I O N I N G
Joshua I. Long, AICP Certified Planner | jlong@gunster.com | (800) 749-1980
34 Fall 2018 / Florida Planning
www.jacobs.com | 14 Florida Offices
CORRIDOR & INTERCHANGE STUDIES ENGINEERING & DESIGN
[CONSULTANTS] DIRECTORY Advertise in the Consultants Directory The Consultant Directory is a fitting place to showcase your firm. $250 buys space for a year in the newsletter (five issues) plus inclusion in our webbased consultant directory. Display ads to promote your business, conference, projects and more are available. Contact the Chapter office at 850-2013272 for rates and details. www.vhb.com Engineers | Scientists | Planners | Designers
Planning for healthy & sustainable communities Orlando | Tampa | Sarasota
White & Smith, LLC Planning and Law Group
E. Tyson Smith, Esq., AICP
Admitted in Florida and South Carolina
www.PlanningAndLaw.com
Development Codes Development Agreements Impact Fees Military Lands Planning & Zoning Transferable Development Rights
THANK YOU Thank you to the members of the APA Florida Editorial Committee for their help in producing this issue of Florida Planning: Kim Glas-Castro Emily Hanna Melissa Hege Michelle Heinrich Alex Magee Marilyn Mammano Patti Shea Patricia Tice Kenneth Weyrauch
Fall 2018 / Florida Planning 35
[FLORIDA] PLANNING
[THANK YOU] TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS
Published by the Florida Chapter, American Planning Association, the Florida Planning newsletter has a current circulation of 2,600 members, subscribers and other readers. Four issues are published a year.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS For APA members, Send to: Member Records Department American Planning Association 205 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1200 Chicago, IL 60601 Fax: 312-786-6700 or log onto www.planning.org/myapa
ARTICLES Florida Planning welcomes articles, announcements, letters, pictures and advertising. Call 850-201-3272 regarding articles. The next issue will be published February 2019.
DEADLINES
[UPCOMING] EVENTS NOV. 12-14: 6TH ANNUAL AARP LIVABLE COMMUNITIES NATIONAL CONFERENCE Charlotte, NC. Join hundreds of elected officials, planning professionals, local leaders and community advocates from throughout the nation to learn from livability experts, connect with peers who are driving community change; and visit innovative projects and programs in and around Charlotte. This conference is for anyone who’s committed to making their state, county, city, town or neighborhood a great place for people of all ages during all life’s stages. CM available. Information here. NOV. 14: 12TH ANNUAL ETHICS SEMINAR: USING POWER ETHICALLY Boca Raton. The Palm Beach County Planning Congress will once again host its annual ethics seminar. Keynote speaker is Ambassador Robert M. “Skipp” Orr, Ph.D., who will talk about the Global Perspectives on the Ethical Use of Power. Also offered is a series of panels and speakers. CM Ethics and Law available. Information here.
Article deadlines are generally four weeks prior to publication. Ad deadlines are generally two weeks prior to publication. Consult the editor for any exception to this schedule.
NOV. 16: PLANNING FOR WILDFIRE RESILIENCY Webinar. From 1980 through October 2018, there have been 16 wildfire events with losses exceeding $1 billion. At the same time, the total footprint of the wildland-urban interface is growing, as are the number of homes in that interface. This has implications for wildfire and emergency management, as a growing number of people are in harm’s way. This webinar will explore the role of planners and land use planning in building communities resilient to wildfires. 1.5 CM when viewed live. Free. Information here.
ABOUT THE CHAPTER
NOV. 16: ETHICS & LAW PANEL Pensacola. Join the APA Florida Emerald Coast Section for an informative session reviewing the most recent law cases, an overview of the Sunshine Law, and an intriguing conversation about ethics. Our panel consists of Terrell Arline of Arline Law, Thomas Hawkins from 1000 Friends of Florida, and Amy Myers from Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC. Lunch will be provided. Free. Information here.
APA Florida is a non-profit organization funded through membership dues and fees. Contributions are also welcomed for general purposes and earmarked programs. Please note that contributions are not tax deductible. For news and information on Chapter concerns, visit the APA Florida website at www.floridaplanning.org. APA Florida 2017 Delta Boulevard, Suite 201 Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: 850-201-3272 Fax: 850-807-2576
DEC. 12-13: FOCUS ON COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM Orlando. Registration is now open for 2018 Focus on Community, designed for those who engage with people and their communities in transportation planning and project development. This free symposium is being sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation Office of Policy Planning. Information here. FEB. 7: APA FLORIDA PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP Tallahassee. You are invited to the 17th Annual Public Policy Workshop. Panel topics include: 2018 midterm election overview, housing and the Missing Middle, and the long-term impacts for the communities devastated by Hurricane Michael. CMs will be available. For more information on these and other APA Florida events, please visit www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/