Fall 2020 | Placemaking

FLORIDA PLANNING A publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association

Fall 2020

florida.planning.org

t r a u St HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

2020 APA Florida Great Places in Florida

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER

I D A F L O R

The City of Stuart is tucked away along the shores of Martin County in sunny South Florida. While Stuart serves as the official county seat, it’s better known by its moniker, the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Approximately 30 years ago, local leaders set out to transform the city’s nondescript downtown area by restoring it to its former 1920s glory. The end result was a warm and welcoming destination that became a cultural and community hub, which continues to develop and expand to this day. continued on page 4

OTHER FEATURES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

7

Orlando Placemaking Key to COVID Rebound

10

How TUPs in WPB is a Gamechanger

13

Meet the New EC Members

14

One Click Too Many

18

FPC20 at a Glance

19

Chapter Leadership Awards

21

Project Award Recipients

President’s Message - p. 3 Planner Q&A p. 24 Planners on the Move p. 25 APA Working for You - p. 26 Consultants Directory - p. 27 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 E-mail

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

Treasure Coast Section

Kori Benton, AICP

727-462-2518

treasurecoast@floridaplanning.orgf

Secretary

Lara Bouck, AICP, PE

407-481-5672

secretary@floridaplanning.org

San Felasco Section

Terry Clark, AICP, PMP

561-346-6392

sanfelasco@floridaplanning.org

Atlantic Coast Section

Mike Disher, AICP

386-236-2183

atlanticcoast@floridaplanning.org

Capital Area Section

Macy Fricke, AICP

850-380-2812

capitalarea@floridaplanning.org

EPG Representative

Sofia Garantiva

813-276-8330

ypg@floridaplanning.org

Promised Lands Section

Jason Green, AICP

promisedlands@floridaplanning.org

University Liaison

Christopher Hawkins

407-823-2604

university@floridaplanning.org

VP Communications

Michelle Heinrich, AICP

813-276-2167

communications@floridaplanning.org

VP Section Affairs

Doug Kelly, AICP, CSI

321-319-3213

sectionaffairs@floridaplanning.org

Student Representative

Kayla Lloyd

813-727-9953

students@floridaplanning.org taf

Sun Coast Section

Stefanie McQueen, AICP

813-282-2300

suncoast@floridaplanning.org

VP-Professional Development

Allison Megrath, AICP

352-415-1933

profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org

Gold Coast Section

Juan Mullerat

305-444-4850

goldcoast@floridaplanning.org

Orlando Metro Section

Luis Nieves-Ruiz, AICP

407-245-0300

orlandometro@floridaplanning.org

Broward Section

Kristen Nowicki, AICP

954-660-2432

broward@floridaplanning.org

VP Certification Maintenance

Jill Quigley, AICP

954-641-5680

certmaintenance@floridaplanning.org

Treasurer

John Roach, AICP

561-822-1448

treasurer@floridaplanning.org

VP Membership/Outreach

Yexsy Schomberg

561-299-0508

membership@floridaplanning.org

First Coast Section

Ray Spofford, AICP

904-265-3189

firstcoast@floridaplanning.org

VP Conference Services

Thuy Turner, AICP, LEED AP BD+C

954-610-1633

conferencesvcs@floridaplanning.org

Heart of Florida Section

Tom Wodrich, AICP, MPA

863-838-8511

heartoffl@floridaplanning.org

Emerald Coast Section

Randy Woodruff, AICP

850-689-7347

emeraldcoast@floridaplanning.org

Executive Director

Julia “Alex“ Magee

850-201-3272

fapa@floridaplanning.org

Ad. Assistant/Bookkeeper

Denise Johns-Smith

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 850-201-3272 or e-mail fapa@floridaplanning.org.

2 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As this is the last issue of Florida Planning during my tenure as President, I wanted to thank each of you for your dedication to the profession and commitment to the organization. It has been such a great pleasure and honor to serve as President and I look forward to continuing to serve as Immediate Past President.

I want to thank the members of the Board who are retiring at the end of the year.

Our Board has made some very tough decisions this year, but they did it with grace. I

I want to thank the members of the Board who are retiring at the end of the year am certainly going to miss seeing these folks at our Executive Committee meetings, but I know I’ll be seeing them at our various APA Florida events throughout the year.

Thank you for your service!

• Andre Anderson, AICP, Immediate Past President

• Allison Megrath, AICP, Vice President

• Christopher Hawkins, University Liaison

Professional Development

• Michelle Heinrich, AICP, Vice President Communications

• John Roach, AICP, Treasurer

• Doug Kelly, AICP, CEW, Vice President Section Affairs

• Yexsy Schomberg, Vice President Membership Services

• Kayla Lloyd, Student Representative Thanks again to everyone who made FPC20 a success! I can’t thank Thuy Turner, Vice President Conference Services, and Roxann Read, Host Committee Chair, enough for all of their hard work.

And finally, I am excited to turn over the gavel at the end of the year to our very capable incoming President Wiatt Bowers, AICP. It’s going to be a fun and exciting two years under his leadership!

I also wish to express my gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee.

This year has brought many challenges, but our staff and volunteers stepped up to meet the challenge. The leadership provided by Laura Everitt was key to our successes, and I am especially grateful for the guidance and mentorship she has offered to me. As we move into 2021, our Chapter’s leadership will be energized by a new Executive Committee. Congratulations to our returning and new board members, and thanks to everyone who expressed interest in serving and stepped up to run for office this year. continued on page 5

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 3

[GREAT] PLACES

continued from cover

Stuart is regarded as one of America’s most charming hidden gems, as indicated by notable press coverage in outlets like Oprah Magazine, Coastal Living Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, and more. While its exact boundaries are somewhat blurred, a series of approximately 13 blocks contain the charming waterfront downtown district.

To build upon Stuart’s timehonored legacy, the city recently completed a series of renovations on the downtown’s main thoroughfares: Osceola Street and Flagler Avenue.

Aligned with the Community Redevelopment Plan, the refresh took approximately one year to plan and construction lasted about 90 days from start to finish. To support the local businesses lining both streets, the city launched a “streets are closed but we’re still open” campaign.

The recent upgrades have revitalized the vibrant historic downtown region by incorporating beautification efforts and making the destination more pedestrian friendly. A river theme was incorporated into the aesthetics to mirror its privileged location overlooking the St. Lucie River, and examples of improvements include artistic crosswalks, decorative bronze sculpture skateboard wheel stops, and new landscaped medians to break up the streets and increase pedestrian safety. Additional updates include increased parking spaces, more shade trees, new seating areas, and repaved roads.

There’s always something happening in this coastal community, with live entertainment year-round in venues like the beautifully restored Lyric Theatre, which originally opened in 1926 as a silent movie house. Local artists showcase their works in the various galleries, studios, and museums sprinkled throughout town that attract locals and visitors alike during the First Friday Creek Art Walks each month. There are also more than 50 independently-owned restaurants, bars, and boutiques lining the quaint streets. Add craft and art festivals and award-winning events, and there’s something fun for everyone to experience.

4 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

[PRESIDENT'S] MESSAGE

continued from page 3

The COVID pandemic and related issues will likely remain with

DeSantis, asking him to veto SB 410, which he did. Our Legislative

us for many more months, yet I am confident our Chapter and

Policy Committee is working to build on that success, and

Sections will continue to find innovative ways to offer programming

developing materials for several issue areas we will be focusing

to our members. We will also be expanding APA Florida’s outreach

on in the 2021 Legislative Session. The advocacy begins with our

activities with the communities we live in. For instance, 2021

new “Planners Month in the Districts” initiative, where we are

brings the launch of our own Community Planning Assistance Team

encouraging members to set up virtual meetings this fall with your

(CPAT) program, where we will look to offer planning expertise to

local representatives. This is a great opportunity to speak with our

underrepresented communities. Please be on the lookout in coming

legislators before they go to Tallahassee, and impart on them the

months for ways to get involved in this program.

value of planning. APA Florida will be providing talking points for

APA Florida is also expanding our legislative advocacy efforts

you related to our key issues, as well as materials for you to “leave

in the coming year. Last spring, we wrote a letter to Governor

behind” following the meetings.

In Memoriam Tyrone Kamal Smith By Luis Nieves-Ruiz, AICP The Orlando

impeccable dressing,

Metro Section family

and sense of humor.

is sad to announce

He also served as an

the recent passing of

excellent role model

Tyrone Kamal Smith.

for the younger

Family and friends

planners he worked

held a service to

with. Kyle Wilkes,

celebrate his life on

Senior Planner with

August 11 at Vista

the City of DeLand,

Church in Orlando.

expressed that he

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, the

Tyrone, center, with Julie Salvo, left, and Kathy Ebaugh, right, at a Florida Planning Conference.

was fortunate to begin his career with

event was also livestreamed through Facebook Live. Born in

Tyrone and work with him at two different agencies. Tyrone’s

the island of Saint Martin, Tyrone was a graduate of Bethune

“gregarious personality and passion for planning and public

Cookman University and the University of Central Florida where

service was infectious. He exemplified teamwork and he was

he earned a master’s degree in Public Administration.

always there to offer support or advice, and I was honored to

After finishing his education, he worked for several

call him not just a colleague, but also a friend.” Besides being

Central Florida jurisdictions including the City of Kissimmee,

an amazing planner, Tyrone was also the father of 12-year old

Seminole County, Orange County, and Orange County Public

twins and an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Schools. Tyrone stood out because of his professionalism,

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 5

6 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

ORLANDO PLACEMAKING KEY TO CITY’S COVID REBOUND

By Carmen Rasnick, MBA, CNU-A

For years, planners and community organizations have set out to transform idle spaces in our communities into interactive, inviting, and safe destinations using various placemaking techniques.

No other year in history has emphasized the need for creative placemaking like 2020.

“Orlando is typically home to booming Main Street Districts; a thriving arts and culture scene; and premier sporting events. But right now, we find ourselves in a time where the performing arts center is quiet, our stadium has been repurposed for Covid-19 testing, and city residents grieve through protests.”

As cities grapple with a global pandemic, racial injustice, and a contentious election cycle, creating safe and equitable spaces has never been more important. The impacts of these challenges have mounted in a multitude of ways, and planners cannot ignore the strain on our communities.

Planners are being tested to implement real-time strategies that help local businesses evolve to remain profitable, support essential workers, and help people cope with deep emotions stemming from quarantine and systemic racism. We are challenged by how to reconnect communities that have become isolated and supporting local arts and culture groups who have been decimated by event limitations. It is during this time that we should be using all the

tools we have to create places in our communities that are safe and equitable – the ultimate purpose of placemaking.

Orlando is typically home to booming Main Street Districts, a thriving arts and culture scene, and premier sporting events. But right now, we find ourselves in a time where the performing arts center is quiet, our stadium has been repurposed for Covid-19 testing, and city residents grieve through protests.

However, Orlando benefits from Mayor Buddy Dyer prioritizing creative placemaking through the creation of a senior position on his staff. Frank Billingsley is the city’s Director of Placemaking and continued on page 8

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 7

[ORLANDO] PLACEMAKING

continued from page 7

Competitiveness, and is the person responsible for overseeing the many ways Orlando is working to make the city more accessible and equitable. He is working on several projects to help bring Orlando together including the development of a digital app that transforms our city into an outdoor art gallery, two master planning efforts for downtown, an urban bike beltway, and the renovation of Lake Lorna Doone park in the historic West Lakes neighborhood.

Billingsley, who has spent more than 30 years working in the field of economic development, sees the challenges of this year as the catalysts that will drive creative ideas to improve cities.

Orlando is also lucky to have community stakeholders such as arts and culture organizations, real estate developers, and our hyper-local publication Bungalower. When Orange County’s Stay at Home order was lifted, these groups sprang into action to provide support for our community.

• The City Arts Gallery in downtown utilized the alleyway next to their building to hold a socially distanced outdoor concert that also supported the locally owned restaurant next door.

• A local developer funded the construction of milk crate furniture pieces by a local craftsman and coordinated with the Editor of Bungalower to place them outside of local businesses to increase outdoor seating in The Milk District and Ivanhoe Village.

• Local businesses are happy to Outdoor Concert at the City Arts Gallery. Image courtesy of CityArts

buildings, like Interstruct Design + Build’s mural of Orlando activist Jennifer Desire (envisioned by Maureen Robin and son Hudas).

It is important to note that

Outdoor furniture in The Milk District. Image courtesy of Bungalower.

One of the smaller performances by the Bright Young Things.

Image courtesy of the Creative City Project

• Creative City Project transformed their large event into smaller interactive performances of Bright Young Things throughout the downtown core.

• The Orlando Philharmonic is collaborating with our local soccer team to host outdoor concerts in the soccer stadium.

8 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

feature outdoor murals on their

planners and cities cannot do this work alone. They need to have a community advocate who will champion projects and coordinate implementation. Orlando has one of the best community advocates in Brendan O’Conner, Editor-inChief of Bungalower. He shared that businesses have enough to worry about right now, and it is on local designers and agencies to reach out with design ideas that will help them survive. Even as we work tirelessly to stay ahead of health standards, public safety, and budget shortfalls, we must find the time to connect with groups who can help us develop solutions for our city’s spaces. We are experiencing placemaking in real time.

Carmen Rasnick, MBA, CNU-A, is a Senior Planner for GAI Community Solutions Group. She can be reached at C.Rasnick@gaiconsultants.com.

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 9

Dining on the Spot + Temporary Use Permits: How Covid-19 Changed the Way We Dine Outside, and How West Palm Beach Was Ahead of the Game By: Sherryl Muriente & Melissa Hege, AICP, LEED GA

Following the March lockdown, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was quick to pivot and create a re-opening plan that would meet strict CDC guidelines while giving businesses a means to generate enough revenue. They started with restaurants. When the county-initiated Phase I reopening the DDA, with city assistance, launched the Dining on the Spot (DOTS) Program for outdoor dining on parklets, sidewalks, alleyways, and parking lots centered along the Downtown West Palm Beach (WPB) core. The DOTS program uses open spaces, both public and private, for the temporary use to extend the interiors of the businesses that were mandated to operate at a fraction of their maximum occupancy.

10 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

While other cities struggled to initiate their Covid-19 ready outdoor dining programs, Downtown WPB adapted quickly because they had already begun to collaborate with a core working group of department heads to develop a process for permitting temporary uses six months prior to the lockdown. That’s because the DDA and city had been developing catalyst pilot studies and pop-ups for more than 10 years in Downtown West Palm Beach. From parklets to alleyway restoration projects, and now Dining on the Spot, the DDA continues to generate innovative and breakthrough projects, programs and studies that have brought integral change to the city of West Palm Beach.

The West Palm Beach DDA helped inform the city’s parklet program starting in 2007, with their first Park(ing) Day and subsequent parklet study called “Street Balconies.” As a result of the parklet pilot studies on Clematis Street, downtown’s main street moved to a curbless redesign to accommodate more people and fewer cars. In 2013, Sherryl Muriente served as a change agent to lead a participatory community design process for “C’est la Via: Rethinking the Alleyways”, a one-day demonstration to transform an alleyway to a pedestrian way.

This project was the catalyst for capital improvement projects that rehabilitate alleys to accommodate secondary alley facing facades.

During the alleyway intervention, the team used observational research methods designed by Gehl Group’s team to measure success.

In 2016, the West Palm Beach DDA along with Gehl and Muriente, launched and ran the Office of Public Life to test experimental interventions with community volunteers who became stewards of the public spaces. Over time, these interventions helped shift the attitude of different governmental agencies and created a willingness to discuss a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) process for WPB. The TUP process will allow WPB to capture short-term opportunities as they arrive.

TUP SUMMARY AND THE WEST PALM BEACH DDA’S TRACK RECORD Back in October 2019, the DDA assembled a TUP working group to address the new demands for temporary pop-up uses. This included representatives from DDA, Planning and Zoning, Building, Fire, Engineering and Economic Development Departments. Muriente, the West Palm Beach DDA’s Manager of Urban Placemaking, had been initiating activations, throughout the Downtown to serve a growing demand for interactive social experiences that were focused around art and education, parks and play, retail and food sales. What Muriente calls urban acupuncture projects, are small scale intervencontinued on page 11

[DINING] ON THE SPOT

continued from page 10

tions that serve as a catalyst for both social and physical changes to the larger urban context which meet community demands for engaging and interactive temporary uses. But without a mechanism to review these temporary uses, the Building Department could not easily approve them. Both Muriente and Raphael Clemente, the West Palm Beach DDA’s Executive Director, have worked for almost a decade on innovative and positively disruptive urban solutions which have revealed a need for more specific policies to permit these initiatives.

Urban acupuncture, as defined by Finnish architect Marco Casagrande, focuses on using punctual and smaller scale interventions to radiate and transform the larger urban context.

Under the direction of planning firm MHCP COLAB, the TUP working group held several workshops to determine how temporary uses were different from permanent uses and special events. Through these discussions, the group approved an outline to amend the zoning code and create a new section for temporary uses. While this type of dialogue had never happened among the various departments, it laid the groundwork for the first temporary use permit process, Dining on the Spot. The relationships established among the working group members generated a more efficient dialogue for the execution of such a project.

A temporary use permit is a mechanism to allow pop-up uses to activate spaces for an interim period. West Palm Beach lacked a process for permitting these uses.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW DOTS AND PROCESS During the lockdown, the West Palm Beach DDA along with the city worked diligently in creating the DOTS program. Previous discussions about temporary uses enabled the TUP working group to immediately begin developing solutions with little need for negotiations. The solution was simple. The DDA developed typologies for outdoor dining and café seating depending on the applicant’s need to expand on the public realm or on private property. Seating was planned to be placed in different types of sites including sidewalks, parklets, roads, public space, parking lots, and vacant lots.

Without a TUP process, the West Palm Beach DDA was limited to Right of Way and Special Events permits to implement the DOTS program. Therefore, the initial program was launched by testing three different configurations on different street blocks using both a Right of Way (ROW) permit for parklet typologies, a ROW permit for Local Traffic Only Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan, and a Special Events permit for a half block closure. Tests were run for one week, in coordination with TUP working group members and new depart-

ment representatives from Engineering and Special Events.

These tests provided enough information to create the Executive Order for the DOTS application permit process, which establishes guidelines, for both private and public sector entities to expand dining onto the various types of urban sites that were conceived during the testing period. All applicants were required to obtain liability insurance, meet the strict guidelines, and were subject to police enforcement. The West Palm Beach DDA assigned Covid-19 emergency funding to subsidize equipment rental costs such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, and tents to support the initial outdoor dining expansion for the local businesses negatively affected financially by the pandemic.

The DOTS program served as a test for the TUP process which was initially developed with the working group prior to Covid-19. It also revealed the limitations for permitting these temporary uses with the existing ROW and Special Events processes. The DOTS program brought practice into the theory and helped prove that streamlining the permitting process for these interim urban solutions is necessary and beneficial for all. The pressure imposed by Covid-19 restrictions further accelerated action.

Another facet of the DOTS program was measuring results. West Palm Beach DDA recruited 15 volunteers to evaluate how people were using these newly conceived spaces using a beta version of an app developed by Gehl. Gehl’s observational research method enabled DDA to evaluate and adjust the DOTS program according to how people were using the outdoor dining space. This allowed the DDA to stay true to their method of deploying placemaking projects that test, measure, and adapt to real-time data, creating informed solutions for the future.

The DOTS program equipment rentals ended on Oct. 10, 2020, due to exhausting the dedicated funds and the added occupancy from the county’s Phase 2 Reopening Plan.

Businesses can continue operating their own spaces until the city decides to discontinue the current Executive Order. The city and the DDA are actively working to re-write both the sidewalk café seatcontinued on page 12

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 11

[DINING] ON THE SPOT

continued from page 11

ing and the parklet ordinances to reestablish the new needs as discovered through the DOTS program. These include the need of shade elements, more transparent barricades, and a readjustment on physical design parameters. This will create a natural transition from the DDA’s initial program to a sustainable long-term solution for outdoor dining in the area.

DOTS application removed fees and streamlined the permitting process for the program to get a kickstart.

LESSONS LEARNED/RETURN ON INVESTMENT One of the important components to making this a successful program that responded to the needs created by the “Stay at Home” order was waiving the initial permitting fees. The only cost for executing a DOTS site was the cost of buying urban furniture and shading elements, and, a special tent permit, in the case of using tents larger than the typical 10’x10’ size. The fee for bagging meters at parklets was also waived. These initial costs waivers were key in helping the program succeed. After six months of operations, many restaurants are now ready to invest in their own spaces and continue the same outdoor dining plans at their own cost.

Raphael, I wanted to say thank you again to you and the DDA for the tent outside The Blind Monk. We have had five nights of service since re-opening, and the tables under the tent have been ll place, we full each of those nights. Since we are such a sma , so the tent cannot responsibly open our inside dining room ental to us and the extra space the city has allowed is instrum team and the being able to operate. Please let the rest of the DDA these tents are. relevant city officials know how much of a help aurants will With COVID cases spiking again, I really hope rest ide seating continue having the option of this expanded outs for the months to come. Thank you again!

Ben Lubin, Owner The Blind Monk (Café and wine bar) Email from local Merchant

12 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

The West Palm Beach DDA committed $125,000 from their budget as support for launching the outdoor dining program. This covered any tent permit costs, rentals, and any maintenance of the spaces. In addition, the DDA helped with signage, a cleaning training program, and social media advertisement. The DOTS sites quickly became a natural billboard to indicate that places were back in business and ready for curbside pickup and outdoor dining options. The program also served to provide additional capacity to the businesses in a creative manner, while encouraging people to come outside and engage responsibly through DOTS.

The DOTS program was operational for 6 months, servicing 45 businesses, 12 downtown city blocks, and offered an emergency relief strategy to making sure people were coming back to Downtown in a safe environment.

As a result, the city is now looking to expand on this streamlined process and adopt a Temporary Use Permit as a method to create an opportunity for temporary and interim design solutions. The collective work of the city, the West Palm Beach DDA, the vendors, and the merchants has been key to creating a long-term outdoor dining solution which has been informed by the short-term experimental DOTS program.

From a parklet to a half block street closure, the West Palm Beach DDA tested what could work for other parts of downtown so that the city could quickly turn around an order to allow temporary outdoor dining through the DOTS program. The initial test sought to maintain the aesthetic character of each area while being responsive to the CDC requirements including physical distancing guidelines, life safety, safety lane, MOT, signage, and other functional aspects of the interventions. The study results will become part of an open source playbook in collaboration with the Gehl Group and Dover, Kohl, and Partners with illustrations and visual guidelines to expand interior spaces into the public realm.

Sherryl Muriente, Manager of Urban Placemaking for the West Palm Beach DDA, develops innovative programming for public spaces that further enhances the quality of life for Downtown residents and visitors.

She can be reached at smuriente@downtownwpb.com.

Melissa Hege, AICP, LEED AP, is founding principal of MHCP COLAB, a full-service, urban planning firm specializing in bicycle and pedestrian transportation, policy, community engagement and public relations.

She can be reached at melissa@mhcpcolab.com.

2020-2022 APA Florida Executive Committee

2020-22 ELECTION RESULTS PRESIDENT ELECT Whit Blanton, FAICP

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the APA Florida Executive Committee, who will take office on Jan. 1, 2021. APA Florida sincerely thanks all of the candidates who were willing to be on the ballot and serve.

SECRETARY Lara Bouck, AICP, PE TREASURER Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP

MEET YOUR STATEWIDE OFFICERS

VICE PRESIDENTS Professional Development

Henry Bittaker, FAICP Conference Services

Thuy Turner, AICP Certification Maintenance

Jill Quigley, AICP

Wiatt Bowers, AICP President

Communications

Melissa Dickens, AICP

Whit Blanton, FAICP Laura Everitt, AICP Immediate Past President-Elect President

Section Affairs

Tony Palermo, AICP Membership & Outreach Services

Ennis Davis, AICP Lara Bouck, AICP, PE Secretary

Henry Bittaker, FAICP Thuy Turner, AICP, Professional LEED AP BD+C Development Conference Services

Jill Quigley, AICP Certification Maintenance

Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP Treasurer

Melissa Dickens, AICP Tony Palermo, AICP Communications Section Affairs

Ennis Davis, AICP Membership & OutreachServices

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 13

One Click Too Many Lian Plass, LEED GA

To the inexperienced, planning resources such as master plans, comprehensive plans, and zoning codes can present insurmountable hurdles to understanding the why and how behind a municipality’s operations.

To the inexperienced, planning resources such as master plans, comprehensive plans, and zoning codes can present insurmountable hurdles to understanding the why and how behind a municipality’s operations. These documents can dissolve into a convoluted mess of jargon punctuated by maps and tables—if they can be found at all. To find a Future Land Use or Zoning Map, for instance, you must know exactly where to look online, who to call at the municipality, or how to submit a public records request. All of these hurdles can be daunting for a prospective home or business owner, but even seasoned planners are stymied by the countless links to document sharing/GIS applications, email forms, and phone numbers.

Planners have an obligation to represent the interests of the public. The problem of finding critical planning resources on government websites is pervasive and harmful to the fulfillment of this obligation. As planners, we must work to improve access to planning resources by making them comprehensible and easy to find. This article focuses on the task of making it easier to find plans.

The websites of municipalities throughout the State of Florida utilize different layouts and provide varied degrees of document availability. A casual survey of municipal websites throughout the state revealed the following obstacles to locating critical planning resources: ● ●

Planning resources stored in unsearchable document centers Planning resources stored under different departments’ websites

● ● ● ● ● ●

Multiple versions of planning resources available, but most current version not designated as such Only out-of-date planning resources available Planning resources only available through email to designated personnel Planning resources only available through public records request No planning resources available at all Website down

This is not a complete list of obstacles to finding planning resources on municipal websites, but it does support the idea that they are difficult to find. It should be noted that resources may become unavailable for good reasons, such as governments’ recent efforts to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. However, transparency regarding planning and development activities within the municipality is still diminished.

The inaccessibility of planning resources in our information age perpetuates historical problems that have plagued development for centuries such as conflict between residents and prospective developers, low levels of civic engagement, lack of transparency in government, and economic losses due to institutional inefficiencies.

Resolving this issue is no small task, but one method for doing so is for planners to create and support resources that improve online access to planning resources. The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that information can be transferred and discourse may occur remotely in a largely paperless world.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find disaggregated information quickly over the internet without knowledge of where to look. For this reason, statewide efforts to consolidate planning resources online are critical to improving public access to planning resources as well as knowledge of the planning profession.

These resources may be publicly maintained, such as FloridaPAPERS, an archive of adopted Comprehensive Plans continued on page 25

14 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

Rendering of the Curry Ford West pop-up park.

Six Florida Cities

AWARDED AARP PLACEMAKING & COMMUNITY GRANTS

By Patti Shea

AARP awarded six Florida cities and organizations grants to help make their communities more livable for residents of all ages.

The AARP Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, smart cities, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.

Here in Florida, these exciting and diverse projects were funded: • CITY OF FORT PIERCE Police Department will provide a new community-based, easily accessed resource to share health, safety and wellness information along with internet access so that low-income residents can more easily access benefits.

• CITY OF GAINESVILLE Online Civic Hackathon will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to codesign a more livable city using Human-Centered Design ideation strategies, new technologies, and the City’s Open Data Portal.

• GOODWOOD MUSEUM AND GARDENS, INC. in Tallahassee will revitalize a historic roller rink from 1916 for outdoor activities with a new ADA-accessible sidewalk, lighting, murals and game boards that promote physical activity at a safe social distance.

• HIGHWAY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT DISTRICT in Lake Placid will install in the community a first-of-its-kind, 10-Stop Fitness Trail in the MLK Jr. Sports Field Park.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Florida as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Florida’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

• CITY OF SUNRISE will support the installation of five Bike “Fix-it” stations and five artistic bike racks, along with vibrant sidewalk art.

• CURRY FORD WEST, in Orange County will create a popup park project with local artists using recycled materials, in the form of a labyrinth, specifically designed to help promote physical distancing on an empty privately-owned lot along a main street.

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 15

PLANNER PLACEMAKING 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.

PCB - Millie's

This historic struc ture was renovated in recent years to in clude residential housing upstairs and resta urant/retail down stairs.

This building lies between the entra nce to McKenzie Park an d a courtyard, wh ich has become an attracti on for live music and more intimate outdoor gatherings.

Park PCB - McKenzie

PCB - Turtle Mural

A mural program was initiated as a public/private partnership in each of the four Panama City CRAs to create a sense of community, awareness of art, and showcase local talent.

PCB - Visual Arts Ce nter

was recently McKenzie Park tract m na a City to at overhauled in Pa n ow nt w to the do local residents e to m ho e th w no rk is district. This pa t. ke orning mar the Saturday m

Officials with Art Alliance tell us th e butterflies repres ent our growth through the hard time our commun ity has recently gone through due to Hurricane Michae l.

Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP continued on page 17

16 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

[PLANNER] PLACEMAKING

continued from page 16

Seaside, FL

St. Pete, FL

Deland, FL

A welcomed urban park centers this live/work area of Seaside.

Framed by buildings, the park provides both a relaxing view and a quiet spot for residents, customers and passers-by.

The relationships between the inward facing buildings, orderly park area, and intervening pedestrian path create a humanscaled sense of place.

Just a few positive though ts in an otherwise bleak parkin g lot…

A creative take on typica l street signage provides a whims ical surprise to downtown res idents and visitors while still pro viding its intended purpose of lim iting access from the main roa dway.

Seaside, FL

ouse along a An ordinary urban wareh ormed into a nsf tra is ay stretch of roadw ral. Paint and bright and captivating mu building-sized a e vid an artist’s talent pro d place. An cte xpe une an in canvas of art forgotten ily otherwise monotonous, eas rable mo me a o int d drive is change moment and location.

Airstream restaurants along a Highway 30-A sidewalk in Seaside creates a lively morning for residents and visitors. Drive , bike or walk to enjoy this activated area providing amenities such as shady trees, festive lighting and seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Michelle Heinrich, AICP

Long Beach, CA This photo is of Long Beach California’s downtown streetscape, showing bicycle rack s shaped like bicycles and branded

with their “Bike Long Beach” logo with

in the front wheel. To me, this photo is a

good example of placemaking, providing place to park your bike, scooter or othe

a

r micro-mobility ride, and provides easy access to businesses along the street.

Emily Hanna, AICP

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 17

2020 FLORIDA PLANNING

CONFERENCE RECAP By the Numbers...

Thank you for making our first virtual conference such a success!

754 Registered

Great attendance at the Parks & Rec Viewing after a day of sessions.

3

28

party

Sessions

im(M)obile Tours

21 Planners share their horror stories during a fun after sessions social.

Exhibitors

ing

icipat ga. Dogs part with Zoom yo y da e th g tin Star was optional.

18 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

29 Sponsors

20 Songs on the FPC20 Spotify Playlist

If you registered, you still have access to the sessions and can receive Distance Learning CM. Use your PheedLoop login. If you need help, contact Denise in the chapter office.

Congratulations to the 2020 LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS! Each year APA Florida, through its Chapter Leadership Awards, recognizes individuals or organizations for their leadership on planning issues. These awards are APA Florida’s highest honors.

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD Brian K. Smith, FAICP Brian’s 41-year career as a professional planner, in conjunction with his long-term involvement in APA Florida, exemplify the sustained contributions to the planning profession that this award is intended to recognize.

Brian began his career in 1970 as a Planner III for Pinellas County. Through the next several decades, he served as the assistant director of planning, the director of planning and the executive director of the Pinellas MPO. He was involved in the Penny for Pinellas initiative to fund infrastructure growth, establishment of a countywide transit system, improvements to the U.S. 19 corridor and implementation of the GIS and ITS systems. His contributions to the community planning process during those years was considerable and his leadership proved extremely valuable to the industry and the agencies, organizations and cities he served and helped in those roles.

Brian’s love for the natural environment has led him over the years to be an advocate for Florida’s trail and greenways system.

Brian had a key role in the Pinellas Trail from its inception. He was a significant player in the development of the Friendship Trail and the Progress Energy Corporation extension of the Pinellas Trail.

Brian is a governor appointee to the Florida Greenways and Trails Council and serves as its chairman. He also currently serves as the president of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation.

Brian was elected to the Fellows of the AICP for his contributions to the profession and community in 2006. For the past 8 years, Brian has chaired the APA Florida Sustainability Committee that had its origins in a 2010 chapter retreat. Under Brian’s leadership, the committee has developed and continues to expand the remarkable Livable Florida: Planning for Sustainable Communities educational efforts that we know today. These include chapter conference sessions on sustainability related topics and the development of an extensive APA Florida Livable Florida website that provides a plethora of sustainable tools for local planners on a wide variety of planning topics.

As one committee member stated, “Brian’s many efforts to ensure this one small committee succeeded in its charge provides a vivid example of how Brian’s planning efforts have effectively furthered the knowledge of sustainability planning principles in Florida.”

OUTSTANDING MEDIA COVERAGE OF PLANNING ISSUES Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel Since joining the Orlando Sentinel in 1998, Kevin has created a body of work that has shaped how Central Florida’s residents understand their environment, transportation, population, community, and quality of life. His reporting is focused on many issues important to planners and communities across Florida, including growth, sustainability, energy, the natural environment, and transportation. His transportation portfolio is particularly impressive and includes Central Florida’s airports, expressways, buses, trains, automobiles, bicycling, walking, scooters, and automated vehicles.

Within the transportation realm, Kevin’s outstanding reporting notably encompasses capital projects, operations, agency management, critical safety issues, and funding challenges, as well as the public outreach and opinion that affect it all. However, his love of the environment is the soul of his work, a passion and commitment shared by many of APA Florida’s members.

Kevin is considered one of Central Florida’s most consistent and sophisticated voice on the many planning issues touching the lives of residents, businesses, and tourists on almost a daily basis. From May 2019 through May 2020, he has filed more than 40 stories on the environment and over 70 stories on transportation. Hundreds of his articles on planning issues over decades mean that many residents — and more than a few planners — have “grown up” with and benefited from his work, especially the manner in which it depicts the integration of land use, transportation, and the environment. Kevin’s insight over the years has helped educate us on the corresponding “long range consequences of present actions.” continued on page 20

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 19

[2020] LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

continued from page 19

OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF THE YEAR Lentzy Jean-Louis, Florida Atlantic University During his graduate work in the planning program Lentzy performed exceptionally well academically, while working as a graduate research assistant for the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU. Lentzy was a student member of and he was the secretary and vice president for FAU’s Planning Society (the planning student organization). While working as a leader for the student organization, Lentzy demonstrated strong leadership potential with solid organization and communication skills. In addition to studying and working at FAU, he interned for two agencies: Urban Design Kilday Studios and the City of West Palm Beach. In fact, Urban Design Kilday Studios was so impressed with him that Lentzy was offered a full-time position upon his graduation!

Having chosen his future career path in urban and regional planning Lentzy is dedicated to creating an equitable and sustainable future for communities through planning and design.

As a student leader, he played key roles in organizing events, fundraising, and interacting with local planning organizations.

His participation and leadership have demonstrated his sincere enthusiasm for excellence in planning.

As stated in a letter of recommendation for this award, “His participation and leadership within our program have demonstrated his sincere enthusiasm for excellence in planning.

As a rising star in planning, Lentzy shows a stellar example of excellence as a young planner.”

Alissa Barber-Torres FAICP, Ph.D., CLTD

Nakeisha Lyon

Patrick Panza, AICP

Justin Eason

Emily Hanna AICP, CPM

Luis Neives-Ruiz, AICP Stephen J. Noto, AICP

Roxann Read, AICP, CFM

Katie Shannon, AICP

DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHAPTER Orlando Metro Section Typically, we would recognize an individual, but this year we had a group of folks who went above and beyond: the Orlando Metro Section conference leadership and volunteers for their dedication and contributions to the chapter this year.

This group of dedicated people were well on their way to planning and implementing an exciting annual conference to be held at the Hilton Orlando when COVID hit. When our APA Florida board made the difficult decision to move away from an in-person conference to one that relies on a virtual platform, the local host committee did not waver. First, they stuck with the conference planning even though it was no longer local. They pivoted quickly to translating their previous efforts into an imaginative and educational event that would continue to provide social interaction, opportunities to connect with each other and more.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS DIAMOND ANNUAL Theriaque & Spain Hopping Green & Sams VHB Wade Trim Inc. PlusUrbia Design SPONSOR EXHIBITOR AARP Florida

20 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

GAI Consultants | Community Solutions Group Laura Turner Planning Services REINS SB Friedman Development Advisors CONFERENCE SUPPORTER Henry Bittaker, FAICP, and BASIC EXHIBITORS Susan Coughanour, FAICP BASIC SPONSORS Atkins UCF School of Public Administration Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. Cambridge Systematics England Thims & Miller, Inc. East Central Florida Regional Planning Council Florida Regional Councils Florida Trend Association LOBBY SPONSORS HDR Kimley-Horn Morris-Depew Associates S&ME

Oracle Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC Safe Mobility for Life Stantec Consulting Services Tindale Oliver Tyler Technologies

Congratulations to the 2020 PROJECT AWARDS RECIPIENTS! The Project Awards program provides APA Florida the opportunity to recognize outstanding planning projects which highlight where planning has had a positive impact on the outcome in the State of Florida.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Cutler Bay Communities for a Lifetime (CFAL) Initiative Category: Innovation in Planning for All Ages Award sponsored by AARP Florida

The Town of Cutler Bay’s journey to becoming an agefriendly community began in 2010, by joining the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Communities for a Lifetime (CFAL) Initiative. In 2012, the Town established a CFAL Committee to develop a Senior Needs Assessment to determine services important for seniors’ independence and care.

Recommendations from the assessment were incorporated in the Town’s comprehensive Master Plan. The Town is proud to be the first municipality in South Florida to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and States and the second in Florida to have their Age-Friendly Action Plan approved by the AARP.

Creating Together: Youth Centered Planning for the Riverwalk East Master Plan Category: Best Practices Involving the community in the creation of a park master plan for the Riverwalk East Expansion strengthened social connections with young people helping lead a series of conversations, an extensive survey of residents, and then building a 1-day temporary park. The tactical urbanism version of the park incorporated resident ideas and was built by millennials working with intergenerational teams of volunteers. This event welcomed neighbors onto the future site of the Riverwalk expansion. The experiential community engagement of Creating Together Bradenton turned neighbors who were previously skeptical or unhappy into active and positive partners of the project. continued on page 22

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 21

[2020] PROJECT AWARDS

continued from page 21

AWARDS OF MERIT Collier County Sheriff’s Office Long-Range Master Plan Category: Best Practices Collier County, Florida is expected to double in population and housing units before “Buildout” based on a land use model. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) engaged Metro Forecasting Models to conduct detailed research and analysis to develop an incident predictive model forecasting where concentrations of future incidents will occur. The incident predictive model was used to connect land use planning to the future needs of law enforcement services. The master plan used this spatial data to determine demand for future facilities, hiring, patrol districts, and other essential resources required by the Sheriff’s Office through buildout.

Micromobility Pilot Program Category: Best Practices The City of Tallahassee Micromobility Pilot Program was launched in 2019 and allowed city leaders and citizens to visualize a new approach to mobility in a growing urban environment. The program established policies and performance metrics to monitor various aspects of micromobility, including ridership, safety, and vendor compliance with these policies.

The program provides for a new form of shared mobility and has been recognized as an affordable transportation option, gaining ridership in lower-income and minority neighborhoods in Tallahassee.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 2020 Expansion Project Category: Planning Project The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, a gateway into downtown West Palm Beach, is a preeminent cultural destination drawing patrons from around the region. Opening in 1992 with four venues, it now invites more than 500,000 guests per year. In a recent effort to improve the existing facility, the Center decided to modernize the surrounding campus, reinforcing the site’s importance to the City’s urban fabric. WGI designed an urban plaza to enhance the architectural appearance of the main performance lobby of Dreyfoos Hall, which activates the street frontage and invites patrons and passing visitors to enjoy the plaza.

Pineloch Elementary School S.T.R.E.A.M Club Program Category: Grassroots Initiative The GAI/CSG staff, working with the staff of the Pineloch Elementary School, reinstituted and reconfigured a dormant STEM Club, renaming it the STREAM CLUB to include reading and arts. The program was initiated in the fall of 2019 as a direct outgrowth of the recently completed OBTNext Master Plan. The weekly club activities in the fall and spring semesters introduced the students to various planning/design activities, how simple machines worked and the relevance to their uses in construction projects within their neighborhood. The program was recognized by the school district during Black History Month. continued on page 23

22 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

[2020] PROJECT AWARDS

continued from page 22

AWARDS OF MERIT Tallahassee’s Urban Forest Master Plan Category: Grassroots Initiative The City of Tallahassee completed the Urban Forest Master Plan in December 2018. The plan is a guide for the future of the community’s tree canopy to improve this vital city asset as the community grows and changes. A healthy urban forest has repeatedly been shown to be a critical component to a vibrant and livable community – economically, environmentally, and socially. Urban trees have proven to alleviate water and air pollution, improve public health, increase property value, and enhance the success of business districts. An extensive outreach and engagement effort included city staff and departments, stakeholder organizations and citizens. City staff brought together members of 30 different groups and conducted a series of stakeholder meetings. This plan sets 20-year goals for Tallahassee’s urban forest improvements.

Florida State University Ringling Campus Hazard Adaptation Plan Category: Student Project Located in Sarasota on the water, the Ringling Museum and Estate is at risk to severe natural hazards. This graduate student-led project formalized a standard approach for conducting site-specific risk assessments and climate adaptation plans. The processes led to the development of these documents for The Ringling, which is home to a unique collection of historic buildings and priceless artwork, providing it with adaptation strategies it can employ to ensure the campus is resilient to natural hazards for over the next 50 years. This project developed standard approaches that may be replicated at other campuses or facilities.

“Equity: The Elephant In the Room”, Equity Planning in Gainesville, Florida Category: Student Project The City of Gainesville is making a commitment to include equity planning in its next comprehensive plan update. Students from the University of Florida analyzed data and reviewed policies and plans of the City of Gainesville and Alachua County to identify issues, opportunities, and constraints to address inequity within the City. Using the APA Planning for Equity Policy Guide as a framework, students collectively examined housing, land use, crime, transportation, healthcare, and education to synthesize the findings of research, establish recommendations for best practices related to equity planning, and communicate their findings to community members at a public meeting.

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 23

Executive Committee Spotlight Q&A: Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Bucks County, Penn., which is just outside of Philadelphia. I relocated to Florida when I went to college.

What college/university did you attend?

After a couple years at a state university in Pennsylvania, I transferred to University of Florida for my bachelor’s degree (Environmental Science), then later went back to UF for my Masters in Urban and Regional Planning.

What is your current position / Who is your current employer?

I work for WGI, Inc. (formerly known as Wantman Group, Inc.) as a Senior Project Manager in the Fort Lauderdale office.

What is your current and any past positions in APA Florida and/or APA National?

I’m currently the Chair of the Broward Section (2019-22), and therefore am a member of the Executive Committee. In the past, I’ve been a board member for Broward Section, Treasure Coast Section, and San Felasco Section. Early in my career, I was a member of the Legislative Policy Committee.

What would you be doing now if you hadn’t chosen the planning profession?

There’s a good chance that I would still be in the environmental field, maybe doing my part to fight climate change. Another possibility would be a professional chef, creating vegetarian and gluten free recipes.

Would you like to share anything about your family?

I am a new “mom” to two adorable kittens, Kona and Lychee, that I adopted during the COVID-19 shutdown. Curious little Lychee introduced herself to everyone on the “Parks and Recreation” virtual networking social at the Florida Planning Conference when I turned away from the laptop for a minute! I’ve caught both of them trying to read Planning Magazine a few times, as well.

Do you have any advice to new graduates in your field/career tips?

Network, network, network! Also, keep in mind we have a very interconnected profession, so give your best effort to make a good impression and keep yourself on the good side of the ethical line.

What have you gained or learned by being a member in APA Florida, your Section and/or as a member of the APA Florida Executive Committee?

I’ve learned that while we all have work to do as we give back 24 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

Kristen Nowicki, AICP

to our organization and our profession, we need to take time to recognize each other for that work.

Is there a particular state planning topic you’d like to comment on or feel fellow planners need to follow?

As planners, I think we need to help reframe the public opinion of issues that have been dividing the haves and have-nots for quite some time. Floridians continue to have an income divide that places extreme needs on affordable housing, food/nutrition, access to transportation options, and access to premium healthcare. But as our economy changes in response to a global pandemic on top of income issues, we need to work to address the issues and disruptive trends head-on. There will be changes, so let’s highlight the issues that unite us and work on reframing the trends together.

APA Florida

PLANNERS ON THE MOVE Gisla Augustin, MURP, was elected to the APA Planning and Black Community Division as the Chair-Elect. Gisla officially starts in January 2021. “I am so happy to be a part of the change I want to see in the world. Thank you to everyone who voted and supports me!,” Augustin said on her LinkedIn announcement.

Angela Lieber, has joined The Planning Collaborative which is a small female-owned business in Northwest Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, where she specialized in issues of mobility and spatial equity among underrepresented groups

[ONE CLICK] TOO MANY

continued from page 14

and subsequent amendments maintained by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Alternatively, resources may be privately maintained, such as FLUXM (Florida’s Land Use and Miscellaneous Maps), which archives Florida’s future land use and zoning maps.

This site, available at www.fluxm.us, is still in a development stage but was created by planners in Florida to make it easier to locate these critical planning documents. The site features an easyto-use interface that allows users to search for land use and zoning maps by typing the names of municipalities into a search box. The site provides users direct links to maps hosted on municipal websites or archived copies depending on availability.

Planners statewide should also support legislation that expands availability of planning resources to the general public and should

participate in initiatives with similar objectives. For instance, the FLUXM website encourages users to submit missing maps and held its first “Municipal Mapathon” event in October 2020 in partnership with the APA Broward Section and the APA Florida Emerging Planners Group. The purpose of the “Municipal Mapathon” is to raise awareness about the importance of access to planning resources (particularly zoning and future land use maps) and encourage conversation between planners about ways to leverage technology to improve access.

For more information about the FLUXM initiative, including ways to contribute, please contact Lian Plass by sending an email to fluxm.info@gmail.com.

Lian Plass, LEED GA, is a Senior Planner, WGI, Inc. and the Emerging Planners Group Representative for the Broward Section. She can be reached at lian.plass@wginc.com.

COMING SOON

Small-Project POP Grants In 2019, at the APA Florida Retreat, the

low cost, easily implemented, and community

executive committee kept coming back to

driven. Maybe your neighborhood could use

the idea of how do we put the action back

some public art, a foodtruck night, a walking

in planning. As Planners we develop plans

tour of special places, or even solo concerts on

of action, we talk about implementation, we

porches and driveways. Placemaking is all about

even encourage others to do something, but

identifying what makes your place unique and

how do we empower planners to initiate

sharing this with others. The POP Grant is an

engagement in their communities? This was

opportunity for our Florida Sections to show that

the foundation for the People Oriented Places (POP) Grant.

The POP Grant is designed to promote and encourage participatory, small scale planning projects within APA Florida Section communities. The idea is that these projects will be

plans do lead to action, we just have to take the first step.

Start talking with your neighbors about a project and be sure to apply for the POP Grant when applications open!

– Devan Leavins

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 25

APA FLORIDA WORKING FOR YOU VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PROVIDES EXTENDED BENEFITS FOR ATTENDEES The benefits for members who joined us in our inaugural virtual conference didn’t stop on our final live session day. All sessions, mobile workshops and keynote speaker events are now available online for distance learning credit. This expands the ability for CM credits by allowing these members to gain CM credit for events they attended live and those they view afterwards. It also allows these members to view every speaker, mobile workshop and session that was offered to further your knowledge base – no more regret in missing that great session you heard everyone talking about! We hope to see everyone in Miami next year #FPC21.

AICP EXAM SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW SHOWS DEDICATION TO MEMBERS & PLANNING APA Florida’s review of our work over the 2019-20 year shows multiple accomplishments for our members and for quality planning in Florida. Here’s some of the highlights: • 241 Bills tracked during the legislative session • Veto of SB 410 request letter to Gov. DeSantis submitted on behalf of APA Florida, which was ultimately vetoed.

• 33 events provided by our local sections providing a total of 180.25 CM credits.

• 4 live and on-demand chapter sponsored APA Florida events.

• 6 FAICP inductees from our chapter.

• First Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) survey completed.

The chapter is eager to assist our members in achieving AICP certification and has awarded four scholarships allowing for a reduced AICP Exam fee to be used during the 2020 Spring/Fall testing cycle. Additionally, APA National provided four additional scholarships to the Florida chapter this year, which were awarded this past summer. For those who will be taking the AICP Exam in 2021, stay up to date on our social media accounts and with your sections for announcements of future scholarship opportunities.

• Successful planning and implementation of our first virtual conference with over 700 attendees.

• Received one of APA’s Chapter President’s Council Leadership Award for Chapter Volunteer Service.

Our chapter has many accomplishments to be proud of that couldn’t be realized without our valuable volunteers and staff. We have continued efforts to demonstrate our strong commitment to our members and the ability to still carry out those commitments in challenging times.

Now on to an exciting 2021!

GET THE INSIDE TRACK TO THE 2021 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOUSE! Next February, the 2021 APA Florida Public Policy Workshop will be virtual, so you don't want to miss it. We'll have Tallahassee insiders ready to brief you about the crucial legislation that will impact how we plan.

Stay tuned for dates, agenda and registration information.

26 Fall 2020 / Florida Planning

[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.

In a Livable Community, people of all ages can make their town or city a lifelong home. Learn about what’s happening in Florida. Contact Laura Cantwell at lcantwell@aarp.org.

Advocates and strategic problem solvers for smart, sustainable communities. www.carltonfields.com

Fall 2020 / Florida Planning 27

[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 3,200 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 2021.

DEADLINES 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.

ABOUT THE CHAPTER 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 florida planning.org.

APA Florida 2017 Delta Boulevard, Suite 201 Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: 850-201-3272 Fax: 850-807-2576

[UPCOMING] EVENTS NOV. 18: VICTOR DOVER ON THE CAR-OPTIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD: HOW SHOULD IT BE DESIGNED? Webinar. Victor Dover FAICP shares essential strategies for designing and retrofitting neighborhoods that support all the ways of moving around. He will show case studies and reveal how to create sustainable, walkable, well-loved neighborhoods. Information here. Free. 1.5 CM NOV. 18: PLANNING OCEAN CITIES: ADDRESSING CLIMATE IMPACTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA Webinar. Film screening, presentations and discussions co-sponsored by the Treasure Coast Section of APA and the Florida Atlantic University's Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) addressing climate change issues facing South Florida. This includes a screening of the film Ocean Cities: Exploring our connection to the Sea and a presentation on Protecting South Florida: A Discussion of Sea-Level Rise, Property and Regional Planning and a Question and Answer session with all presenters. Information here. Free. 2 CM NOV. 18: ESTIMATING THE VALUE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA'S NATURAL SYSTEMS Webinar.

The Wekiva River and its fragile ecosystem face numerous threats, including declines in spring flow and the degradation of the river's water quality. To support its efforts on behalf of the river system, The Friends of the Wekiva River partnered with the ECFRPC to conduct an economic valuation that used two different scenarios for the analysis. This guest presentation will review the ECFRPC's study of the Wekiva River and describe the major findings. Information here. Free.

ONGOING: FDOT TRANSPORTATION SYMPOSIUM Webinars. The Florida Department of Transportation continues to host its Transportation Symposium Webinar Series, which provides weekly workshops to planning professionals. One credit will be offered for each one-hour webinar on the date presented. You must register individually for each webinar. Information here. Free. 1 CM per session when viewed live.

Upcoming topics include: • Interactions with Our Tribal Partners • Material and Constructability Concerns for Asphalt Pavement Design • Context Classification • Safe Mobility for Life Program: Resources and Focus Group • Trends in Errors and Omissions • The Future of the Florida Scenic Highways Program

For more information on these and other APA Florida events, please visit florida.planning.org/calendar/