FLORIDA PLANNING A Publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Summer 2013
www.floridaplanning.org
THE CURRENT STATE OF FLORIDA’S ECONOMY:
WHEN WILL IT RECOVER? By: Todd DeLong, AICP and Owen Beitsch, FAICP
Florida’s Governor Scott proclaimed an objective of creating 700,000 jobs in seven years. Since 2010, more than 320,000 new jobs have become available with the pace speeding up during the last 12 months when 140,000 jobs were added. For approximately 20 consecutive months, there have been net gains in the state’s job counts. As of March 2013, Florida’s jobless rate stood at 7.5%, well below the March 2012 rate of 8.9% and below the national rate of 7.6%. Still, there remains debate about the quality of these jobs and the materiality of the unemployment rate as a key measure of stability. Because Florida’s economy is so heavily dependent upon the development industry, its trends are carefully monitored. In 2012, there were 8,500 construction jobs added, a small net gain which should continue because the field was so decimated. The professional and business services sector is also showing recovery continued on page 4
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
5
Make Plans to Attend the Annual Business Meeting
5
2013 Conference Registration NOW OPEN
OTHER FEATURES
6
Economics and the Health of Your Community
7 15 Projects are Blooming Around the State
Florida Strategic Plan for Economic Development
BYLAWS BALLOT ENCLOSED PLEASE VOTE!
President’s Message - p.3 In Memoriam - p. 14 Section Happenings - p. 16 Law Case Update - p. 17 Legislative Session Overview - p. 18 Consultants Directory - p. 19 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.