FLORIDA PLANNING A publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Winter 2021
florida.planning.org
PLANNERS AS POLICYMAKERS By: Melissa Dickens, AICP
APA Florida members continue to influence policymaking at the
state and local level in a variety of ways. In addition to advocacy and lobbying, many Florida planners also serve in elected and appointed roles in their communities. We asked several of these members, who are planners by training and also hold local civic leadership roles, to share their experiences as both a planner and community leader, and shed light on how planning influences their decision and policy making (and vice versa). As it is more important now more than ever to have the communication skills to adeptly speak to policymakers and elected officials, this issue also contains links for further information, tools and advice for advocating for planning issues. You can also see how our members are representing our profession through their conversations with elected officials in "Planners Month in the Districts" article on page 8. continued on page 4
OTHER FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
7
Register for the APA Florida Public Policy Workshop
8
Planners Month in the Districts
10
Hiring Planning Consultants: A View From Both Sides
12
2021 Call for Presentations
14
2020 Minority Scholarship Recipients
President’s Message - p. 3 Planners on the Move p. 15 EC Spotlight p. 16 Working for You - 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.
[APA FLORIDA] KEY CONTACTS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Name
APA Florida Executive Committee President Wiatt Bowers, AICP
Phone E-mail 904-363-8488
president@floridaplanning.org
Immediate Past President
Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA
813-327-5450
pastpresident@floridaplanning.org fx
President-Elect
Whit Blanton, FAICP
727-464-8712
presidentelect@floridaplanning.org
Treasure Coast Section
Kori Benton, AICP
727-462-2518
treasurecoast@floridaplanning.org
VP-Professional Development
Henry Bittaker, FAICP
561-523-0687
profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org f
Secretary
Lara Bouck, AICP, PE
407-481-5672
secretary@floridaplanning.org
San Felasco Section
Terry Clark, AICP, PMP
561-346-6392
sanfelasco@floridaplanning.org
VP Membership/Outreach
Ennis Davis, AICP
904-396-5727
membership@floridaplanning.org
University Liaison
Laura Dedenbach, AICP, Ph.D.
352-294-1493
university@floridaplanning.org
VP Communications
Melissa Dickens, AICP
813-273-3774
communications@floridaplanning.org
Student Representative
Erin Fowler
727-631-9139
students@floridaplanning.org t
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
Sun Coast Section
Stefanie McQueen, AICP
813-282-2300
suncoast@floridaplanning.org
Treasurer
Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP
850-319-9180
treasurer@floridaplanning.orgaf
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 Section Affairs
Tony Palermo, AICP
239-321-7926
sectionaffairs@floridaplanning.org
Atlantic Coast Section
Brad Parrish, AICP
321-567-3776
atlanticcoast@floridaplanning.org
VP Certification Maintenance
Jill Quigley, AICP
954-641-5680
certmaintenance@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
Jessica Groce
850-201-3272
adminbk@floridaplanning.org
Communications Coordinator Patti Shea
850-201-3272
staff@floridaplanning.org
Intern
Kylie Pope
850-201-3272
floridaplanningstaff@gmail.com
Legislative Representative
Lester Abberger
850-524-2779
lesterabberger@nettally.com
Graphic Design (Consultant) Summer Taylor
727-452-2416
summer@exaktmarketing.com
All other inquiries, contact APA Florida at 850-201-3272 or e-mail fapa@floridaplanning.org.
2 Winter 2021 / Florida Planning
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As 2021 gets underway, I hope that all of our members are healthy and safe. The past year was not what any of us expected, but I am optimistically looking forward to some semblance of normalcy returning in the coming months. Adjusting to a purely virtual events calendar was a huge undertaking for APA Florida leadership in 2020, both at the chapter and section levels. I am tremendously grateful for our many volunteers who have worked diligently to continue providing professional development and networking opportunities for our members. Our virtual events continue with the 19th Annual APA Florida Public Policy Workshop, which will be held on the afternoon of Feb. 24 and the morning of Feb. 25. Our Legislative Leadership team has put together a terrific agenda, including panel discussions on resiliency, affordable housing, and the M-CORES initiative. We’ll be joined by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, to address the big issues facing Florida’s future. APA Policy Director Jason Jordan will give us an update on changes on Capitol Hill, and we’ll have our always popular panel discussion on what to look for in Florida’s Legislature this session.
Our virtual events continue with the 19th Annual APA Florida Public Policy Workshop, which will be held on the afternoon of Feb. 24 and the morning of Feb. 25. As you may have seen, the 2021 APA National Planning Conference, originally scheduled for Boston, will now be held virtually. We are hopeful that our 2021 Florida Planning Conference, scheduled for Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 in Miami, will be able to go forward in-person. The local host committee has been working to identify keynote speakers, mobile workshops, and social activities. The call for sessions is released in this issue, so please consider submitting a proposal. The plans being developed are flexible, and as was done last year, we are prepared to pivot to a virtual meeting if necessary. In preparation for the return of in-person events, chapter leadership has been investigating potential strategies and policies that would afford this ability. Some of our sections and members have expressed a desire to re-engage with in-person activities, and the Executive Committee has approved procedures that allow us dip our toes back in the water. Sections, if desired, now have the flexibility to hold outdoor events with safety procedures in place. Please note that this policy can be amended as conditions change. Finally, now is a great time to get involved with APA Florida through our committees and/or sections. For instance, our Legislative Policy Committee is ramping up ahead of this year’s legislative session. The committee was instrumental in identifying APA Florida’s key legislative priorities for 2021 and recently participated in our “Planners Month in the Districts” (article on pp. 8). This was the first time our chapter members worked collectively to meet with legislators from around the state and advocate prior to the annual session beginning. More information on this committee and many others can be found on our APA Florida website. If you’d like to join any of our committees or get involved with one of our sections, please reach out to me and I’ll try to steer you in the right direction!
Wiatt Bowers, AICP Winter 2021 / Florida Planning 3
[PLANNERS] POLICYMAKERS
continued from cover
OWEN BEITSCH, FAICP, PH.D., CRE GAI Community Solutions Group UCF Adjunct Faculty Planning & Zoning Board, City of Winter Park As well as being a planning professional with GAI Community Solutions Group and faculty member in the planning department at UCF, I serve on the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Winter Park. My practice focuses on local government finance matters, but at UCF I teach land use regulation and urban economics. Together, my practice and classroom experience have been extraordinarily valuable to issues debated by the board. Another board member is also AICP, adding to the depth of knowledge. Winter Park has a very active and engaged population with demonstrative interest in its civic affairs, especially considerations that may change form and character. The community’s relatively modest size in the context of regional growth enables access so even small issues are of major importance to its citizens. The Comprehensive Plan in Winter Park is fairly rigid. Because most uses are subject to further review or analysis, modest policy adjustments or actions generate very strong responses and outsized electoral participation. For me, the commission chamber has become a laboratory. I have found that my professional background enhances a fuller and more personal understanding of the various issues involved as a resident. I listen and contribute but I learn. I invite my students to regular meetings to see how the issues of the classroom may, or may not, align with actual legislation or regulations and the expressed concerns of the citizens. Frankly, this is a very meaningful civic experience that would benefit more planners if the opportunity were available. They can showcase the profession, sharpen their own negotiation or technical skills, and add perspective to complex development and social issues. Likewise, local planning agencies benefit from the deeper experience and knowledge conveyed by the professional planner. A newly planned hotel, needing substantial policy and plan changes, is the board’s next big challenge. In conjunction with other matters, actions on this hotel will likely have some impact on the next mayoral election and on the composition of seated planning and zoning board members. As a consultant, I usually drive away. Here, I walk home.
JONI BRINKMAN, AICP Village of Palm Springs Council Member, District 4 Principal, Urban Design Kilday Studios I’ve been working in the private sector of the development industry in Palm Beach County since the mid-80’s and started in public service in 1994 as a board member of the Village of Palm Springs Land Development Board. After being appointed to the Village Council in 1999, I’ve been re-elected unopposed since. At that time, the Village of Palm Springs was considered a small city in the county but has since grown to a population of nearly 25,000, the majority of the increase associated with an aggressive annexation program. There are many smaller to mid-sized cities that are facing critical planning issues today. Having a certified practicing planner on advisory boards and/or in elected positions, in my opinion, provides a great benefit to the municipality. Awareness of industry trends and other development in the region, provide insight to policy decisions that may not be possessed by other members of the elected body not involved in the planning profession. Being employed by one of the largest planning firms in the area, I’m lucky enough that our management team takes potential conflicts seriously when approached by developers wishing to retain our services for a proposed development within the village. We have declined projects in the past to avoid any perceptions of a conflict. If we do take on a project, I stay far away from the project day-to-day discussions and recuse myself at any hearing considering the item. Being a certified planner means following ethic guidelines associated with that certification to assure the public that the interests of the residents and business in our community are always at the forefront when making decisions on projects within the village. I encourage my fellow planners to make the effort to volunteer on advisory boards and ultimately consider providing your expertise in support of your community via an elected position. TINA M. EKBLAD, AICP, MPA, LEED AP Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee President & Director of Planning, Morris/Depew As a planning professional, my practice varies; however, I have built a niche leveraging land planning for development with restoration and preservation of natural resources. Over the past 10 years at Morris-Depew Associates, I am most proud of the collaborative effort with the Planning Departcontinued on page 5
4 Winter 2021 / Florida Planning
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ment at Lee County to develop the Environmental Enhancement and Preservation Overlay, which seeks to promote restoration and preservation of sensitive environmental resources within private development projects to promote regional connectivity of habitat, surface water and groundwater. The overlay is only applicable to specific properties in Southeast Lee County, however it’s intent – to establish regional interconnections of natural resources – can be applied to any project. I frequently work with other consultants versed in regional water flow, habitat, and wildlife to identify natural resources within a project site to establish interconnections with existing or proposed adjacent public preservation areas as part of the entitlement process. In 2017, I was appointed to the Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASAC) and brought with me my knowledge and understanding of the county’s policies regarding regional interconnections of natural resources. As a member of CLASAC, I have ensured the properties I vote for to recommend acquisition support the existing policies and desired regional interconnections across the county – not just adjacent to the overlay. When appropriate I have explained to the committee members and the public in attendance approved development permits adjacent to proposed acquisitions sites. In many instances the acquisition and approved development would enable interconnections between environmentally sensitive habitat. This has multiple benefits: the land areas naturally can provide water storage and improved quality over time as well as habitat for wildlife. Interconnecting public and private preservation areas enables the establishment of regional systems over time and public budgets can be leveraged farther when restoration and maintenance efforts are shared rather than only funded from the tax base. Since the inception of the overlay and my time as a CLASAC Member, more than 6,000 acres have been preserved through public and private efforts. KIM GLAS-CASTRO, AICP Vice Mayor, Lake Park Planning, Zoning & Building Director, Village of Palm Springs I serve as Planning, Zoning & Building Director for the Village of Palm Springs. I am also elected as a Town Commissioner in Lake Park and am appointed as Vice Mayor. (I consider this my community service.) I sit at least twice a month as a policy-maker and often as one of the decisionmakers on land use matters. I try to do my homework in advance, reviewing the agenda packages and raising questions through the Town Manager or Town Attorney prior to the meeting. I know that as a staff member I hate unexpected questions that come up at a meeting – especially those that require specific
numbers or details that I need to look up in order to accurately respond. I also try to keep in mind that I have 30+ years of planning experience; and when I sit as an elected official, my planners who are “advising” me are still developing in the profession. I have one piece of advice for city planners – get out of the office! Drive, walk, bike – observe what is going on in the community. I don’t mean from a code enforcement perspective; I mean from a use and compatibility perspective. Observe businesses – what challenges are affecting their operations or what opportunities might they take advantage of. Take note of incompatibilities or configurations that can be improved upon. Know what uses or activities are occurring in the various areas or neighborhoods. Observe conditions of roads and drainage facilities. You will not be as effective if you are simply using GoogleEarth to see what is going on in your community. And, your elected officials who live in the area and are in the shopping centers and neighborhoods during evening and weekend hours when you are not in the office (and probably not in town, assuming you live elsewhere) are probably observing more than you. I try to share my planning expertise with my colleagues on the Town Commission. They typically indulge me as I share my opinion and try to offer a planner’s perspective on the land use and planning matters that come before us. In the end, we all want what is best for our community. We have had several visioning efforts and projects that included significant community input. During these workshops I have seen my colleagues rise as leaders of good planning principals as we forge a consensus with our residents and business owners. FRED JONES, AICP Vice Mayor, City of Neptune Beach Senior Associate - Community and Mobility Planning, Michael Baker International Serving a dual role as a professional planner and an elected official has been a rewarding—albeit frustrating, at times — experience! I believe that it’s in our nature to make our communities better places than we found them and planners are always looking for opportunities to affect meaningful change beyond serving in a staff or consultant capacity. Combining the two roles has allowed me to leverage my expertise and thought leadership in planning to influence local community policy and decision making. It has also afforded me the opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of long-term thinking and rational planning as they apply to potentially controversial topics — from redevelopment to paid parking. Given the challenges that many local communities face in terms of aging infrastructure, continued on page 6
Winter 2021 / Florida Planning 5
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the changing regulatory environment, resiliency, NIMBYism, social media, and equity concerns, now more than ever we need more planners and design professionals to sit behind the dais. While campaigning, financial reporting, navigating Sunshine Rules, or returning phone calls about garbage collection issues may not be the most motivating factors, the ability to educate, compromise and get things done have made the experience worthwhile. In three and half years, we have been able to adopt a complete streets ordinance, construct the complete section of the East Coast Greenway through the city limits, implement a parking management system, and are currently implementing the first citywide visioning process, including a complete rewrite of our land development code with form-based elements, and revitalizing our central community park. Prioritizing and executing these activities would not have been possible without bringing technical proficiency and planning knowledge to the council. GREGORY J. ORAVEC Mayor, City of Port St. Lucie About 25 years ago, I was on the hunt for a professional internship necessary to complete my marine environmental systems degree at the University of Miami. I was fortunate in that my work study supervisor at UM was also the mayor of the neighboring City of South Miami and that she was gracious enough to facilitate a meeting with the city manager to hear out my ideas on how I might be able to contribute to the city with an environmental study. The city manager called down the Planning and Zoning Department director, who was a certified planner, graduate of UM’s renowned School of Architecture and, perhaps most germane to my fate, just happened to be someone I had informally met at the gym, one of those people you say “hey” to and offer a spot-on occasion but don’t really know. Well, all of this led, not to me carrying out an environmental study, but to me spearheading the drafting of the city’s 13 or so EAR-based Comprehensive Plan Amendments as a planning intern. It also led me to taking a planning tech position at the end of the internship, putting off law school (eventually forever), and then to becoming a Planner, P&Z Director, CRA Director, Assistant City Manager, City Manager and Mayor in roughly that order albeit in different Florida communities. No matter my job title, I will always consider myself a “planner,” and will be forever grateful to Mayor Price and Bill Mackey, AICP, (and the many mentors and sources of inspiration who followed) for setting me on a course where I could dedicate my professional life to serving others and, hopefully, helping to make the world a better place. What I learned as a planner, not just the technical aspects of
community building and placemaking but the soft skills of interacting with citizens and cultivating vision, has been and always will be foundational to everything I do; and while we’re talking about “foundational,” let’s be sure to mention my favorite definition of planning, which I share on a regular basis, “the application of forethought to action” (Please note that “action” is integral to the definition. A plan that sits on the shelf is just wasted effort and unrealized potential!). I hope that between the lines of my truncated “planning origin story,” there are some useful takeaways for the reader and what I want to share explicitly in closing is that, in my experience, good planning is not necessarily when a plan is realized as orderly as your favorite cookbook recipe. Life is seldom that simple. But good planning does seem to always incorporate the application of forethought to action; well thought out principles; and working hard, smart and together on a shared vision. And with the application of good planning consistently over time, we can overcome almost any challenge, fully leverage opportunities and help to make the world a better place. MARK T. RICKARDS, AICP Vice Chair Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Lake Worth Beach Planning Associate, Kimley Horn For the last 25 years, my area of practice as a planner has largely been focused on providing planning services to local and national clients in Southeast Florida, and since moving to the beautiful City of Lake Worth Beach in 2004, I’ve served two separate periods on the local Community Redevelopment Agency, serving as chair in the late 2000s, and currently serving as Vice Chair. In thinking about that experience on both sides of the dais, a few things come to mind in terms of gains in perspective that seemed worthy of sharing, The first is that I soon discovered that it is easier to have strong opinions about how a meeting should run when you are not the person running it, you are dealing with volunteers who may or may not be coming to the meeting prepared, may or may not understand the implications of the agenda items, and may or may not be having a bad day. The second is the value in the experience of hearing both good and bad presenters, and seeing them succeed or fail. This allowed me to watch how some people didn’t know how to take yes for an answer and stop talking, and also observed some projects move forward despite having major flaws. These experiences were something I put to use in my day job, especially as a presenting consultant in front of a board. Holding the interest of the board members, continued on page 7
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from my experience, seems to have a time limit somewhere near the 5-to-8-minute duration point, at which point you start losing people to whatever other distraction is available. I learned to think about my argument from the point of the board members, to practice the presentation so that it is concise and unrushed, and to be prepared, yes, with all the facts at my disposal ready to answer questions, but to focus on the request, to clear up aspects of the job that might be confusing, to clearly state the ‘why’ or reason for the request, and to make a clear ask at the end. Lastly, I came to a personal decision, one that is right for me specifically, and is certainly not advice to other professionals. There is a tension at times between a consulting planner and staff on points of policy, justification for a variance request, or a subjective difference of opinion about neighborhood issues like compatibility or scale. I believe in being a strong advocate for my clients, but made the decision several years ago that I would no longer represent clients on projects within my city.
The relationships formed as a CRA board member with elected officials, city departments, and other staff members, are something I put a high value on as a concerned resident and volunteer, and I realized two things at once; that I did not want to push the limits of our City Land Development Code as a zealous advocate for my client in my own city; and I did not want to strain those relationships by acting as agent on a tense or controversial project. I have had no regrets on that personal decision, and clients have understood. I would say without hesitation that my service on a volunteer board has helped my day-to-day competence as a consultant, and that my experience as a consultant has been of great help to my time as a board member of the Lake Worth Beach CRA Melissa Dickens, AICP serves as APA Florida’s VP-Communications and is the Strategic Planning and Policy Manager for Plan Hillsborough. She can be reached at dickensm@plancom.org.
REGISTRATION ENDS FEB 19TH! The 2021 Florida Legislative Session is almost here so you are not going to want to miss the 19th APA Florida Annual Public Policy Workshop. For the first time, APA Florida is hosting it as a virtual event so you can join us from your office or the comfort of your couch! No travel required. $50 for members | Students FREE! | $75 for nonmembers JUST ADDED: Virtual mobile tour The Capital Area Section ... More Than Tallahassee! . During this virtual mobile tour, you will explore our unique region with presentations from the Capital Area Section partners at the Apalachee Regional Planning Council. Their team will showcase resiliency, economic development, and housing projects in Franklin, Jackson, and Calhoun counties respectively. $10 for all interested Register for both by 5:00pm EST, Feb 19th!
Winter 2021 / Florida Planning 7
planners month in the Districts By: Alex Magee
Late last year, APA Florida launched a new initiative, Planners Month in the Districts. Modeled on APA’s Planners Day on the Hill program, members from around the state met virtually with their state representatives to introduce APA Florida as a resource on planning related issues. They also took the opportunity to highlight APA Florida’s priority issues for the upcoming legislative session: economic resilience, regional technology investment, fully funding affordable housing and environmental protection programs, and protecting against continued preemption of local government authority. APA Florida intends to make this an annual outreach effort during October which is designate by APA as National Community Planning Month. So read below about some of the meetings that occurred and hopefully you will be inspired to participate next year! WIATT BOWERS, AICP I just finished a legislative call with State Rep. Andrew Learned, FL-59, a freshmen Democratic house member representing the Brandon area. He has been appointed to several committees, most of which do not often deal directly with our issues. They are listed on his House webpage.
That said, he is very interested in planning issues and will likely be an advocate for us in the Legislature. He mentioned to me that he has agreed to co-sponsor House Bill 13 (sponsored by Killebrew and Silvers) that seeks to protect the Sadowski Trust Fund. KRISTEN NORWICKI, AICP AND MARILYN MAMMANO, AICP APA Florida Broward Section President Kristen Norwicki and Section Legislative Policy Representative Marilyn Mammano met virtually with the Executive Director of the Broward County Legislative Delegation, Andrea Knowles, to introduce the Broward Section and the 2021 Legislative Priorities. An introductory letter, the 2021 Legislative Priorities and the Planners Month in the Districts flier were sent to all the members of the Broward Delegation. After this initial contact Marilyn Mammano spoke at the first Delegation Public Meeting in December. Post these introductory meetings requests for virtual follow-up meetings with individuals were sent to key members. TONY PALERMO, AICP Planners Month in the District gave me a chance to virtually talk with two newly-elected members of the Florida House of Representatives representing two very different parts of Southwest Florida. I had not participated in an APA Legislative Policy Committee lobbying project before and was glad I did so this time around. Republican State Rep. Jenna Persons, FL-78, represents urban and suburban parts of Lee County including the City of Fort Myers. Rep. Persons is a well-known and respected land use attorney for Strayhorn and Persons located a short walk from my office in downtown Fort Myers. She frequently contacts city staff, attends many Planning Board and City Council meetings – and she’s no stranger to local politics and policy. She and I also share another connection. Rep. Persons is a 2008 graduate from George Washington University’s Law School while I was a 1993 graduate of GWU’s Public Administration program. Rep. Persons and her new Legislative Assistant Morgan Parrish met virtually with me where we discussed the coming 2021 session, committee assignments, and an upcoming Lee County delegation meeting. We also talked about the legislative priorities of APA Florida, including: affordable housing, growth management, and issues related to virtual public meetings. Covid-19, and its economic, budgetary, and health impacts, are likely to dominate State business, she said. continued on page 9
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“It’s a unique session for sure,” Rep. Persons said. Rep. Kaylee Tuck is another freshman Republican lawmaker representing the more rural District 55 – Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee and part of St. Lucie County. She’s also a land use attorney and called me via Zoom from the law firm of Henderson Franklin in downtown Fort Myers. Rep. Tuck is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law. Like Rep. Persons, she has deep Florida roots. Born and raised in Sebring, she’s interested in issues and committee assignments which will have an impact on rural Florida including education, hurricane preparation, mobile home regulations, agricultural interests, and management of Lake Okeechobee.
L: Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R: Tony Palermo
Asked about virtual hearings, she said some of the county commissioners in her rural district have been curious about their options for continuing to utilize virtual hearings, even after the Covid-19 pandemic passes. “It’s a good way to make citizen government easier,” Rep. Tuck said. “Sometimes it’s easier to sit in your home rather than drive a long way to the office.” Tuck agreed with Persons that the 2021 session will be dominated by Covid-19, and its impact on the economy, health, education, and the state budget. She said there is a large learning curve for all new members of the legislature.
L: Brad Parrish, C; State Sen. Tom A. Wright, FL-14, R: Trina Gilliam
BRAD PARRISH, AICP AND TRINA GILLIAM We met with State Sen. Tom A. Wright, FL-14, to discuss affordable housing and economic development issues. Senator Wright is very supportive of affordable housing initiatives, including full funding of the Sadowski Trust Fund and housing for veterans. We really enjoyed meeting with him and hearing about his priorities for the 2021 legislative year. Alex Magee is APA Florida’s Executive Director and can be reached at fapa@floridaplanning.org.
APA Advocacy Resources: Communications Guide Section 4: Allies and Partners Planners' Communications Guide 2.0 – Advocacy (Video)
Seven Essentials for Working with Elected Officials Worksheet (PDF) Planners’ Advocacy Network (PDF) Advocate’s Toolbox (PDF)
Winter 2021 / Florida Planning 9
Hiring Planning Consultants: A View From Both Sides By Susan Swift, AICP Public planning agencies often turn to consultants for special projects, to augment limited staff of specific expertise or to handle a political or controversial project. They may be hired for a specific project or an “on-call” continuing services contract - or both. In order for public agency planners to get the best service and products, it is important to make the Request For Proposal (RFP)/Request For Qualifications (RFQ) process a two-way street instead of a one-way guessing game. That is, within the limits of state and local laws (see Resources, below). The purpose of local procurement ordinances and Florida’s Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA) is to achieve the most effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Perhaps because procurement is often for construction or buying widgets – or for more technical and finite services, the typical RFP is not very conducive to Planning Services. As planners know, outcomes of planning projects are very “grey”, not quantifiable, and the engagement process not finite. Learning the variables and nuances of a particular project is even more difficult given the CCNA “Cone of Silence.” Having worked as a public sector planner and a consultant, here are my TOP TEN TIPS to make the solicitation process more satisfying to all involved.
10
Request an annual budget allocation for “unplanned” planning projects/tasks. Budget directors and elected officials don’t readily buy into it but if 2020 didn’t demonstrate unplanned and unpredictable needs, nothing will.
9
Use on-call or “continuing” contracts for small/ medium projects. Planners have been slow to take advantage of this tool so common in Engineering Departments. With one RFQ, you can have a pool of consultants with various specialties, saving 3-6 months. Or, just ask your engineers to add the word “planning” to their multi-year RFQ. Be clear about teaming. Do you want all specialties on a team or do you want to be able to “pick and choose?”
8
Review the entire RFP/RFQ drafted by your Purchasing Department. If it sounds like the deliverable is construction of a new sewer plant, revise it. Review the submission requirements, the point scoring, Scope of Services, etc.
7
Allow sufficient time. If the proposal deadline is too short, consultants may assume someone has the inside track and won’t apply.
6
Production vs. adoption. Budgets and expectations typically go awry with the adoption process. Although unpredictable, there are ways to craft a scope to limit costs.
4
Consultants don’t have ESP. They should not have to guess whether you want the Tesla or the Chevy.
3
EAR’s & Comprehensive Plans. Despite being prescriptive by statute, there are variables. Refer to # 4.
2
Divulge your budget. They’re not asking so they can charge the maximum; refer to #4.
1
Use an RFQ wherever possible. A proposal or scope is useful if your project is unique or you’re looking for creativity or free ideas. Otherwise, select your consultant based upon qualifications and relevant experience – not on a proposal/ scope or approach written in a vacuum.
Susan Swift, AICP is the Geographic Discipline Leader for Planning Services for Maser Consulting. She has responded to RFPs and RFQs as a consulting planner and she has written them as a planning director for Tampa, Rockville MD and Leesburg VA. Maser Consulting will become Colliers Engineering & Design in the first quarter of 2021. Susan can be reached at sswift@maserconsulting.com.
Additional Resources: Florida Statutes Chapter 287.055 known as the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA). F.S. 112 (Part III) Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees F.S. 286, Public Meeting/Sunshine Law. Florida Public Procurement Guide For Elected Officials and Senior Management, Barbara Grilli, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., May 5, 2020.
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There is no “standard” planning project. To the extent you know, explain what you want: the type of product, public engagement process, outreach, approximate timeline for adoption; existing or new data sources; etc. If your addenda are longer than the RFP/RFQ, there’s a problem!
Ethics Of RFP’s, Shelby Powell, AICP & David Fields, AICP; APA online webinar #9155288 Hiring A Consultant: RFQ’s and RFP’s; Ann Dillemuth, AICP, PAS QuickNotes No. 37, American Planning Association, 2012. Better RFPs, Please; Tim Baldwin, AICP; Planning Magazine, 2013. Working With Planning Consultants, Eric Kelly, FAICP, PAS Report 573, American Planning Association, 2013.
DAVID A. THERIAQUE, ESQUIRE S. BRENT SPAIN, ESQUIRE BENJAMIN R. KELLEY, ESQUIRE COMPREHENSIVE PLANS LAND DEVELOPMENT CODES PLANNING AND LAND USE LAW ADMINISTRATIVE • TRIAL • APPELLATE TALLAHASSEE OFFICE 433 NORTH MAGNOLIA DRIVE TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32308 TELEPHONE: 850.224.7332 DAT@THERIAQUELAW.COM WINDERMERE OFFICE 9100 CONROY WINDERMERE ROAD, SUITE 200 WINDERMERE, FLORIDA 34786 TELEPHONE: 407.264.6132 SBS@THERIAQUELAW.COM WWW.THERIAQUELAW.COM
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florida planning conference 2021
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS miami l August 31 - September 3, 2021 Playing on the concepts of exploration and diversity, this theme seeks to highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of our region and our state. South Florida’s many layers (ecological, developmental, jurisdictional, ethnic and cultural, etc.) offer an opportunity for exploration, lessons learned, and a glimpse of a future that integrates, preserves and celebrates the most essential and desirable qualities of people and place. Importantly, racial considerations which have been longstanding should be considered here, understanding the need for discussion on the future of equitable outcomes that goes hand in hand with the celebration of diversity. The “layers of the Medianoche” create the narrative of South Florida: stories of inspiration, innovation, imagination and exploration of the future city.
tracks SEAT AT THE TABLE The focus of this track is on community engagement and ways to ensure equity in public engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, planners have had to employ new tools to engage and reach out to the community. The sessions will be focused on new ways to engage the public and provide for access to diverse populations, including seniors, homeless, minority communities, and youth. WHAT’S IN THE SOUP? The focus of this track is on innovative strategies and equitable and inclusive solutions to planning in the areas of Land Use, Housing and Transportation. This track will focus on the connection of land use to transportation, as well as innovative first-last mile solutions to transportation including Automated, Connected, Electric and Shared Vehicle technologies. This track will also include growth and economic development while considering environmental constraints like sea level rise, urban sprawl and sustainable development patterns. This track will also cover topics related to affordable housing, workforce housing and access to communities. CREAM OF THE CROP This track emphasizes regulatory topics such as federal, state and local laws, legislative previews/updates, 1st Amendment issues, sign regulations, code enforcement, emergency orders to address COVID-19 pandemic, the military, short-term housing, customary use, grant and funding strategies, planning law updates, ethics overviews and scenarios, and other specific legal or policy topics. This track will also address legislation pertaining to emerging technologies in the State of Florida. continued on page 13
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[CALL FOR] PRESENTATIONS
continued from page 12
LA VENTANITA This track centers on equitable and inclusive placemaking and the different facets that contribute to it. Topics can include Community Redevelopment Agency strategies, redevelopment, repurposing, arts, culture, economic development, complete streets and multimodal transportation (including mass transit, airports, rail, water taxi, bicycle planning, ports, walkability, streetscapes, street/roadway design, green highways and streets), transitoriented development, and form-based code. WATERFRONT DINING This track concentrates on health, recovery and the environment. Topics in this track include health and recreation, ecotourism, trail towns, environmental planning, parks/recreation planning, rural lands, agricultural planning, low impact development, stormwater planning, water quality, planning for natural resources, renewable energy, disaster recovery and mitigation including post hurricane recovery (workforce/temporary housing and relocation), coastal resiliency and sustainability, COVID-19 and pandemic recovery and planning, emergency management and special events, and other health and environmental related topics. Emphasis should be placed on equitable and inclusive projects and solutions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Session proposals are due by 5:00 pm EST on March 31, 2021. The guidelines and session submittal form will be posted on the chapter website next week so start thinking about a great session now! APA Florida wants to support the planning community in developing innovative and practical approaches for planning in the public interest. We recognize the inequities of past planning practices, and our goal is to create inclusive, just, equitable, and sustainable communities. We encourage session submitters to provide a statement as to how your proposed session contributes to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in planning in Florida. As part of this commitment, you are encouraged to submit sessions that have panelists of diverse identities, have topics that engage APA’s commitment to equity, and that consider the equity implications of projects being featured. All session proposals should be for 75 minutes, except for law or ethic sessions which should be for 90 minutes. Panel sessions are encouraged. All sessions must have at least two presenters. Note: At this time, we are anticipating the conference to be in-person in Miami. However, we may need to pivot to a virtual or hybrid format. We will notify the point of contact on your submission if the Executive Committee has made a change in format.
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minority scholarships 2020 Recipients
APA Florida was elated to award scholarships this past December to three remarkable, up-and-coming planners. Jady Chen, Kailon Thompson, and Karina Amalbert are the recipients of the 2020 APA Florida Minority Scholarships.
The awards for each are as follows: Kailon received $2,000, Jady received $1,500, and Karina received $,1000 to apply toward education expenses. Let’s meet these intriguing students: Jady, a first-generation college student, is now a first-year graduate student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Central Florida. Preceding her journey to graduate school, Jady received her Bachelor of Science with honors in Environmental Studies focusing on Communication and Planning from the University of Central Florida. While working toward a career in Sustainable Planning and Design, Jady was recently awarded Second Place Winner for the Green Space Master Planning Design – The Star Garden through the UCF Sustainability Initiatives. Her passion and dedication to propelling sustainable strategies and solutions for environmental and design planning efforts is evident through her work with the City of Orlando and the UCF Campus Innovation Council. Presently, she is working for the City of Orlando conducting feasibility assessments for city projects and analyzing building flow automation. Additionally, Jady sits as the Executive Vice Chair of Sustainability for the UCF Campus Innovation Council, where she conducts research informing short and long-term planning decisions and grant writing for the program. Kailon, also a first-generation college student, is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University where she previously received a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs with a focus in Social Work. continued on page 15
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Kailon Thomps
on
Jady Chen
Karina Amalbert
[MINORITY] SCHOLARSHIPS
continued from page 14
Currently, Kailon is specializing in Neighborhood Planning and Urban Design and Planning for Developing Areas with the goal of bringing a multicultural perspective while advocating and planning for minority communities. Her interests especially lie in the promotion of economic development and entrepreneurship in minority communities in order to ensure equitable growth and sustainability. In efforts to achieve her goals of becoming a neighborhood planner and community liaison for marginalized communities, Kailon has been working with the Frenchtown Community in Tallahassee as a Student Consultant. Her work includes developing marketing and entrepreneurship strategies to unite the community and open access to healthy and sustainable food. Additionally, she works as a Graduate Associate for the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency, researching and assessing the redevelopment goals for the Greater Frenchtown/ Southside Area.
Karina is also a first-generation college student and recent graduate of Florida State University. In Spring 2020, she received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. Presently, she is working towards a Master of Science in Planning specializing in International Emergency Planning and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In addition to Karina’s graduate studies, she works as a Research Assistant for the FSU Department of Urban and Regional Planning collecting and analyzing data for projects conducted in the Mark and Marianne Barnebey Planning and Development Lab. The scope of the projects she has collaborated on include resiliency indices and plans for the FDOT and multi-modal mobility alternatives in North Florida. Karina’s passion and interests in International Emergency Planning stems from her strong Latin heritage and the many stories told by her Abuela of the resilience exemplified by Latin communities in Puerto Rico during times of natural disaster. She hopes to commit her work succeeding graduation to pursuing a Ph.D. in order to best serve LatinX communities in disaster mitigation and recovery.
APA Florida
PLANNERS ON THE MOVE ALANA BRASIER TO HEAD TAMPA'S VISION ZERO EFFORTS The City of Tampa has hired Alana Brasier, AICP, as the city’s first-ever Vision Zero Coordinator. Alana will oversee the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan development as well as plan and implement programs and projects which help the city to achieve Vision Zero. Alana brings to the city extensive experience managing Vision Zero projects for other government agencies and has nearly a decade of experience working locally with the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Hillsborough County, and the Florida Department of Transportation and has also served clients nationwide. She co-authored the TIGER grant that awarded Tampa funds to complete the Tampa Riverwalk and construct the Selmon Greenway. She has also served as consultant Project Manager for the Hillsborough MPO on its Vision Zero Action Plan, which spearheaded the effort to eliminate roadway fatalities and severe injuries in Hillsborough County. Since then she has continued working on Vision Zero, both locally and across Florida.
CITY OF TAMPA HIRES BRANDIE MIKLUS Brandie Miklus, AICP, extensive experience in transportation and infrastructure planning, strategic communications, community engagement and consensus building, combined with her strong understanding of Tampa’s residents and neighborhoods will serve the city well during a time of unprecedented investment in our infrastructure systems. Brandie will support major programs and projects such as the multi-billion dollar PIPES project (Progressive Infrastructure Planning to Ensure Sustainability), the city’s proactive approach to renewing infrastructure, preventing breakdowns, and providing long-term permanent fixes to our water and wastewater systems. Brandie will be the friendly face of the PIPES program as well as other key programs and initiatives to support Mayor Castor’s plan in “Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow.” She is a graduate of the Florida State University Department of Urban & Regional Planning. Brandie has been involved with many non-profit and volunteer organizations, and currently serves as President of Friends of Tampa Union Station.
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Executive Committee Spotlight Q&A:
Bradley Parrish, AICP
Where are you originally from? Tampa, Florida What college/university did you attend? University of Cincinnati What is your current position? Planning Manager for the City of Titusville. What is your current and any past positions in APA Florida and/or APA National? Current Atlantic Coast Section Chair, past Atlantic Coast Section Secretary. What would you be doing now if you hadn’t chosen the planning profession? I probably would have been an Archaeologist digging holes in a bog somewhere in Florida. Are you a member in other planning or non-planning boards, committees or organizations? I am a member of the National Peace Corps Association, the Optimist Club and Sierra Club. Would you like to share anything about your family? My wife and I have two young boys and a lot of fish. What are your hobbies and interests? Exploring Florida’s parks, springs and beaches. There is so much to see and do outdoors. Do you have any advice to new graduates in your field/ career tips? Find a mentor that is willing to share their skills, knowledge and expertise. Sometimes you will find yourself muddling through some difficult terrain that only a good mentor can help you through. What have you gained or learned by being a section leader in APA Florida? There are many planners that want to volunteer and contribute to an APA activity but do not know how. Tapping into their energy and enthusiasm is key to maintaining a successful section.
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Is there a particular state planning topic you’d like to comment on or feel fellow planners need to follow? Affordable housing seems to top everything. We should do everything possible to keep people in their homes and provide enough housing for those in need especially in the uncertain time that we are in. Without housing everything else becomes secondary. Do you have a planning or personal achievement to discuss? I have to say the time I spent as co-conference committee member with Lisa Frazier for the 2017 Chapter conference in Daytona. At the time we didn’t know how our Section was going to pull it off. We had a few members on the executive committee and little experience but when we reached out to our membership everything changed. Everyone was excited for the opportunity to showcase our area. Members brought their expertise to help organize mobile tours, recruit speakers and contact local sponsors. Although Hurricane Irma impacted the conference attendance, it was more than we could have expected. Hopefully we’ll have another opportunity to show off what the Atlantic Coast has to offer.
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APA FLORIDA WORKING FOR YOU NEW FACE IN THE CHAPTER OFFICE Please welcome Jessica Groce to the APA Florida family. Jessica joined us on Feb. 1 as our new Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant. She replaces Denise Johns-Smith who left us for family reasons. Jessica is originally from Polk County, the Heart of Florida. She moved to Tallahassee fifteen years ago and began working as a medical receptionist for about seven years. There she gained the knowledge of how to run an office efficiently and effectively. She says that her next five years of experience were the greatest for this job; she previously owned a diesel repair shop. There she learned most of the behind the scenes of how to build and run a business. Her most recent job was serving as the frontend manager at a local family-owned grocery store. Jessica says “My experience with customer service served me well as I love people and at the end of everyday it is rewarding to me to know I could make a difference in someone else’s life. I am thrilled that APA Florida has welcomed me in. Beyond knowing that I have the experience to do this job well, I am excited because planning is new to me and it excites me to learn something new!”
YOUR AICP DIGITAL CREDENTIAL IS HERE The American Institute of Certified Planners has launched a new digital credential as a free member benefit to AICP, FAICP, AICP CTP, AICP CUD, AICP CEP and AICP Candidate members. This makes it easier than ever to amplify your achievement in our evermore digital world. Your certification conveys your commitment to making great communities to employers, colleagues, elected officials and the public. Your digital credential can be shared with anyone to confirm your certification, see the skills and education necessary for you to have earned the certification and what ongoing education you participate in. For instructions on claiming and sharing your “badge,” click here.
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FREE AND PAID CM OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN 2021 Now available to members until August 23, 2021 are three new free CM sessions and three new paid CM sessions. At no charge, on-demand learning is available with the following (providing a total of 4 CM credits): • The Rules are Different Everywhere (1.5 CM Law) • Ethics Case of the Year (1.5 CM Ethics) • Equitable Public Engagement Strategies (1 CM) In addition to these free sessions, on-demand learning is available for a small fee with the following sessions from FPC20: • Law, Legislation and Case Studies in Resiliency Planning for Sea Level Rise and Climate Change (1.5 CM Law) – $15 • Let’s Talk about Privilege (1.5 Ethics) – $15 • Planning for Women in Florida (or Lack Thereof) – $10
[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. East Central Florida Regional Planning Council 455 N. Garland Avenue, Suite 414
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.
Orlando, Florida 32801 www.ecfrpc.org Phone: 407.245.0300 Serving Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties
Fax: 407.245.0285
Planning | Urban Design Landscape Architecture Economics | Real Estate
Creating great community places. gaiconsultants.com/communitysolutions
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[FLORIDA] PLANNING 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 May 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
[THANK YOU] TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS
[UPCOMING] EVENTS Feb. 19: Resilience in Vulnerable Communities Webinar. The Planning Webcast Series will host a webinar, Resilience in Vulnerable Communities, which will focus on Hilton Head Island’s population was predominately Gullah Geechee people for generations until a bridge brought development in 1956. Because of this new development Gullah Geechee people were forced out due to rising land, housing, and tax costs. A Gullah Geechee Land and Cultural Preservation Task Force was created to preserve their culture and the result of their work included 37 policy recommendations. The speakers will describe the zoning measures being considered to ensure the community has access to land and the programs that exist to arrest land sales for heirs’ property. Information here. Free. 1.5 CM when viewed live.
Feb. 23: The Capital Area Section... More Than Tallahassee! Webinar. This event is offered as a pre-workshop educational opportunity for the APA Florida Public Policy Workshop. The tour covers physical planning, from quaint downtowns to the waterfront, that showcase the Capital Area Section beyond the city limits of Tallahassee. During this virtual mobile tour, you will explore our unique region with presentations from the Capital Area Section partners at the Apalachee Regional Planning Council. Their team will showcase resiliency, economic development, and housing projects in Franklin, Jackson, and Calhoun counties respectively. Information here. $10. 1 CM.
May 5 – 7: 2021 National Planning Conference Online. Join the planning community after a year like no other in the most immersive, energizing and empowering NPC yet! Share experiences, address challenges, and get ideas designed for today’s needs. Information here. Free. 1 CM available
May 14: The 2020 Census Webinar. Join the Sun Coast Section of the APA Florida Chapter to learn about the 2020 Census, how it affects your community, the importance of reaching the Hard to Count groups, and the unique challenges it faces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information here. CMs available
Throughout 2021: FDOT Transportation Symposium Weekly throughout 2021: The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting weekly webinars as a part of its FDOT Transportation Symposium 2021. Information here. Free. 1 CM per session. Upcoming topics of interest: • Wildlife Crossing Initiatives • Placement of Trees in Context Sensitive Design • Cultivating a Safety Culture For more information on these and other APA Florida events, please visit florida.planning.org/calendar/