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FRCA | Forward Newsletter | June 2019
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South Florida RPC, Treasure Coast RPC and South Florida RTA
Partner on Award Wining Program
The Treasure Coast and South Florida Regional Planning Councils, in partnership with the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), created a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Education and Outreach Program. The TOD Outreach Program was a collaborative, multi-agency effort to improve mobility, access, ridership, and transit-supportive land development potential for the Tri-Rail Commuter service operated by SFRTA by encouraging appropriate development patterns along the Tri-Rail corridor in Southeast Florida. Appropriate Transit Oriented Development will improve quality of life in the communities served by Tri-Rail and improve the success of the commuter rail system by promoting ridership.
An extensive outreach program engaging local governments and stakeholder agencies expanded understanding of Transit Oriented Development in the region. In addition, a regional Idea Exchange Network to facilitate adoption of TOD policies and zoning codes and subsequent project approvals. The program also established a more collaborative relationship between local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Regional Planning Councils while positioning the SFTRA as a resource and development partner for station-area land development and infrastructure investments.
The program received a 2019 Regional Leadership and Excellence Award from the National Association of Regional Councils on June 11, 2019 at NARC's 53rd Annual Conference and Exhibition in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Central Florida RPC Organizes Landowner Assistance Expo 2019
The Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC), with support from the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District, held the inaugural Landowner Assistance E
xp
o 2019 (LAX 2019) at the Bert Harris Jr. Agriculture Center Auditorium in Sebring. The E
xpo brought together 17 presenters and exhibitors from local, state, federal, and non-go
vernmental organizations who support landowners by providing cost-share, technical assistance, and conservation easement opportunities.
With diverse presentations covering wildlife conservation, alternative crops farm loans, tax
preparation, efficient water use and more, there was a little something for everyone. In addition,
private landowners with experience in the various programs were honored guests as they provided firsthand knowledge of program usefulness. Attendees were excited about the variety of programs discussed and the fast-paced format that encouraged brief overviews of the programs while allowing ample time for networking and visiting specific exhibits. Based on the positive feedback from presenters and attendees, LAX 2019 was a succ
ess and the Central Florida Regional Planning Council is planning for an expanded LAX 2020.
LAX 2019 was held in support of the Central Florida RPC's coordination of the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape Partnership. The Partnership brings together the U.S Departments of Defense, Interior, and Agriculture to support working lands, conservation efforts, and the military training mission by encouraging compatible development around the Avon Park Air Force Range. The Partnership also includes many non-federal members who all share a common goal of responsible stewardship and effective management of the region's natural resources.
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Tampa Bay RPC Hosts Resilience Forum
International resilience expert Henk Ovink recently visited the Tampa Bay region and provided progress on resilience efforts happening around the world. Some of the most inventive concepts included parking lots under man-made structures that act as flood barriers, roofs covered in vegetation that absorb storm water, and highway overpasses with walls that can divert flood waters.
Ovink, who serves as the Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Netherlands, was also a senior advisor to the U.S. government for rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy. He discussed innovative projects taking place in the Netherlands, as well as in areas of New York and New Jersey that were hit by Hurricane Sandy. Only about a third of Ovink's homeland is above sea level, so the Netherlands has made water management a priority for centuries.
Ovink concluded the hour-long talk by complimenting the recent climate change planning efforts occurring in the Tampa Bay region.
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Florida Main Street Conference
July 24 - 26, 2019
Orlando, Florida
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FEPA Mid-Year Work Session
August 7 - 9, 2019
Naples Beach Hotel
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FLC 93rd Annual Conference
August 12 - 17, 2019
World Center Marriott, Orlando
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FRCA Partners Meetings Schedule
Listed below are the upcoming Partners Meetings hosted by FRCA throughout the year. If you would like to attend or present at one of the Partners Meetings, please contact Denise Imbler
at [email protected]
| October 28, 2019 |
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Future Florida Forum, Orlando
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| December 12, 2019 |
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
City Hall, Tallahassee |
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