DCA develops online planning “toolbox”

By John Johnston
Managing Editor

The US has a representative form of government – a republican democracy.  For that system to work, citizens must participate.

And what do you have in your citizen toolbox?

If you’re a citizen interested in development and growth issues – or perhaps more importantly, a professional working with those same issues, you’ll be interested in a new and collaborative effort between the Florida Department of Community Affairs and Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES).

It’s called the Florida Planning Toolbox, and it is a pro-active approach to “help Florida’s local governments create distinctive communities and a diverse, sustainable economy,” according to DCA Secretary Tom Pelham.

Made possible by a DCA grant, and developed by CUES, Pelham said the toolbox helps users establish “an integrated and enduring process to protect and improve the environment; and provide access to the highest quality education and healthcare, and a rich cultural heritage.”

“The toolbox can be a desktop resource for all Florida communities. It highlights the broad range of planning tools used in our state to preserve our natural resources, promote a strong and resilient economy and plan for the future livability of Florida’s communities,” said Pelham.

The toolbox contains “how-to” tools including those that: 

• Provide a way for communities to conserve agricultural land.
• Address climate change.
• Protect coasts from inappropriate development.
• Diversify a local economy.
• Provide for greater social and economic.
• Address affordable housing needs.

Its developer’s say it also contains tools that:

• Can be used to understand the fiscal impact of development proposals.
• Conserve natural systems.
• Promote infill and redevelopment.
• Plan transportation improvements that improve pedestrian safety.
• Achieve local goals for community character.
• Protect water resources.

One part of the toolbox is devoted to tools that enable a high level of public involvement in planning processes. Another chapter contains benchmarking tools that can be used to measure progress on community goals.

“CUES plans to work with its public and private partners to continue to expand this planning toolbox and make it an enduring resource for Florida communities,” said James Murley, director of CUES.

The toolbox was prepared by CUES Senior Fellow Jean Scott, under the guidance of Murley and Robert M. Jones, director of the Florida Conflict Resolution Consortium at Florida State University and the University of Central Florida.

County Commissioner Jeff Koons must be beside himself.  This “toolbox” is a treehugger’s dream come true.