Session 13 -- More Than Illusions: Establishing and implementing visions at state, regional and local levels

Moderator, Ms. Kathy Neill, Administrator, Intergovernmental Programs, Florida Department of Transportation -- Presentation
Mr. Steve Seibert, Executive Director, Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida
Mr. Larry Mugler, AICP, Planning Services Manager, Denver Regional Council of Governments -- Presentation (17.2 Mb)
Mr. Michael Wood, AICP, Growth Management Administrator, Manatee County

Kathy Neill introduced the panelists and explained the Florida Transportation Plan (FTP) objectives and strategies to recognize and further community visions in transportation decision making. Recent projects confirm that continuing trend development will result in sprawl and negative environmental consequences. Visioning provides a forum to discuss possible alternative futures. She explained the importance of regional visions and visioning processes to Future Corridors Program Vision and Action Plan. She stated that regional visions need strong implementation strategies. Regional visioning initiatives are underway in most of the urban areas in Florida, with some efforts taking place in rural areas.

Larry Mugler presented an overview of the Metro Vision 2030 effort in nine counties in the Denver, Colorado area. Elected officials are seen as key to decision-making. Issues include population growth, sprawl, traffic congestion, and water availability. Planning can help produce orderly development. Major elements of the plan include Extent of Development, (Urban Growth Boundary), Semi-Urban Development, Urban Centers, Transportation, Implementation Tenets (Voluntary, Flexible, Collaborative, Effective, through local government actions). MetroVision sets criteria for evaluating roadway capacity projects and for inclusion in Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). $8 billion funding shortfall for transportation needs. Mile High Compact--not all jurisdictions have signed (currently 42 of 52 (two counties). Urban growth boundary linked to water and wastewater facilities. Measuring performance is important. Elements of Success include: flexibility for unique communities, agreement on vision, voluntary but institutionalized process, supported by Governor’s Smart Growth effort, Transportation and Land Use planning linked in same organization. Lessons Learned included: Need to take plan seriously, Plans evolve, Balance, Can’t please all members all the time, Don’t need authority to influence. See www.drcog.org

Michael Wood described the Imagine Manatee effort to develop a 50 year vision for Manatee County. Distilled to seven words and an action plan: Green, Beautiful, Accessible, Equitable, Prosperous, Collaborative, Educated. An effective process involves listening to and educating the public. Outreach efforts very important. Neutrality is very important. You have to have multiple ways to participate. The Manatee visioning process was tied to Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) process. Funding for follow-up and implementation is important. Visioning led to recognition of cost impacts of planned development, future land use map was amended to reduce transportation needs, and local option gas tax was adopted. A Rural Lands Stewardship Area effort is underway. Provide a way for citizens to stay involved in implementation (Example, see: Columbus2012 Web site). Trust the process and trust the people.See www.imaginemanatee.org

Steve Seibert discussed the urgency of sustainability in thinking about the future. Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. Visioning is not a “feel good” exercise--it is survival. The tyranny of the present crisis obscures our ability to plan...He discussed the purpose of the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida to envision the future in 25 and 50 years, provide a safe haven for ideas, be a convener, and engage Floridians in productive discussion on the future.

Kathy Neill closed with the comment that “When it comes to planning in Florida, we need a ‘mulligan’.”

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