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.