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from Robert B. Hunter, FAICP
Executive Director
Updating the Comprehensive Plans |
 As the State designated Local Planning Agency (LPA), the Planning Commission is responsible for preparation of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The LPA is responsible for the updates of the Comprehensive Plans and makes recommendations to the elected officials of the four jurisdictions in Hillsborough County. As part of that process, our staff has been conducting scoping meetings with staff of local, regional and state agencies to identify key opportunities to build a more prosperous and sustainable future. At the March 14th Planning Commission meeting, the Commissioners were asked to participate in a similar exercise. Each Commissioner selected six issues they felt were most important. A discussion to priortize these issues identified the following common topic areas: Growth & Infrastructure - including paying for growth and schools & education Environment - issues such as potable water, water supply, local food source and protecting our natural assets Regionalism & Economy - including regional and public/private partnerships to elevate our regional and global competitiveness Transp ortation - seeking opportunities for funding for better mobility strategies including improving transit and bicycle & pedestrian safety Data from these scoping meetings will be presented at our PARTNERING FOR THE FUTURE Workshop to be held in May, at which elected and appointed officials from Hillsborough County; the Cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City; and the Planning Commission; as well as Hillsborough County's schools and universities will work together to define the direction for our County as a whole and identify priorities for growth. |
