The Planning Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2014 Planning Commission Strategic Plan at their April 14th meeting. "This new strategic plan is a departure from our agency's past and changes the culture of our organization. It really reflects the user-friendliness we strive for in our agency," said Melissa Zornitta, Assistant Executive Director of the Planning Commission. "This was developed through a series of staff focus groups and a Commissioner retreat with our four client governments facilitated by consultants, The Profitable Group."

"The Planning Commission is an unbiased organization... the 'connector' among city/county, community and neighborhoods come together and set the foundation and solid footing for planned growth," said Planning Commissioner Stephanie Agliano. "The Planning Commission's responsiveness to the public is one of the greatest strengths," said Brian Holland. The new vision, mission, values capitalize on our strengths and our desire to build and thriving future and a solid legacy for Hillsborough County.

Mission
The Planning Commission promotes, coordinates, and facilitates the involvement of all people in the long range planning and vision for our community to improve economic development, quality of life, and provide value-added services.

Vision
The Planning Commission is the recognized subject matter expert on planning. People are confident in the innovative leadership that has contributed to the creation of a thriving, prosperous community that provides opportunity, fairness and choice in how we live, move, learn, work, and play.

Values

• Integrity/Trust
• Servant Leadership
• Transparency
• Stewardship
• Innovation 

On March 14th, at the Spring Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Turner Expositions made history by hosting their first-ever Town Hall meeting - our Imagine 2040 panel discussion. In addition to our interactive planning display at the center of the Home Show, we invited people to join us in a conversation about community improvements; it was the perfect synergy between people interested in improving their homes as well as the quality of life in our community.

 

  

We wish to warmly thank our moderator, WFLA's 970 AM Tampa Bay's Jack Harris, and all of our fantastic panelists:

 

*  Lisa Montelione | Tampa City Council, Metropolitan Planning Organization - Vice Chair & Chair of the MPO's Livable Roadways Committee - "We need to protect our natural assets and vision what we can accomplish now, so we are prepared for the future."

*  David Pogorilich | Temple Terrace City Council - Councilmember - "There is stronger cooperation among jurisdictions than ever before to make these types of investments for our future."

*  Derek Doughty | Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission - Chair - "It's fantastic the number of people, citizens and businesses alike, involved in the Imagine 2040 vision for future. We're looking forward to even more participating in our next phase this summer."

*  Laura Simpson | Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce - President & CEO - "This vision supports the type of economic development we need so our kids won't have to move away for good schools or great jobs. We need to advance our community."

*  Christine Burdick |Tampa Downtown Partnership - President - "Imagine 2040 takes into consideration our diverse community and offers choices for how people can live, work, play, and get around."

*  Jennifer Doerfel | Tampa Bay Builders Association - Vice President & CEO - "This vision supports all types of housing products, with increased opportunities to live downtown but still having suburban and rural choices."

*  Ray Chiaramonte | Planning Commission & MPO - Executive Director - Ray presented the results from the 2013 Imagine 2040 survey, opening the door to a robust conversation among Jack Harris, the panel, and Home Show attendees.

 

"As a vendor at the show, I sat in on your meeting. I found the discussion interesting... Tampa Bay's future success depends on logistics and the ease of commuting. Developing downtown for residential use and better transportation, etc,. needs to be figured out now! Utilizing existing RR tracks makes common sense... The Turner Home Show platform was a great idea." 

-Rick Mellette, President Affordable Roofing Systems Inc.

We can't thank our partners at Turner Expositions enough for giving our Town Hall a big welcome. We're really looking forward to participating the 4-day Labor Day Weekend Home Show! So, rev up your engines, because there are some really cool things on track for the next super-sized home show...

 

...And you've just got to go... and be involved. Stay tuned! 

 

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) held its 22nd Annual Future of the Region Awards event on March 28th, highlighting projects and programs that exemplify regionalism and recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions that benefit the regional community.

 

 

The City of Plant City was pleased to receive an award of Honorable Mention in the category of Development/ Infrastructure for Collins Street Corridor Study. The study defines a desired vision to create a unique identity for the southern gateway into Plant City, including guidance on streetscape components, such as bicycle and pedestrian amenities; street lighting; signage; crosswalks; and potential reconfigurations to enhance livability. "The Collins street project represents a proactive first step to link enhanced mobility with planned redevelopment and economic opportunity. The plan reinforces Plant City's historical identity while establishing a sustainable vision for future growth." said project landscape architect David Larsen of Atkins.

 

View the program listing all of this year's winners.

   

Thanks to all of our eNews subscribers, we have received the 2013 All Star Award from Constant Contact, Inc. The standards for becoming an All Star this year were tougher than ever. Only the top 10% of Constant Contact's half a million worldwide businesses and nonprofits are recognized for how successful they are at engaging their customers. Consistently high open rates, click through rates, and low bounce rates were among the qualifications. Luckily, we got your attention and managed to receive All Star status for two consecutive years!

 

Thank you for keeping up with the latest planning news through our series of eNews publications. It is our privilege  to serve our community, exchange important ideas and information, and work with you to build a thriving future! 

 

Issue 15 | April 2014

 

• Builder/ Developer Focus Group | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
• Community Leader Focus Group | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm  

 

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Marcie Stenmark or call 813/273-3774 x364.