Issue 29 | February 2016

plan'ning
noun. The activity or profession of determining the future physical arrangement or condition of a community. Planning, also called urban planning or city and regional planning,
is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations. Planning helps communities envision their future and find the right balance of new development, essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change.

Announcing our new FLiP program to introduce Future Leaders in Planning to the planning profession! The Planning Commission is partnering with Hillsborough County Public Schools to initiate this student development program. Hillsborough County High School students currently in good standing in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply now through April 18, 2016.

On June 21 and June 22, selected students will embark on tours on foot, bus, and streetcar to experience a variety of speakers, presentations, and activities to gain a broad exposure to planning. The FLiP program will provide:
  • The chance to network with planning professionals and other students with a passion for planning for a thriving future for our community
  • The opportunity to learn from public and private sector professionals in the planning and related government services fields
  • Broad exposure to planning from multiple perspectives, including: comprehensive planning, economic development, environmental, historic preservation, community redevelopment, transportation, geographic information systems, education and research, and more
FLiP info and application »

Tampa, Temple Terrace Comprehensive Plans in effect
Imagine 2040 _ Tampa Comp Plan cover 
Imagine 2040 : Tampa Comprehensive Plan, Effective February 20, 2016
Imagine 2040 _ Temple Terrace Comp Plan 
Imagine 2040 : Temple Terrace Comprehensive Plan, Effective February 29, 2016  

Plan amendment and other development applications for the City of Tampa and the City of Temple Terrace submitted after their respective effective dates will be reviewed under each respective plan. The updated comprehensive plans incorporate more user-friendly format and emphasizes each city's priorities.   

Parra remains on Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Pedro Parra On February 3rd, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) confirmed the reappointment of Pedro Parra, Principal Planner on our staff Strategic Planning Initiatives Team, for a three year term to serve as the Planning Commission's representative on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. This Board advises and makes recommendations to the BOCC and the Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable housing development. It assists the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing. Pedro has served on this board since 2013, working to help solve significant challenges facing Hillsborough County. 

Read more about the Affordable Housing Advisory Board »

APA Florida Sun Coast Section + USF MURP = MAPS
MAPS logo
The Sun Coast Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association and the USF MURP - Master's of Urban and Regional Planning - program launched a new Mentor a Planning Student (MAPS) program. MAPS is an official program of APA Florida.

The University of South Florida joins Florida State University as the second university in Florida to offer this unique program. Locally, the program is open to students in the USF MURP program, as well as emerging planners in the Sun Coast area. This mentoring program helps create voluntary relationships between mentors and mentees for one academic year. This experience also provides a special opportunity to shadow a professional planner, network with area professionals, and cultivate job skills. Gaining contacts through this mentorship program will also help students and emerging planners develop their own professional career networks, while reinforcing a strong relationship between university programs, APA Florida, sections, and planning professionals. The Planning Commission is proud to participate in this mentoring program. 

Presidential papers find home at Planning Commission
The Planning Commission Library is now home to a very large collection of Public Papers of the Presidents. These printed volumes are not only physically impressive, but also really fascinating. The following presidents are including in our collection:
  • Herbert Hoover (1929-1933) 
  • Harry S. Truman (1945-1953) 
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) 
  • John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) 
  • Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) 
  • Richard Nixon (1969-1974) 
  • Gerald Ford (1974-1977) 
  • Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) 
  • Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) 
  • George Bush (1989-1993) 
  • Bill Clinton (1993-2001) 
  • George W. Bush (2001-2009) 
  • Barack Obama (2009-present)
The volumes have indices to search verbatim transcripts on what each president said on a particular topic (e.g. the environment, transportation). The collection was inherited from the John F. Germany Library when they no longer needed it as part of their Federal Depository Collection. Look for more exciting news about the Planning Commission Library and its many resources in the next issue of Beyond Today.

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other
nondiscrimination laws, public participation is solicited without regard
to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. 
Read more about the our commitment to non-discrimination and other requirements.