Florida planners trying to "Chart a New Course" for state growth management emphasizing economic development and redevelopment are gathering at the Waldorf Astoria in Naples Sept. 12-15 for the American Planning Association's Florida 2012 Conference.
Topics include urban sprawl, traffic, deterioration of natural resources and pre-platted residential communities such as Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. They will showcase Southwest Florida planning and discuss national planning trends.
Tours Sept. 12-13 include visits to Punta Gorda, Immokalee and Ave Maria University, Everglades City and the revitalized Fort Myers River District.
Article Photos
Key speakers include: Charles Marohn, executive director of Strong Towns, a Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on connecting land use and economic development; Mitchell Silver, president of the American Planning Association and chief planning and economic development officer of Raleigh, N.C.; and Samuel Staley, managing director of the DeVoe L. Moore Center at Florida State University
Local speakers include: Mary Gibbs, director of the Lee County Department of Community Development; Bill Spikowski, principal of Spikowski Planning Associates in Fort Myers; Robert Mulhere, manager of Mulhere and Associates in Marco Island; and Debrah Forester, Charlotte County redevelopment manager.
Contact Kathie Ebaugh, Lee County Community Development, at kebaugh@leegov.com; (239) 533-8313 office; (941) 234-6263 cell.
Fact Box
Contact Kathie Ebaugh, Lee County Community Development, at kebaugh@leegov.com; (239) 533-8313 office; (941) 234-6263 cell.
