Development of Regional Impact Program

Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development, which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation, and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and facilities of regional significance.

Disaster Mitigation Program

Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in need.

Return to top

Dispute Resolution Program

Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee Region.

Economic Development

The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public, nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income, expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.

The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation, strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.

Return to top

Hazardous Materials Program

ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation, print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.

Hazardous Waste Verification Program

In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for landfills.

Return to top

Intergovernmental Coordination Program

The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all affected parties.

Plan Review Program

Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions). The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance. This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and rule complaince.

Return to top

Regional Planning Program

One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in each region.

In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans, developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.

Regional Transportation

The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local, state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway, transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires, environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic Safety Team.

Development of Regional Impact Program

Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development, which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation, and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and facilities of regional significance.

Disaster Mitigation Program

Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in need.

Return to top

Dispute Resolution Program

Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee Region.

Economic Development

The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public, nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income, expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.

The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation, strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.

Return to top

Hazardous Materials Program

ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation, print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.

Hazardous Waste Verification Program

In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for landfills.

Return to top

Intergovernmental Coordination Program

The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all affected parties.

Plan Review Program

Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions). The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance. This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and rule complaince.

Return to top

Regional Planning Program

One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in each region.

In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans, developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.

Regional Transportation

The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local, state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway, transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires, environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic Safety Team.

Development of Regional Impact Program

Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development, which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation, and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and facilities of regional significance.

Disaster Mitigation Program

Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in need.

Return to top

Dispute Resolution Program

Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee Region.

Economic Development

The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public, nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income, expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.

The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation, strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.

Return to top

Hazardous Materials Program

ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation, print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.

Hazardous Waste Verification Program

In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for landfills.

Return to top

Intergovernmental Coordination Program

The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all affected parties.

Plan Review Program

Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions). The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance. This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and rule complaince.

Return to top

Regional Planning Program

One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in each region.

In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans, developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.

Regional Transportation

The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local, state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway, transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires, environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic Safety Team.

Development of Regional Impact Program

Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development, which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation, and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and facilities of regional significance.

Disaster Mitigation Program

Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in need.

Return to top

Dispute Resolution Program

Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee Region.

Economic Development

The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public, nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income, expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.

The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation, strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.

Return to top

Hazardous Materials Program

ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation, print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.

Hazardous Waste Verification Program

In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for landfills.

Return to top

Intergovernmental Coordination Program

The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all affected parties.

Plan Review Program

Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions). The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance. This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and rule complaince.

Return to top

Regional Planning Program

One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in each region.

In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans, developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.

Regional Transportation

The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local, state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway, transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires, environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic Safety Team.