Regional Leadership Forum

How Shall We Grow?
Creating a Shared Vision for Central Florida

Regional Leadership Forum

Nearly 450 community leaders and citizens from across Central Florida gathered on Friday, October 13, 2006, for the first public glimpse into the future of our region. Information and opinions gathered from more than 7,000 residents during 110 community meetings and presentations held in each of the seven counties that make up our region were presented. Scenario maps (artist renditions - not the final scnarios) (download the PowerPoint pdf) provided a picture of what Central Florida would or could look like in 2050 when our population will have nearly doubled from what it is today.

The program (download the PowerPoint pdf), “How Shall We Grow?” Creating a Shared Vision for Central Florida, included an opening commentary and challenge by Janet Watermeier, Vice Chair of the Florida Transportation Commission, who gave a statewide perspective on the importance of regional visioning.

Orlando Regional Chamber President, Jacob Stuart, provided an overview (download the PowerPoint pdf) on the 15-month visioning process. An Executive Summary of the Mid Project Report was provided to attendees, which not only details the community engagement efforts conducted since the first of the year, but also provides initial outcomes and observations that have come to light.

Twelve growth principles have been identified and ranked (download a current ranking) by what matters most to Central Floridians. At the top of the list are: preservation of open space, recreational areas, farmland, water resources and critical environmental areas; providing universal access to the highest quality of education, healthcare and cultural amenities; provision of a variety of transportation choices; fostering distinctive, attractive and safe places for people to live; encouraging a diverse, globally competitive economy; and creating a range of obtainable housing opportunities and choices.

By comparing a 2050 Trend Model map of the region prepared by the PennDesign Study showing expected population growth based on existing development and land use policies with a Development Preference Map that reflects citizen recommendations for distribution of expected population growth, the difference is striking. Those who have participated in the community meetings, by and large, have gained an awareness of the negative impacts of traditional growth patterns and a receptive attitude to the idea of developing new ways to accommodate growth and allow for greater preservation of the natural environment.

After presenting the comparative maps, Phil Laurien, Executive Director of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, provided a peek at maps that are being developed (artist renditions - not the final scnearios) in five alternative themes emphasizing more compact urban centers, new conservation areas and alternative transportation modes (download the PowerPoint pdf). Scenarios based on the themes that encompass the region’s growth principles (above) will provide citizenry with snapshots of the future. Forum attendees worked in small group discussions to make recommendations on how best to implement them (see table notes below.)

A distinguished panel of experts responded to audience feedback at the RBA Forum. Representing a broad cross-section of the community, the panel included: The Honorable Nancy Clutts, Mayor of Tavares; The Honorable Richard T. Crotty, Orange County Mayor; Des Cummings, Jr., Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Florida Hospital; R. Randolph Lyon, Jr., Chair of myregion.org and President of Xentury City Development Company, LC; Barry Gainer, Seminole County School Board, Jon B. Rawlson, Chair of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council; and The Honorable H.L. “Roy” Tyler, City Commissioner, Haines City and board member of the Polk Transportation Planning Organization.

In January, residents across the region will have an opportunity to “cast their ballot” on the scenario that best encapsulates their vision for the future of Central Florida. Public broadcasting’s WMFE-TV and also CBS affiliate, WKMG-TV, will product a series of prime-time programming to educate and engage the public in scenario selection. Stay tuned!

To read more about the Regional Leadership Forum event, hear audio clips from presentations and to view event photos - or to share your thoughts on the regional visioning process - please visit the weblog at www.howshallwegrow.org.

Download the recaps of the Table Discussion Notes by clicking on the respective Principle below:

Principle 1
Preserving Open Space, Recreational Areas, Farmland, Water Resources and Critical Environmental Areas

Principle 2

Provide universal access to the highest quality of education, healthcare and cultural amenities

Principle 3

Provide a variety of transportation choices

Principle 4

Encourage a diverse, globally competitive economy

Principle 5

Foster distinctive, attractive and safe places to live

Principle 6

Create a range of obtainable housing opportunities and choices

Principle 7

Other principles or policy topics

Complete compiled list