Advancing Nature-Based Solutions for Hazard Mitigation

Wednesday, January 29, 2020, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Eastern   

Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and droughts are increasing in frequency and severity in the US. Nature-based approaches such as open space, wetlands, sand dunes, reefs, permeable pavement, and bioretention features are increasingly being used to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, while also providing multiple community benefits. And FEMA has begun to recognize and emphasize the value of investing in the conservation and stewardship of healthy landscapes for mitigating the impacts of floods, wildfires, and droughts, as reflected by recent policy updates in 2013 and 2016, and is also placing a greater emphasis on proactive investments before disasters occur. Rowan Schmidt, Program Director for Earth Economics, will discuss work supporting FEMA on the economics behind their 2013 and 2016 policies, and supporting land trust and agency partners in CA (post-wildfire), TX (post-Harvey) and other states to navigate these opportunities, conduct benefit-cost analysis, and apply for HMPG funding for projects that have overlapping conservation and hazard mitigation benefits. Laura Geselbracht, Senior Marine Scientist with The Nature Conservancy in Florida, will discuss recent studies on the environmental and economic flood risk reduction benefits of Florida’s mangroves, coral reefs, and other natural features that support coastal resilience. The webinar will conclude with questions and answers.

This event has been approved for professional certification credits for planners (1.5 AICP CM #9192437), Florida attorneys (2 CLE #1909795N), Certified Floodplain Managers (1 CEC), and Florida Environmental Health Professionals (.10 CEUs). 1000 Friends of Florida has applied for credits for Florida landscape architects (DBPR) but cannot guarantee that credits will be approved.

2020 Florida Legislative Update

Wednesday, February 19, 2020, from noon to 1:30, Eastern   

The actions taken during the 2020 Florida Legislative Session will have significant public policy impacts for planning, conservation, transportation, community design and other issues of concern to many Floridians with myriad impacts for concerned citizens, professionals, local elected officials and others.  1000 Friends President Paul Owens, Board Member Emeritus and Past Chairman Lester Abberger, and others will discuss key growth management, design, conservation and related bills including budget recommendations that are being considered during the 2020 Florida Legislative Session and other legislation that may surface as the session progresses.  There will be a discussion of how this legislation could impact state and local governance and planning in Florida.

This event has been approved for professional certification credits for Planners (AICP CM LEGAL #9189009), Florida attorneys (CLE 1908622N), Florida Certified Floodplain Managers, and Florida Certified Environmental Health Professionals. 1000 Friends has applied for credits for Florida DBPR landscape architects but cannot guarantee they will be approved.

The Economics of Development in Florida

Wednesday, March 11, 2020, from noon to 1:30, Eastern   

Drawing on data from Collier County, West Palm Beach and other communities in Florida and beyond, Joe Minicozzi, AICP, will focus on the economic impacts of development and sprawl in one of the fastest growing states in the nation.  A pioneer of an approach to planning and city design called Geoaccounting, Mr. Minicozzi demonstrate how cities can use local data and simple math to understand the impact of development on their community economic health.  His case studies illuminate how cities and regions can better forecast fiscally sustainable development patterns, in the process protecting sensitive natural lands and waters.  He is the founder and principal of Urban3, a real estate economics firm that maps the financial health of built environments to inspire communities of all sizes to think differently about development, land use, and public policy. 

This event has been approved for professional certification credits for Planners (AICP CM #9189011), Florida attorneys (CLE #1908621N), Florida Certified Environmental Health Professionals, and Certified Floodplain Managers (1 CEC). 1000 Friends has applied for credits for Florida DBPR landscape architects but cannot guarantee they will be approved.

Florida 2020 Legislative Wrap Up

Wednesday, April 15, 2020, from noon to 1:30, Eastern   

The actions taken during the 2020 Florida Legislative Session will have significant public policy impacts for planning, conservation, transportation, community design and other issues of concern to many Floridians with myriad impacts for concerned citizens, professionals, local elected officials and others.  1000 Friends President Paul Owens, Policy and Planning Director Jane West, and Board Member Emeritus and Past Chairman Lester Abberger, will discuss key growth management, design, conservation and related bills including budget recommendations that passed and failed during the 2020 Florida Legislative Session.  There will be a discussion of how this legislation will impact state and local governance and planning in Florida. 

This event has been approved for professional certification credits for Planners (AICP CM LEGAL #9189014), Florida attorneys (CLE #1908623N), Florida Certified Floodplain Managers (1 CEC), and Florida Certified Environmental Health Professionals. 1000 Friends has applied for credits for Florida DBPR landscape architects but cannot guarantee they will be approved.