The FOUR Comprehensive Plan update efforts continue to keep staff busy.  The comprehensive plans for Hillsborough County, Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City are now in their adoption phases.  The Planning Commission and staff have heard from thousands of citizens, stakeholders and officials as comments continue to pour in and staff works to ensure the comprehensive plans address every major issue.   Recently, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the updated plan for Unincorporated Hillsborough County. The three cities are now in the final stages before adoption of their plans.   

Planning Commission staff is currently working with the City of Tampa in the adoption phase of its comprehensive plan.  The Tampa Comprehensive Plan has undergone a complete rewrite and it now differs significantly from traditional comprehensive plans.  Rather than focusing as purely regulatory, the document creates a plan ecouraging "A Livable City."  The complete rewrite of the Tampa Comprehensive Plan will be an example to other Land Planning Agencies and jurisdictions around the state as to how comprehensive plans can not only meet state law, but shape the look and function of their cities as well to offer improved quality of life and choices for residents. 

We continue to review numerous plan amendments and work on community planning.   Despite the economic downturn and dip in the housing market, the number of plan amendments coming into the Planning Commission for review has remained relatively constant.  While there has been a slow down in housing construction, commercial, hotel and apartments continue to see significat development.  Nationally, those involved in growth understand the downturn is only temporary and continue to plan for development once the recovery begins.  Planning for the future never stops!

The Planning Commission is also taking some time to discuss other issues facing our community, such as, what our community might look like in 50 years given high energy prices and the growth of the “Green” movement.  As part of our in depth look at specific planning issues, Planning Commissioners recently held a workshop to discuss how our area might adapt to rising gas prices. 

For decades economists have been predicting a substantial increase in energy demand and cost as worldwide demand for fossil fuels grows at an exponential rate.  Unfortunately, economist’s words of warning went unnoticed.  Today many Hillsborough County residents are finding it difficult to pay for a tank of gas and very few have any other option but to drive.  While oil prices are cyclical, there is no longer any doubt the cost of gas will trend upward as worldwide demand continues to increase.  With cheap gas a thing of the past, we are now faced with a new reality in planning.  How can our community adapt and continue to grow?

Increased gas prices coupled with ever increasing traffic congestion, have renewed our community’s push for multimodal transportation and transit oriented development.  There is little doubt rail must be part of our future to provide transportation alternatives for families and our aging population, focus new development in key areas, support and attract new businesses, and encourage quality, targeted economic development. 

It’s not too late, however.  The Metropolitan Planning Organization has crafted a plan for the development of rail and bus service while the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Agency is developing a regional transportation plan.  We will soon have a solid planning foundation for a multimodal transportation system, coupled with land use, to help reshape our community. 

While our community can do little to lessen the impact of high energy prices this year, or even 5 years from now, long range planning, focusing on multimodal transportation will ensure our future as a successful and vibrant community.  It’s up to all of us, citizens, businesses, officials and planners to ensure these plans are brought into reality.

Robert B. Hunter, FAICP

Executive Director