Nationally renowned environmental advocate Roberta Fernandez's recent presentation at the Planning Commission on climate change, highlights that everyone must take action to reduce our impact on the environment.  Even small changes to reduce energy consumption and output of carbon emissions produce large benefits when multiplied across the entire population.  We in the planning profession are an important piece of the puzzle and have the potential to bring enormous change in the habits and lifestyle of our community.  It's time we realize this and act to make a difference.

As this newsletter notes in the article Aging Infrastructure Calls for Real Solutions, smart and sustainable growth is a method in which Hillsborough County can continue to grow while preserving our quality of life and the environment.  Yes, there may be sacrifices along the way, but in the long run we will be better off environmentally, economically, and socially. 

Creating mixed-use communities with transportation options will allow citizens to reduce their dependence on automobiles and create a better quality of life.  Compact growth will allow for a reduction in the use of natural and man made materials as well as needed infrastructure which can be costly to tax payers.  Traditional suburban development does not pay for itself and becomes costly to repair over time.  The cost for infrastructure replacement in low density suburbs is only now becoming apparent and will continue to grow as the population of Hillsborough County continues to increase and put further strain on our older systems. 

Planning for a sustainable future remains a goal of the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission's recent adoption of a Resolution on Energy Conservation, Sustainability and Green Building is another step in promoting this goal.  We hope that in the coming years our local governments, working with Planning Commission staff, will develop plans and policies which reflect the need for sustainable planning and design of our communities.  Change starts locally.  Together as a community we can lead the region, state and nation as a "green" and sustainable community.