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Senior Advisory Committee Agenda 06/04/2018Enter Here completeLEE: Sustainability Plan balance solutions progressdraft LEE COUNTY, FLORIDABOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS County Manager Roger Desjarlais offiCe of SuStainability Tessa LeSage - Sustainability Programs Manager Community Sustainability Advisory Committee Lee Green Team lee County MuniCipalitieS CoMMunity partnerS Alliance for the Arts BIG ARTS Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce Buckingham Farms Caloosahatchee Forestry Center Commuter Services Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands Edison State College EnSite, Inc. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Transportation Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Green Drinks of Southwest Florida HealthyLee Imaginarium Science Center Injury Prevention Coalition Lee County Emergency Management Lee County Health Department Lee County Hotel Association Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Lee County School District Lee County Sheriff’s Department Lee Memorial Health System Lehigh Regional Medical Center Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida Southwest Florida Community Foundation Southwest Florida Museum of History Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Southwest Workforce Development Board SWFL Naturally The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Twentyfifty, LLC UF/IFAS Lee County Extension Service United States Green Building Council City of Bonita Springs City of Cape Coral City of Fort Myers City of Sanibel Town of Fort Myers Beach John Manning District 1 Cecil Pendergrass District 2 Larry Kiker District 3 Brian Hamman District 4 Frank Mann District 5 A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s draft M1 Why a Sustainability Plan: A Message from the Office of Sustainability Lee County strives to be a community of choice - where residents, workforce, visitors, and businesses will choose to live, learn, work, play, and prosper into the future. To achieve this, our community is preparing for challenges of all kinds in hopes of increasing our ability to bounce back and remain successful. The leaders of Lee County identified sustainability as an important tool in becoming a more resilient community. Sustainability means different things to different people. For Lee County, sustainability is about quality of life - maintaining and enhancing resources that attract and compel people to stay here long-term. Sustainability can be measured. A sustainability plan provides the framework to align and organize our efforts. By keeping track of our accomplishments, current projects, and areas for advancement, we are ensuring continuous im- provement of our resources, thereby strengthening commitment of all members of the community. Since August 2010, the Office of Sustainability has partnered with residents, businesses, and community leaders, building upon years of sustainability initiatives to develop Lee County’s first comprehensive sustain- ability plan. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with collaboration identified as the key to suc- cess. With the recognition that Lee County as an organization cannot achieve community goals on their own, the sustainability planning process has been used to understand our collective efforts, successes, areas for improvement, and potential challenges to success. It is our pleasure to present completeLEE: A Sustainability Plan. This plan is truly an expression of the quality of life in Lee County. It brings together our accomplishments to date and highlights opportunities for progress in reaching our goals of becoming a more competitive and sustainable community. The Plan provides per- formance measures established through a short planning horizon, in order to understand our progress and adjust our direction accordingly. We are incredibly thankful for the community’s partnership in this effort. Now the hard work of implementa- tion begins, and we look forward to continued collaboration, innovation, and success in achieving the vision of a more sustainable community. Tessa Lesage MPa, LeeD aP BD+CsusTainaBiLiTy PrograMs ManagerLee CounTy, FLoriDa ConneCT wiTh The oFFiCe!draft In 1 IntroductIon People want to be with winners. The more we focus on oppor- tunities for improvement, great success stories, and share those success stories, one story can build upon another. – James R. Nathan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lee Memorial Health System John Lai, General ManagerHyatt Place Fort Myers Christine Ross, President & CEOBonita Springs AreaChamber Area of Commerce James R. Nathan, President & CEOLee Memorial Health System Click here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft In 2 completeLEE: Our Community. Our Plan. Lee County is a unique and picturesque community with a variety of natural and economic resources that attract residents, businesses, and visitors from all over the world. It is important that our community protect and build upon this quality of life to ensure Lee County is resilient against adversity and remains a community of choice as it grows. Lee County’s Sustainability Plan provides a framework for our community’s journey toward becoming more livable and resilient, addressing our challenges and capitalizing on our assets. It is a commu- nity plan for continuous improvement. The sustainability plan reflects the evolution of a long-standing community vision and polices set forth by the Board of County Commis- sioners beginning in the 1990s. Of course, Lee County cannot and should not be solely responsible for fulfilling this vision of a more livable and resilient community. Accordingly, the Sustainability Plan examines and builds upon the priorities of citizens, businesses, and commu- nity leaders, bringing together community goals, strategies, implementation plans, and metrics for improving the quality of life. Take a moment to watch this video to learn more about the meaning of sustainability and the value of Lee County’s FIRST Sustainability Plan. SHARE For an extended edition of the “Our Community. Our Plan.” Video, CLICK HERE.draft Page # S u S t a i n a b i l i t y P l a n Home Page: Sustainability logo directs you back to the document Home Page Report Footer: Green leaves represent each section of the Sustainability Plan.Each leaf is clickable and will redirect to that section. IN - Introduction AP - Approach FI - Findings AN - Analysis GR - Goal Report NX - Next Steps AX - Appendices C - Cover A - Acknowledgments M - Manager’s Message I - Instructions Page Number This Plan is a PDF. It can be read page by page, from beginning to end. At the same time, the Plan is de- signed to be interactive, providing opportunities to find more information with the tap of the mouse. It in- cludes clickable icons and text for easy navigation, as well as links to resources that were utilized for the Plan. Enjoy! InteractIon Is Key draft Home Goal areaGoal Area Acronym Goal Area Goal Icon Gc-1 Objective Number Goal Objective (not a current plan priority) Goal Objective Prioritized Objective (objectives we plan to tackle in this plan) Goal Objective E l E m E n t s o f s u s t a i n a b i l i t y Built environmentC limate & enerGyeConomy & JoBsHealtH &safetyequity &empowermenteduCation arts & CommunityBe-1 Ns-2 Invasive Species Ns-4 Outdoor Air Quality Ns-5 Water in the Environment Ns-6 Working Lands Hs-3 Emergency Prevention & Response Hs-5 Indoor Air Quality Hs-6 Natural & Human Hazards ee-1 Civic Engagement ee-2 Civil & Human Rights ee-3 Environmental Justice ee-4 Equitable Services & Access ee-5 Human Services ee-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation ej-2 Green Market Development ej-4 Quality Jobs & Living Wages ej-5 Targeted Industry Development eac-2 Community Cohesion eac-4 Historic Preservation eac-5 Social & Cultural Diversity ce-2 Greenhouse Gas Mitigation ce-3 Greening the Energy Supply ce-4 Industrial Sector Resource Efficiency ce-5 Resource Efficient Buildings ce-6 Resource Efficient Public Infrastructure ce-7 Waste Minimization Be-2 Be-4 Be-5 Be-6 Ip-1 Best Practices & Process Ip-2 Exemplary Performance Ip-3 Local Innovation Ip-4 Regional Priorities natural systemsTransportation Choices Compact & Complete Communities Climate Adaptation Business Retention & Development Active Living Community Health & Health System Food Access & Nutrition Safe Communities Local Economy Workforce Readiness Arts & Culture Educational Opportunity & Attainment Green Infrastructure Natural Resource Protection Be-3 Be-7 Community Water Systems Housing Affordability Infill & Redevelop- ment Public Spaces Ambient Noise & Light As you hover over each leaf, you will get a brief title for that link. InteractIon Is Key eJ-1 eJ-3 eJ-6 eaC-1 eaC-3 Hs-1 Hs-2 Hs-4 Hs-7 ns-3 ns-1 Prioritized Objective CLICK HERE to review how we are going to tackle our plan priori- ties. Goal Area CLICK HERE TO See what we have already accomplished! innovation & proCessip draft Ap 1 ApproAch Becoming a sustainable com- munity really takes collective impact. We all have to be work- ing toward a common goal and a common vision. That comes through collaboration, partner- ship, and hard work. – Sarah Owen, President and CEO, Southwest Florida Community Foundation Cliff Smith, PresidentUnited Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Sarah Owen, President & CEOSouthwest Florida Community Foundation Matt Johnson, General ManagerDepartment of Cultural and Historic Affairs Fort Myers Click here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft Ap 2 How did we get Here? August 2010 - Lee County organized long-standing sustainability efforts, establishing the Office of Sustainability December 2010 - Prepared a Sustainability Strategy March 2011 - Identified a standardized tool for developing sustainability goals to save time and money while allowing us to compare ourselves to other communities nationwide March 2012 - Conducted a comprehensive sustainability assessment, called completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment, which was unanimously adopted by the Board of County Commissioners October 2012 - Selected as a A STAR Communities “Pilot Community” January - May 2013 - Engaged the community, including residents, business and community leaders in the development of the Sustainability Plan June-July 2013 - Put it all together into an interactive and user-friendly electronic format 2013 Pending - completeLEE: Sustainability Plan Adopted by Board of County Commissioners - Pending Lee County’s sustainabiLity PLan timeLine August 2010 Lee County created Office of Sustainability March 2011 Identified Standardized Goals March 2012 Adoption of completeLEE Sustainability Assessment January - May 2013 Community Engagement December 2010 Office of Sustainability Developed Sustainability Strategy October 2012 Selected as a STAR Pilot Community June - July 2013 Completion of Lee County’s FIRST Sustainability Plan completeLEE: Our Community. Our Plan. 2010 2011 2012 2013draft Ap 3 sustainabiLity strategy Sustainability is a process and framework that promotes a balanced approach to managing community, economic, and environmental resources. The Office developed a strategy to integrate sustainability into Lee County govern- ment and to identify and meet sustainability goals in the most efficient manner, saving resources by addressing issues holistically. Understanding the need to remain a community of choice for residents, visitors, and businesses over time, the strategy builds upon Lee County’s existing work and long-standing values that contribute to quality of life. Simultaneously, it identifies opportunities to think differently, avoid unintended consequences, and foster in- novative solutions in the face of complex challenges. sustainabiLity PLan goaLs As local governments, businesses and individuals assess long-term goals, it has never been more evident that sustainability is a part of their values. Improving Lee County’s ability to offer job opportunities, a clean environment, and a safe community also helps attract residents, businesses and investments. The goals identified in the completeLEE: Sustainability Plan are designed to guide our collaborative efforts and used as a basis to measure sustainable progress. Striving to be a more sustainable community requires a broad and col- laborative approach to planning and decision-making. Using existing tools, like the STAR Community Rating System, provides meaningful information, saves time and money, and allows for us to compare Lee County to other communities nationwide. It is essential to the devel- opment, implementation, and measuring of the completeLEE Sustain- ability Plan goals. WE Are HERE And HEREdraft Ap 4 Standardized SuStainability Planning tool STAR Community Rating System Goal Areas. You can find more detailed information for each goal in the completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment In 2010, Lee County identified the developing STAR (Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating) Community Rating System as the best and most practical tool to assist the County and our partners in the development of a sustainability plan. STAR is a national consensus- based framework for evaluating, quantifying, and improving the sustainability and livability of communities. The STAR Community Rating System, while still in development, was released in the form of eight goal areas and 81 objectives for communities to assess sustainability in terms of social, economic, and environmental resources. Lee County used these goals and objectives to prepare the completeLEE: Sustainability Assessment in 2012. To review the original STAR objectives used in the 2012 Sustainability Assessment, see APPENDIX 1. Later that year, the STAR Community Rating System Version 1.0 was released with a more simplified, measurable set of goals and objectives to help communities foster a healthy environment, a strong economy and the well-being of residents. Lee County was selected as one of 32 pilot communities nationwide to test this tool, consisting of seven goal areas and approximately 44 objec- tives. It is designed to drive continuous improvement, compe- tition among communities, and provide an online system that gathers, organizes, analyzes, and presents information required to meet sustainability goals. STAR is a menu-based rating system that allows local governments to select and focus on objectives most important to their community. In the development of this Plan, Lee County focused on the opportunities prioritized in the completeLEE: Sustainability Assessment to ensure the plan is tailored to our unique needs. Our Projected Rating 1 1 The anticipated points and 3-STAR Community Rating (out of 5 STARs) will be verified by STAR Communities based on supporting data. The verification and formal 3-STAR rating is expected in early 2014. Built EnvironmEntBE C lim A t E & EnErgyCE EConomy & JoBsEJ HEAltH &sAfEtyHsEquity &EmpowErmEntEEEduCAtionArts & CommunityEAC nAturAl systEmsns innovAtion & proCEssip draft Ap 5 sustainabiLity assessment In 2012, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment. The assessment explored the various categories of sustainability in detail, helping to create a common understanding about what sustainability means to Lee Coun- ty. The assessment provided the baseline for understanding our community-wide accomplishments to date and opportunities for improve- ment, assisted in the establishment of community partnerships, and incorporated greenhouse gas emissions data. Want to learn more about each of the Sustainability Plan Goal Areas and what they mean to Lee County? You can find more detailed analysis in completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment Community engagement & PartnersHiPs The key to achieving a sustainable community is building support, engaging the community and understanding our collective priorities. This plan relies heavily on work that has been done over the past three years across departments and throughout organizations to un- derstand the community’s vision and priorities for community, economic, and environmental sustainability. The process of engaging the draft Ap 6 community began early in 2010, before the establishment of the Office of Sustainability. The Department of Community Development (DCD) held more than 45 public meetings and work- shops about future development and growth as part of the New Horizon 2035 Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The Office of Sustainability was established in August of 2010, based in part on the outcomes of those public meetings and workshops, and immediately began building upon DCD’s findings about the future of our Comprehensive Plan. As part of the development of this plan, the Office of Sustainability engaged the community, including: • One public workshop that nearly 80 community members attended; • A three-week Lee County Town Hall campaign; • Detailed five-part survey that received more than 1,000 responses 2; • A series of face-to-face business and community leader interviews; and • Interviews with Lee County Department Directors. Furthermore, the Office of Sustainability spent a significant amount of time providing public presentations in a variety of forums throughout Lee County to cultivate a community-wide understanding of sustainability and to understand community concerns. This three year engagement process provided an important foundation for the sustainability planning process and established a number of critical partnerships that make Lee County more competitive by fostering collaboration to achieve community goals. Through priority- setting by stakeholders, this approach allows us to establish a broad plan that truly addresses community-wide sustainability. Lee County as an organization cannot, and should not, be solely responsible for improving the community’s sustainability. Each resident, business, visitor, and community organization has a role in reaching these goals. Sustainability is a community-wide effort to which we can all contribute and be proud. Community Support Of more than 1,000 surveyed, 96% of respon- dents indicated sustainability is important to the future of Lee County. This is a 5% increase from the 2011 survey. “The basis of a sustainability plan means having a clear vision that includes all of its citizens taken into consideration every community. Those who have been his- torically neglected, as well as those who have benefited from resources in this county. Then you pull that together and look for the weakest in your county and make sure they are elevated to a level so they can sustain existence.” -Abdul’Haq Muhammed, Executive DirectorQuality Life Center of SW Florida 2 To review survey distribution list, see Appendix 2 draft Ap 7 With limited resources and a short planning horizon, it is important to identify the most immediate priorities in the sustainability plan. The prioritized objectives are the ones we will tackle first. Putting it togetHer The Sustainability Plan is a plan for continuous improvement. It brings together the community’s accomplishments, opportunities for improvement and priorities in the form of measurable goals in anticipation of frequent evaluation of progress. Each goal has actions and outcomes that help us to understand how we are or are not advancing toward the vision of a more sustainable Lee County. The planning horizon is just three years, allowing us to remain flexible and adapt to changing conditions in order to meet our goals. The Plan prioritizes the goals that have the most impact on our community over the short term while ensuring long-term sustainable progress. To be successful, it is important to build upon the things we are doing well and choose the goal areas that we can most quickly improve upon. This creates the foundation for greater progress in the future. It is important the Sustainability Plan be accessible, appealing, and easy for everyone to understand and use. To accomplish this, the re- port is designed to be interactive and viewed electronically. Much like a website, it allows those who want to focus on specific parts of the document, for example goals of interest, to skip the details. For those who like to read every word or hold a paper report, the document is also a PDF that can be read from beginning to end and even printed (preferably double-sided) if needed. rePorting The community can expect an annual report to be shared on the Office of Sustainability website and Facebook page. This annual report will include a simple scorecard that will clearly depict the status of each goal. The intent is to allow anyone interested to understand our progress toward achieving the goals. draft Fi 1 Findings Lydia Black, Executive DirectorAlliance for the Arts TJ Canamela, Owner/Farmer Buckingham Farms We have to start using resourc- es, to their full life-span. You’re saving money on the cost of the product and your also not de- pleting a resource that might not be there in the future.” – TJ Canamela, Owner/Farmer Buckingham Farms Sustainability is looking at a community and finding ways to ensure that its success and vital- ity extends long into the future. – Lydia A. Black, Executive Director, Alliance for the Arts Click here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft Fi 2 A sustainable community is one that is resilient to adversity of all types and offers a desirable quality of life into the future. For a growing community like Lee County, the key is to grow intelligently by minimizing vulnerability to social, economic, and natural resource challenges that are often beyond our control. In recent years, natural and economic disasters with their resulting community impacts have taken place in Southwest Florida, nationally, and internationally. These events provide important information from which we can take steps to become more resilient in the future. As we grow, embedding concepts of sustainability into our decisions, designs and use of resources will reduce the unintended consequences. By promoting a balance of our resources, Lee County will remain competitive and meet the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses over time. Lee County will continue to make incremental progress towards meeting the goal of becoming a more sustainable community. With lim- ited resources and a complex set of challenges, building on our achievements to date and identifying immediate priorities is the key to the success of the community’s first Sustainability Plan. Every decision made now is a foundational building block for a successful future. Lee County gathered and consulted a variety of data sources to understand long-term and immediate challenges; the progress currently being made to address those challenges through existing programs, policies, and initiatives; and the concerns expressed by the residents and business and community leaders. Several sources of information were considered before arriving at the prioritized Sustainability Plan goals, including: • Sustainability Assessment Findings, including current, on-going and mandated projects; • STAR Community Rating System Data; • Community engagement and input; • Community resiliency; • Greenhouse Gas Emissions data and targets; and, • The successes and shortcomings of other sustainability initiatives. None of these can be evaluated independently. Each must be considered together to understand how we can make the greatest impact within the three year planning horizon. Below is a discussion of each of these sources followed by an analysis that describes how the goals in this Plan emerged from the collected information. SuStainability aSSeSSment The Sustainability Assessment provides the baseline for understanding our community-wide accomplishments and opportunities under each of the original eight STAR Goal Areas. Each of the County departments as well as a number of community stakeholders contributed draft Fi 3 to the Assessment, reporting information about the services, programs, and policies provided community-wide that contribute to the community’s sustainability. Departments and partners also explored opportunities for improvement to those services, programs and policies moving forward. Overall, the Assessment highlighted the valuable economic, environmental and social resources that make this community great. The public input portion of the assessment indicated 91 percent of more than 1000 surveyed identified sustainability as important to our quality of life. When asked to identify the community’s biggest challenge, more than 50 percent of respondents ranked Employment & Workforce and Economic Prosperity as the most critical issues to be addressed. This is not surprising given the economic times. Take a moment to review the completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment to learn more about the findings and analysis for each goal area. The Assessment suggests Lee County use the economy as its focus to prioritize opportunities in improving the community’s resiliency, recognizing that economic stability will not come from only economic development projects and short-term solutions. The Assessment also indicates that establishing synergies with land use, transportation, and natural resource protection are pivotal to achieving economic sustainability and future competitiveness to attract and maintain quality jobs and a skilled workforce. A clear vision and a framework of policies that encourage collaboration will support a more diverse economy and thriving workforce in Lee County over time. StaR Community Rating SyStem1 While Lee County has achieved a number of impressive sustainability initiatives, we have lacked a framework to coordinate and align these efforts. The STAR Community Rating Sys- tem offers clear and accessible performance measures, allowing staff, officials, businesses, and residents to easily track progress over time. The STAR Community Rating System com- pares local efforts against performance outcomes and actions based on best practices used in communities across the country. By as- signing a point value to actions and outcomes within each Goal Area, the STAR Community Rating System allows communities to achieve and earn certification based on quantifiable data. Actions and outcomes are verified by a third party to achieve certification. While it is designed to be used by any community, large or small, urban, suburban, or rural, the Rating System builds in flexibility to tackle the issues that are most important to a particular community. 1 To address the changes in the STAR Community Rating System since the adoption of the Sustainability Assessment, a chart was created that depicts where data from the assessment fits into the new, simplified rating system format. This document is found in Appendix 1.draft Fi 4 The County began utilizing the STAR Community Rating System approach in 2012 when it was chosen as a Pilot Community after a competi- tive process. At the time, the County had already completed its 2012 Sustainability Assessment, using the Rating System’s original STAR In- dex. In order to transition from the Sustainability Assessment to the improved STAR Rating System, a comparative analysis was performed to identify and address information that had changed, items that were not measurable, and missing data. This allowed for the Assessment data to be consolidated into the more condensed and measurable Rating System format without losing the critical information captured in the Assessment. For a detailed account of the analysis transitioning the Sustainability Assessment data to the STAR Community Rating System, see Appendix 1. Based on our work to date as a community, Lee County has met and sur- passed the basic prerequisites outlined in the STAR Community Rating System. Lee County proudly anticipates achieving a 3-STAR Commu- nity Certification (out of 5-STAR), recognizing our community for sus- tainability leadership.2 This is a significant and exciting achievement, but leaves room for measurable improvement over the planning hori- zon. Based on progress made to date, it is anticipated the County can achieve a 4-STAR Community Rating by 2019. The STAR Community Rating System assigns point values to performance outcomes and actions toward achieving those outcomes. The table be- low depicts an overview of Lee County’s strengths and challenges based on the STAR Community Rating System. While this information may ap- pear very decisive, it is important to review it from the perspective of the uniqueness of the community and as one part of the bigger picture in terms of prioritizing sustainability goals. In many cases, Lee County is not yet achieving the individual goal performance outcomes but through policy and collaboration, has taken steps toward achieving those outcomes. In other instances, low score Goal Areas demonstrate that additional work is needed or that Lee County Government cannot achieve the outcomes alone, requiring further community and business sector collaboration. The majority of the anticipated points out- lined below come from actions accordingly. In other words, the community may not be achieving the outcomes, but is taking steps to do so and anticipates points for those actions. Because the rating system is designed for diverse communities, some of the objectives are more applicable to Lee County than others. A detailed account of the points achieved to date within each Goal Area is available in Appendix 3. Our Projected Rating 2 2 The anticipated points and 3-STAR Community Rating (out of 5 STARs) will be verified by STAR Communities based on supporting data. The verification and formal 3-STAR rating is expected in early 2014. draft Fi 5 Points (Anticipated/Available) (2) Built Environment Achieve livability, choice, and access for all where people live, work and play 54.6/100 55% Climate & Energy Reduce climate impacts through adaptation and mitigation efforts and increase resource efficiency 46.8/100 46.80% Economy & Jobs Create equitably shared prosperity and access to quality jobs 46.6/100 46.60% Education, Arts &  Community Empower vibrant, educated, connected, and diverse communities 34.5/70 49% Equity &  Empowerment Ensure equity, inclusion, and access to opportunity for all residents 29.5/100 29.50% Health & Safety Strengthen communities to be healthy, resilient, and safe places for residents and businesses 43.2/100 43.20% Natural Systems Protect and restore the natural resource base upon which life depends 61.1/100 61.10% Innovation &  Process Addresses issues that span all three pillars and includes exemplary performance, innovation, best practices and processes, and regional priority 18/50 36.00% Preliminary Total Score 334.2/720 46.42% Lee County’s Assessment of Sustainability Based on STAR Community Rating System (3) (4) Goal Area Definition Percent 3. It is important to note this tool has been created for use by communities of all sizes with a variety of challenges. It measures actions taken to address a variety of problems by assigning performance outcomes. Not all of the objectives under each goal area apply to Lee County as strongly as others. 4. A detailed account of anticipated points is available in Appendix 3. draft Fi 6 Be-1 Be-2 Be-4 Be-5 Be-6 Be-7 Transportation Choices Be-3 Compact & Complete Communities Be-3 Be-7 Community Water Systems Housing Affordability Infill & Redevelopment Public Spaces Ambient Noise & Light Built environmentBe Climate & energyCe Ce-2 Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Ce-3 Greening the Energy Supply Ce-4 Industrial Sector Resource Efficiency Ce-5 Resource Efficient Buildings Ce-6 Resource Efficient Public Infrastructure Ce-7 Waste Minimization Ce-1 Climate Adaptation eConomy & JoBseJ eJ-2 Green Market Development eJ-4 Quality Jobs & Living Wages eJ-5 Targeted Industry Development Business Retention & Development Local Economy Workforce Readiness eJ-1 eJ-3 eJ-6 eduCation arts & CommunityeaC eaC-2 Community Cohesion eaC-4 Historic Preservation eaC-5 Social & Cultural Diversity Arts & Culture Educational Opportunity & Attainment eaC-1 eaC-3 equity &empowermentee ee-1 Civic Engagement ee-2 Civil & Human Rights ee-3 Environmental Justice ee-4 Equitable Services & Access ee-5 Human Services ee-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation HealtH &saFetyHs Hs-3 Emergency Prevention & Response Hs-5 Indoor Air Quality Hs-6 Natural & Human Hazards Active Living Community Health & Health System Food Access & Nutrition Safe Communities Hs-1 Hs-2 Hs-4 Hs-7 ns-2 Invasive Species ns-4 Outdoor Air Quality ns-5 Water in the Environment ns-6 Working Lands natural systemsns Green Infrastructure Natural Resource Protection ns-3ns-1 1.5/5 14.3/15 6.5/20 2.8/15 5.6/10 12.7/15 11.2/20 54.6 100 3.7/15 16.2/20 1.7/15 0/10 6.6/15 4.1/10 14.5/15 18.4/20 3.4/15 3.8/15 1.2/20 12.2/15 7.6/15 4.5/15 8.3/15 10.3/20 6.2/10 5.1/10 4.7/15 0/10 0/15 6.2/20 10.9/20 7.7/20 1.9/15 10.9/20 6.9/15 7.5/15 0.1/15 5.1/15 10.8/15 12.5/20 2.5/10 12.1/20 11.5/15 19/20 3.5/15 46.8 100 46.6 100 34.5 70 29.5 100 43.2 100 61.1 100 H o w w e G o t o u r P o i n t s ip-3ip-1 ip-2 Exemplary Performance ip-4 Regional Priorities Best Practices & Process Local Innovation innovation & proCessip 10/10 0/10 8/25 0/5 18 50 goal areaGoal Area Acronym Goal Area Score Goal Area Goal Icon Goal Objective gC-1 Goal Objective 10.8/15 78.8 100 Objective Score Anticipated points per objective. 2 Anticipated points per goal area. 2 draft Fi 7 2013 Community engagement and inPut Communities recognized as becoming more sustainable create goals that originate from the people that live and work there. Through the County’s efforts to date, it is clear Lee County residents care about the community and view sustainability as an important part of a suc- cessful future. Involving stakeholders in a planning effort with performance measures helps us track goals and allocate limited resources wisely. This will continue to set Lee County apart as a community of choice that prioritizes progress. Public input from residents, businesses, non-profits, and local governments provided a four dimensional view of sustainability within Lee County. The good news is the County has already made progress on the issues that are important to the community. Likewise, the thought- ful input provided by the community in this process offers a rich source of information that helps identify Sustainability Plan priorities and areas for improvement. The 2013 public input process gave stakeholders multiple ways to participate. With input from over one thousand individual stakeholders, major themes surfaced and are listed on the next page. Additional feedback not included in this summary is also being used as a plan- ning resource. The County and our partners cannot address all of identified issues at one time. The issues identified as important but not prioritized within the three-year planning horizon are expected to be positively impacted by making progress in prioritized goals areas. These positive impacts are the synergies created when taking a holistic approach to addressing problems. For example, if we focus our col- lective efforts to improving our Local Economy, we will also see the impacts in the Built Environment, Climate & Energy, Education, Arts & Community, Health & Safety and Natural Systems. The anticipated synergies based on the prioritized goals are located in Appendix 3 and throughout the Goal Report section under ‘SEE Synergies’. The following strategies were used to help set priorities in the completeLEE: Sustainability Plan: • One public workshop attended by nearly 80 community members focusing on narrowing priorities; • A detailed five-part survey that received more than 1,000 responses; 6 • A three-week virtual Lee County Town Hall campaign; • A series of face-to-face business and community leader interviews representing each of the Sus- tainability Plan goal areas; • Interviews with Lee County Department Directors and key staff; and • Public presentations in a variety of forums throughout Lee County 5. To review a survey distribution list, see Appendix 2.draft Fi 8 The following summarizes the most immediate issues identified in the public input process: 6 The Economy: As previously mentioned, building a sustainable economy emerged as the strongest theme of importance to the commu- nity. Availability of a wide range of quality jobs and living wages, additional support and promotion of existing businesses, enticing new businesses of all sizes, and focusing on the local economy were the most supported issues. Nearly 60 percent of survey respondents indicated that expanded job opportu- nities supporting upward economic mobility and sufficient wages should be the main focus of our efforts, so that working people and their families can afford a decent standard of living. Stakeholder’s also agreed that the County should con- tinue aligning sustainability efforts and economic development strategies in order to gain support. During the Regional Economic Development Symposium on May 8, 2013 at Florida Gulf Coast University, Boyette Strategic Advisors identified sustainability as one of five of the most important criteria for business site selection and revealed 93% of CEOs believe sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of their business. 7 Education: While economy was the largest concern of stakeholders, educational opportunities were also viewed as the foundation for a vibrant economy. This theme was reiterated by each of the community and business leaders in face-to-face interviews. In order to improve the education system in Lee County, the most common recommendations to increase and improve the variety of education opportunities offered included: vocational training, adult education, art and environmental education. Stakeholders strongly encouraged partnerships between employers, local schools and education systems. Natural Resource Protection: As part of the survey, 96 percent of Lee County residents indicated that protecting, preserving and manag- ing natural systems and coastal areas is important. Most respondents also under- stood that economic development is dependent on a healthy environment and a sustainable community. Survey results strongly indicated protecting natural re- sources is important; however, stakeholder interviews and workshop participants more clearly articulated the connection between Lee County’s economy and the environment and prioritized it as a goal. 6. To review the data collected from the public input process see Appendix 2. 7. During the Regional Economic Development Symposium on May 8, 2013 at Florida Gulf Coast University, Boyette Strategic Advisors identified sustainability as one of five of the most important criteria for business site selection and revealed 93% of CEOs believe sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of their business. “Tourism and real estate drive our economy. With- out a sound environmental protection plan, those as- sets vanish. It makes sense to protect our water and preserve our land if our economy is to grow and we brand Lee County appropriately.” -survey response “Sustainability is extremely important to companies all over the world. You’ll find consumers choosing the products they buy based on the sustainability factor of the company.”” -Christine Ross, President & CEO Bonita Springs Area Chamber Area of Commerce draft Fi 9 Compact & Complete Communities: Compact & Complete Communities concentrate development in compact, human-scaled, walkable centers and neighborhoods that connect to transit, offer diverse uses and services, and provide housing options for families of all income levels. In order to create equal opportunity, stimulate the economy, and save natural resources, stakeholders indicated creating more compact and complete communi- ties as important. Of those surveyed, 77 percent said that increasing mixed-use development is important to the sustainability of Lee County. Sidewalks and bicycles lanes were identified as the most important improve- ments needed in Lee County’s existing transportation services. Collaboration: It is important to note that while each stakeholder involved in this process had specific goals for their organization, busi- ness, or personal well-being in mind, community collaboration was emphasized as the key component to success. They identified a Sus- tainability Plan as a tremendous opportunity to work together and align planning efforts, allowing the community to clearly see obstacles and opportunities, conserve resources through efficiency and maximize benefits for everyone. Based on the survey, 92 percent of stakeholders believe the Sustainability Plan is a good method for achieving goals and continuing to improve quality of life and competitiveness as a community. Doing so will require the community to come together and work efficiently and transparently through better communication and coordination. Honing in on specific goals in the Sustainability Plan will allow the community to identify who should be taking the lead on individual tasks and how to effectively measure our progress. The public input process demonstrated an engaged and committed community, eager to lend their hand to sustainability initiatives. Compact & Com- plete Communities concentrate devel- opment in compact, human-scaled, walk- able centers and neighborhoods that connect to transit, of- fer diverse uses and services, and provide housing options for families of all income levels.draft Fi 10 A Common Vision By the Numbers 96% of Lee County residents believe sustainability is important. 92% believe the sustainability plan is a good method for achieving goals and continuously improv- ing our quality of life and competitiveness as a community Economy: • 92% say a vibrant economy is dependent upon a healthy environment and a sustainable community. • 60% say expanded job opportunities are needed to create a vibrant economy. Society: • 95% say quality education, arts, entertainment, and health & safety are necessary for a good quality of life. • 90% agree social equity means providing equal employment opportunities, education, and access to resources. • 63% rank Lee County’s current educational opportunities ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’. Enjoyment in Lee County: • 1/3 prefer arts, concerts, theatre, museums, cultural festivals • 1/3 prefer kayaking, biking, camping, fishing, gardening, beach, nature preserves • 1/3 prefer volunteering, reading, going to the library, sporting events Environment: • 98% already practice energy efficiency at home or at work. • 90% say protecting and managing natural systems and coastal areas are important. • 89% agree Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development can help protect the environment. • 77% believe increasing mixed-use development is important to the sustainability of Lee County. • 50% recycle as one way to help the environment.draft Fi 11 gReenHouSe gaS emiSSionS (gHg) data and taRgetS Lee County began quantifying greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 by establishing a 2007 emissions baseline and setting tentative emissions reductions goals. These goals were accepted by the Board of County Commissioners as part of the 2010 Sustainability Strategy. The inventory quantifies and compares emissions from Lee County’s residential, commercial, and governmental sectors. Re-inventories were conducted in 2010 and 2012 to un- derstand how community-wide energy use is changing. The 2010 re-inventory showed the County was on track to exceed target reductions with overall emissions down 13.7% from the 2007 baseline levels. However, the extent to which observed decreases in fuel and energy use were attributable to the economic downturn versus targeted reduction efforts was unclear. The 2012 report indicates emissions were slightly higher than in 2010, but still dem- onstrate a decrease from 2007 baseline levels of 12.7%.8 This data allows Lee County to understand where and how energy is being used, creates opportunities to save money and other resources, and set better targets for sustainabil- ity goals. Given the emissions data collected to date, Lee County is on track to achieve the tentative goals accepted by the Board of County Commissioners for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2010. While the County surpassed 2012 targets, overall targets are not being changed because of the possible correlation to the recession. Reductions targets are incorporated as part of the County’s sustainability goals. 8. The final report will be published later in 2013 when key 2012 transportation and stationary combustion data sets are available. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Re-Inventory Report for Calendar Year 2012 is available for review in Appendix 4. draft Fi 12 Furthermore, while exhibiting significant reductions in overall emissions between 2007 and 2010, the commercial and transportation sec- tors increased in 2012. Accordingly, these sectors present opportunities to have a positive impact on energy use and associated costs and emissions by prioritizing goals and objectives in transportation and the commercial sectors that will reduce these emissions. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets from 2007 Levels By reducing GHG emissions, Lee County reduces energy consumption, which saves money. • By 2012, reduce GHG emissions by 5%- WE DID IT! • By 2017, reduce GHG emissions by 15% • By 2020, reduce GHG emissions by 20% • By 2030, reduce GHG emissions by 40% • By 2050, reduce GHG emissions by 80%draft Fi 13 Community ReSilienCy As a coastal community, the physical impacts of natural disasters are clear and will intensify in the decades ahead. These impacts are matched, and compounded, by community problems such as rising energy, transportation, and health care costs, creating significant chal- lenges for the local economy and quality of life in our coastal community. Low-income and vulnerable citizens, such as elderly populations, face disproportionate impacts of climate change including having fewer financial resources to respond to these challenges. Given these threats, identifying opportunities to reduce impacts through adaptation and disaster mitigation efforts and increasing efficiencies in the use of resources is important. In particular, predicted changes in storm intensity and flooding create the need to consider these impacts in the construction and main- tenance of infrastructure. Doing so will create a more competitive and resilient local economy. Federal and state agencies are recognizing these challenges and responding. For example, in July of 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adopted new guidelines for incorporating the direct and indirect physical effects of projected future sea-level change in managing, planning, engineering, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining their civil projects. These guidelines required planning based on a low, intermediate and high sea level rise projections. The Corps updated these guidelines in November 2011, in EC 1165-2-212 “Sea-Level Change Considerations for Civil Works Programs”, specifying a more detailed process using projections to develop assumptions for future impacts over incremental timeframes. Recently, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) published a report planning for a 5-20” increase in sea level by 2060.9 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also started to started to address climate and energy conservation issues. Anticipat- ing changes in regulatory requirements and the continuation and evolution of granting programs, the County recognizes these challenges and has integrated them into the Sustainability Plan. The County can play an integral role in advancing solutions to address these problems, not only because our operations have impacts on our environment, but also because we are increasingly challenged to control costs associated with energy use. Numerous local govern- ments throughout the U.S. and in Florida have enacted energy conservation and efficiency measures along with GHG emissions reduction plans to address energy problems that extend far beyond their borders. Local governments play an important role in sustainability and energy management. This is particularly true for the County, which is in a position to highlight the interwoven nature of the sensitive eco- logical characteristics of its geography with the need to “shift the mindset” of day-to-day decision-making to long-term practices. 9. South Florida Water Management District (2009), Climate Change and Water Management in South Florida, November 3, 2009, Interdepartmental Climate Change Group, South Florida Water Man- agement District, West Palm Beach, Florida. 10. To learn more about Lee County’s progress, read the Vulnerability Assessment and Resiliency Strategydraft Fi 14 SuCCeSSeS and SHoRtComingS of otHeR SuStainability initiativeS In recent years, many local governments throughout the U.S. have recognized the importance of developing sustainability initiatives and sustainability plans. There have been several catalysts for doing so, including energy efficiency to save money, stakeholder support for more sustainable practices, the recognition of the intrinsic linkages between environmental and economic health and the goal of capturing grant funds to implement projects and programs. Furthermore, as communities compete to attract and retain businesses and a workforce, it is becoming increasingly important to demonstrate a community’s sustainability.7 All of these combined concepts can be integrated into one larger scale planning approach. Reviewing the successes and challenges of sustainability initiative in other areas of the U.S. helps create a more strategic recipe for stake- holder engagement and Plan implementation. The County’s efforts capitalize on the successes and challenges of others to develop a Plan that has clear monitoring and tracking for success, strong community support and ties together successful initiatives from other areas that are tailored to meet Lee County’s unique challenges. By drawing upon the experience of other areas, the County’s Plan will be positioned to achieve the greatest success possible. Image credit Quality Life Center draft An 1 AnAlysis Sustainability, in its simplest terms, means that you want to maintain and preserve what is good and move forward in a positive, well thought out, planned direction. – Marshall T. Bower, Esq., President and CEO, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Colleen DePasquale, Executive DirectorGreater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Tom Mueller, Facility Administrator Covanta Energy Corporation Marshall Bower, President & CEOThe Foundation for Lee CountyPublic Schools Click here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft An 2 AnAlysis & GoAl Development In order to become a more sustainable community, it is important to find the right balance of our community, economic, and environmental resources. The data collected in this plan illustrates how these resources work together. If we pick the right goals, we can achieve progress in Goal Areas throughout the Plan. Given the complex challenges we face, it is important the goals we choose maximize our benefits and create synergies between the Goal Areas. Doing so will allow opportunities for collaboration and innovation given our limited resources. Synergy is maximizing benefits. For Lee County, this means capitalizing on opportunities to achieve the most benefit for the greatest number of stakeholders. 1 Given the data gathered in the completeLEE: A Sustainability Assessment, the work Lee County and the community are already doing, STAR Community Rating System outcomes, extensive public input, and the greenhouse gas emissions inventory data and goals, 14 of the 44 objec- tives have been identified for prioritization in the FIRST Sustainability Plan. While it would be impossible to take on all 44 objectives in this first planning horizon, success in the prioritized objectives will create a foundation for progress in other areas. Each of the prioritized objectives has an identified leader who will be responsible for moving forward with actions and reporting on progress to the Board of County Commissioners, the Community Sustainability Advisory Committee, community partners, and residents. The goals will require collaboration across County de- partments and community organizations. Nine of the goals will be lead by various Lee County departments, with the remaining six being led by other organizations. The prioritized objectives are as follows and are described further in the Goal Report section: 1. BE-3: Compact & Complete Communities 2. BE-7: Transportation Choices 3. CE-1: Climate Adaptation 4. EJ-1: Business Retention and Development 5. EJ-3: Local Economy 6. EJ-6: Workforce Readiness 7. EAC-1: Arts & Culture 8. EAC-3: Educational Opportunity & Attainment 9. HS-1: Active Living 10. HS-2: Community Health & Health Systems 11. HS-4: Food Access & Nutrition 12. HS-7: Safe Communities 13. NS-1: Green Infrastructure 14. NS-3: Natural Resource Protection It is important to note that the goals identified correlate with policy, projects, and services already being provided in Lee County. The priorities from public input reinforce what staff and commissioners identified as future projects and areas of concern for the County, further validating our efforts. With these Goal Area Objectives identified, efforts toward sustainability can continue to move forward with the Sustainability Plan providing performance measures to capture our actions and understand the return on our investments. Through collaboration with our partners toward shared goals we will be able to adapt and adjust as circumstances change. Furthermore, this clear vision with actionable steps and out- come measures will make Lee County more competitive for funding opportunities. 1 To review Synergies with Prioritized Objectives, see Appendix 5.draft Gr 1 Goal RepoRt We really need to have goals. Internally we can have our own goals, but as part of the com- munity we live in, if we really expect to make progress, we have to have a plan and set goals to achieve to make sure progress is happening. – Robert Randall, Vice President of Retail Operations, Goodwill of Southwest Florida Robert Randall, Vice President of Retail OperationsGoodwill Industries of SW Florida Abdul’Haq Muhammed, Executive DirectorQuality Life Center of SW Florida Dr. Simeon KomisarEnvironmental Engineering Program DirectorFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityClick here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft Page # Goal Area Description g oal areagaga-1 Goal Objective ga-2 Goal Objective ga-3 Goal Objective ga-4 Goal Objective ga-5 Goal Objective Plan Priorities These are the objec- tives we will focus on over the next three years. You Are Here Goal Leader: Lee County Government cannot do it all, so we’ve engaged community partners to achieve our goals. Each goal has an identified lead organization accordingly. Leader: Lee County Ga - Goal area 57/100 4.5/15 8.3/15 14/20 7.6/10 6.6/10 Objectives & Projected Points We’ve added performance measures to our goals and objectives. These points demonstrate accom- plishments, opportunities, and how we compare to communities nationwide. SEE Synergies By focusing on certain objec- tives, we make progress in multiple Goal Areas. When SEE Synergies are clicked, you will be able to see these Synergies. Goal Area & Projected Points Ga-1: Objective Ga-3: Objective Ga-6: Objective Goal Area Icon SEE SynErGiES SEE = Society | Economy | Environment Built environmentBe equity &emPowermentee draft Gr 2 Highlights of Built Environment. Compact & Complete Communities and Transportation Choices are Plan priorities. The community has made progress in these areas as well as in Community Water Sys- tems, Infill & Redevelopment, and Public Spaces. Achievements include: • Nationally-recognized Complete Streets policy integrates bicycling, walking, tran- sit, and automobiles to promote safe, comfortable and accessible streets for users of all ages and abilities adopted in 2009. • 877% increase in signed and marked bicycle lanes and 9.85% increase in off-road bike paths between 2010-2012. • 5% increase in new sidewalks and connecting sidewalks between 2010-2012. • LeeTran recognized for excellence and named the 2012 Florida Transit System of the Year. • 16.9% increase in transit riders between 2011 and 2012. • LeeTran constructed 50 shelters at existing stops since 2010. 2013, LeeTran start- ed the construction of 8 solar-powered passenger shelters. All are ADA accessible. • Lee County MPO Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan adopted in 2010. • In 2008 over 10.5 million patrons used facilities and services in Lee County parks, bringing the community together and encouraging physical activity. • 47.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 Lee County residents • Interactive GIS map that illustrates transportation projects and complete streets recommendations available for use by community planning organizations, local government agencies, committees, nonprofits and citizens. A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Achieve livability, choice, and access for all where people live, work, and play Be-3: Compact & Complete Communities Be-7: Transportation Choices Be - Built environment 54.6/100 Built EnvironmEntBEBE-1 BE-2 BE-4 BE-5 BE-6 BE-7 Transportation Choices BE-3 Compact & Complete Communities BE-3 BE-7 Community Water Systems Housing Affordability Infill & Redevelopment Public Spaces Ambient Noise & Light 1.5/5 14.3/15 6.5/20 2.8/15 5.6/10 12.7/15 11.2/20 draft Gr 3 Preliminary Step: Lee County has identified Lehigh Acres, College Parkway Corridor, North Fort Myers Town Center, and Tice Community as the Compact & Complete Centers (CCCs) that will be analyzed under this objective. CCCs are walkable ½-mile areas around a central point that represent the community’s strongest mix of uses, transit availability, density, and walkability while maintaining geographic diver- sity.” Of the identified CCC’s, the following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Density, Destinations, and Transit Outcome 2: Walkability Outcome 3: Design Outcome 4: Affordable Housing Lee County is currently achieving 6.5 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points.SEE SynErgiES BE-3: CompaCt & ComplEtE CommunitiES (6.5/20) purpoSE: Concentrate development in compact, human-scaled, walkable centers and neighborhoods that connect to transit, offer diverse uses and services, and provide housing options for families of all income levels Leader: Lee County C L imate & enerGyCe eConomy & JobseJ HeaLtH &safetyHseduCationarts & CommunityeaC naturaL systemsns buiLt environmentbe draft Gr 4 Establish policies to support compact, mixed-use development in the comprehensive plan and/or sub-jurisdictional plans Identify areas appropriate for compact, mixed-use development on the community’s official future land use map Adopt regulatory strategies that permit or incentivize increased residential and employment densities and diverse uses in transit-served areas and areas identified for compact, mixed-use development Require walkability standards for new development that include sidewalks on both sides of roadways, street trees, ADA accessible crosswalks, roadways designed for maximum travel speeds of 25 mph, and maximum block lengths in transit served areas and areas identified for compact, mixed-use development Require build-to lines for commercial and residential structures in transit-served areas and areas identified for compact, mixed-use development Adopt performance-based parking pricing, establish parking maximums, or eliminate parking minimums in transit- served areas and areas identified for compact, mixed-use development, AND incorporate at least 2 other advanced parking strategies Require, incentivize, or subsidize creation of affordable housing in transit-served areas and areas identified for compact, mixed-use development Establish a design review board, neighborhood commission, or similar appointed citizen body that provides comments on proposed development projects Implement programs to preserve and maintain existing subsidized and unsubsidized affordable housing in transit-served areas, compact and mixed-use areas, and areas with rapidly-rising housing costs Increase the percentage of households with access to transit Measurable local actions coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actions 3P P P Be-3 Compact & Complete Communities+ + +draft Gr 5 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Mode Split: Journey-to-work trips (driving, bik- ing and walking) for Lee County residents Outcome 2: Transportation Affordability: How much resi- dents spend on transportation Outcome 3: Progress towards 0 pedestrian and bicyclist fa- talities by 2040 Outcome 4: Vehicle Miles Traveled in Lee County Lee County is currently achieving 11.2 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. See SynergieS Be-7: tranSportation ChoiCeS (11.2/20) purpoSe: Promote diverse transportation modes, including walking, bicycling, and transit, that are safe, low-cost, and reduce vehicle miles traveled lEadEr: lEE County Built EnvironmEntBE C limat E & EnErGyCE EConomy & JoBsEJ HEaltH &safEtyHsEquity &EmpowErmEntEE natural systEmsnsdraft Gr 6 Adopt a bicycle and pedestrian master plan and/or non-motorized safety plan that prioritizes future projects to improve access to non-motorized transportation and increase safety Adopt a complete streets policy that addresses all users, applies to all projects with limited exceptions, and includes specific next steps for implementation Subdivision and other development regulations require walkability standards that encourage walking and enhance safety Local government offers employee incentives to encourage commuting by modes other than single-occupancy vehicles Implement at least 2 types of focused enforcement programs to ensure pedestrian, bicycle, and motorist safety Increase the percentage of households with access to transit Increase the mileage of sidewalks, particularly on arterial or collector roads that connect people with destinations Increase the mileage of striped or buffered bicycle lanes, cycle-tracks, parallel off-street paths and/or other dedicated facilities Establish or support a community-wide public bike share program Construct or retrofit transportation infrastructure to meet standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) meaSuraBle loCal aCtionS 3 P BE-7 Transportation Choices Complete Currently underway plan prioritieS Future aCtionSP+ + + +draft Gr 7 Reduce climate impacts through adap- tation and mitigation efforts and increase resource efficiency Ce - Climate & energy 46.8/100 Highlights of Climate & Energy Climate Adaptation is a Plan priority. The community has made progress in this area through Disaster Preparedness efforts and in the areas of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Greening the Energy Supply, and Waste Minimization. Achievements include: • 2010-2012 Emergency Management had 6,940 attendees at emergency pre- paredness seminars and over 30,000 print materials distributed. • FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan • In 2013, Lee County Emergency Operations Command Center for hurricanes and natural disasters was completed. The facility is built to resist winds over 200 hun- dred miles an hour. • Upgraded the North Fort Myers Recreational Center in 2012 to a hurricane shelter with reinforced walls, impact resistance windows, generators, and kitchen and shower facilities. • 2012 countywide energy management reduced energy consumption by 26%, an estimate savings of more than $16 million. • In 2012, Lee County achieved a 74% recycling rate and is ranked #2 in total recy- cling rates in the state. Lee County is on track to achieving the 75% recycling rate by 2020, mandated by the state of Florida. • In 2012, 99.7% of businesses and multi-family properties participated in recycling. • Waste to Energy conversion system created 351,138 megawatt-hours (MWhr) in 2012. • 2012 community-wide emissions reduced 12.7% from 2007, demonstrated in- cremental progress towards achieving 80% reduction in community-wide green- house emissions by 2050. • Successfully achieve LEED certification of four new county-owned and operated facilities with two more underway. A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Ce-2 Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Ce-3 Greening the Energy Supply Ce-4 Industrial Sector Resource Efficiency Ce-5 Resource Efficient Buildings Ce-6 Resource Efficient Public Infrastructure Ce-7 Waste Minimization Ce-1 Climate Adaptation 3.7/15 16.2/20 1.7/15 0/10 6.6/15 4.1/10 14.5/15 Ce-1: Climate Adaptation C limate & enerGyCe draft Gr 8 Preliminary Step: Identify 4 core areas of local climate change adaptation concerns. Core areas must apply to at least 3 of 4 general groupings: Built Environment, Economic Environment, Natural Environment, Social Environment. The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Vulnerability Reduction in the four core areas of concern. Lee County is currently achieving 3.7 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. See SynergieS Ce-1: Climate adaptation (3.7/15) purpoSe: Strengthen the resilience of communities to climate change impacts on the built, natural, economic, and social systems lEadEr: lEE County C limat E & EnErGyCE EduCation arts & CommunityEaC Equity &EmpowErmEntEEdraft Gr 9 Adopt a climate change adaptation plan Require that internal decisions by local government departments use the most current climate science and that staff monitor climate change impacts Develop a committee that includes climate scientists, adjacent jurisdictions, regional coalitions, state and federal agen- cies, and/or non-governmental organizations for the purpose of understanding and addressing shared vulnerabilities Create an education and outreach campaign to engage citizens and businesses in climate change vulnerability reduction efforts Adopt zoning code, building code, or other regulations that mitigate the impacts of natural disasters Create or enhance programs and services that specifically help address adaptation challenges Enforce regulations or offer incentives to encourage residents and businesses to shift behaviors to prepare for future climate change impacts Improve facilities throughout the community to be better prepared for natural disasters meaSuraBle loCal aCtionS Complete Currently underway plan prioritieS Future aCtionSP+ + CE-1 Climate Adaptation draft Gr 10 Create equitably shared prosperity and access to quality jobs Highlights of Economy & Jobs Business Retention and Development, Local Economy, and Workforce Readiness are Plan priorities. Lee County has made progress in these areas as well as Targeted Indus- try Development. Achievements include: • The Horizon Council is a public-private board with up to 80 members represent- ing 5 cities; 10 chambers of commerce; 16 economic development and trade or- ganizations; 14 community, business, and education organizations. The Council’s mission is to help improve Lee County’s business environment, encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract diversified employment. • Increase of annual sales by over $2.3 billion between 2010 and 2012 • Increase of 60 business establishments from 2010-2011 • 36% of Lee County executives had increased employment between 2012-2013; 11% reported reduced employment. • 54% of executives stated the current economic conditions for their industry im- proved between 2012-2013, while 34% reported economic conditions remained approximately the same. • 52% of companies expect to increase investment in 2014 and only 6% expect to reduce their investment levels. • Expected hired positions between 2013-2014 include account and customer ser- vice representatives; electricians; engineers; equipment operators; machinists; factory/warehouse staff; insurance agents; information technology – program- mers, web designers, application support and development; marketing; manage- ment; registered nurses; and skilled trade positions. • Partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University. A complete list of accomplishments are in the Appendix 3 Economy & JobsEJ Ej - Economy & jobs 46.6/100 EJ-2 Green Market Development EJ-4 Quality Jobs & Living Wages EJ-5 Targeted Industry Development Business Retention & Development Local Economy Workforce Readiness EJ-1 EJ-3 EJ-6 18.4/20 3.4/15 3.8/15 1.2/20 12.2/15 7.6/15 Ej-1: Business Retention & Development Ej-3: Local Economy Ej-6: Workforce Readiness draft Gr 11 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: The number of businesses in Lee County over time Outcome 2: Annual sales of businesses in Lee County Outcome 3: The number of Lee County residents employed over time Lee County is currently achieving 18.4 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES Ej-1: BuSinESS rEtEntion & DEvElopmEnt (18.4/20) purpoSE: Foster economic prosperity and stability by retaining and expanding businesses with support from the business community Leader: Lee County eConomy & JobseJ eduCation arts & CommunityeaCbuiLte nvironmentbedraft Gr 12 Negotiate project labor agreements, community benefit agreements, and local hiring agreements Formally engage with the business community on a regular basis to improve conditions and address specific needs Appoint an advisory body to provide recommendations and represent the business community in local decision-making Engage in regional coordination with other governmental, public, private, and non-governmental entities to attract and retain businesses in the region Utilize tax incentives to retain or expand businesses, including property tax abatement, local sales tax rebates, and/or tax increment financing (TIF) Provide direct financial assistance to businesses in the form of municipal bonds, grants, or loans Support business development activities in special investment zones, such as Business Improvement Districts, Enterprise Zones, or other similar districts Provide direct services and trainings tailored to the needs of the business community Provide focused support, resources, and services to young entrepreneurial companies through business incubators Create a program and campaign to support and increase the sustainability of small/local businesses. Measurable local actions 3Business Retention & Development Ej-1 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + +draft Gr 13 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Community Self-Reliance Outcome 2: Bank Deposits in locally owned banks. Lee County is currently achieving 3.8 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES Ej-3: LocaL Economy (3.8/15) PurPoSE: Create an increasingly self-reliant community through a robust local economy with benefits shared by all Leader: Lee County eConomy & JobseJ C L imate & enerGyCe HeaLtH &safetyHseduCationarts & CommunityeaC naturaL systemsnsbuiLte nvironmentbe Image credit Fort Myers CRAdraft Gr 14 Conduct an assessment of local economic conditions, including economic leakage and targeted sectors for future in- vestment Adopt an economic localization plan to increase local production for local consumption and export Promote purchasing preferences for locally-produced goods and services in anchor institutions, including the local gov- ernment Create or support promotional campaigns to bank locally, buy locally, or buy from small and independent businesses and retailers Provide incentives for businesses that use materials produced within the region and sell their products within the region Provide support services to targeted sectors to strengthen value chain infrastructure and develop market channels Connect entrepreneurs and business owners with lenders and investors to facilitate investment in the local economy Support import substitution strategies that positively impact key sectors of the local economy Create a program and campaign to support and increase the sustainability of small/local businesses. Measurable local actions Local Economy Ej-3 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + + + + + + +draft Gr 15 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Trained workforce Outcome 2: Workforce mobility and post-secondary educa- tion Lee County is currently achieving 7.6 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES Ej-6: WorkforcE rEadinESS (7.6/15) PurPoSE: Prepare the workforce for successful employment through increasing attainment of post-secondary education and improving outcomes of workforce development programs Leader: Lee County eConomy & JobseJ eduCation arts & CommunityeaC Image credit FGCUdraft Gr 16 Adopt a workforce development plan or comprehensive strategy to educate, train, and prepare residents for local em- ployment opportunities Align local economic development policy strategies with workforce development programs Require local government contractors and entities receiving financial incentives to prioritize hiring local residents Participate in and promote community workforce agreements or project labor agreements Create a workforce development committee to align post-secondary education, workforce development training pro- grams, and economic development strategies Create data sharing agreements between local governments and private sector employers to maximize the availability and use of data in economic and workforce development planning Produce an annual report that tracks workforce readiness performance measures Provide support services and training tailored to the needs of the local workforce Support expansion of community college programs to address the educational and training needs of the local workforce Invest in community college facilities and capital improvements to accommodate residents and members of the local workforce Measurable local actions Workforce Readiness Ej-6 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + + + + + +draft Gr 17 Empower vibrant, educated, connected, and diverse communities Highlights of Education, Arts, & Community Arts & Culture and Educational Opportunity & Attainment are priorities. The com- munity has made progress in these areas as well as Community Cohesion, Historic Preservation, and Social & Cultural Diversity. Achievements include: • Lee County’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $68.3 million in annual economic activity in 2010 - supporting 2,038 full-time equivalent jobs and gener- ating $9.4 million in local and state government revenues, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV impact study. • STEM@Work, hands-on learning experiences for Science, Technology, Engineer- ing, and Math students (550 student participants since 2010) • The School District of Lee County’s annual State of our Schools-Partners in Educa- tion report on progress, vision for the future, and recognition of business part- ners. • In 2012, the Visitors and Convention Bureau provided $325,000 to local arts, fes- tivals, performances and cultural tourism. 2006-2013, VCB donated nearly $2.5 million dollars to such events. • 4,328 Kindergarten students received free or reduced lunch benefits in 2012- 2013. • 10,061 High School students enrolled in Career Academies in 2012-2013 • Lee County achieved the Certified Local Government status in promoting historic preservation as recognized by the National Park Service. A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Eac - Education, arts, & community 34.5/70 Eac-1: Arts & Culture Eac-3: Educational Opportunity & Attainment Eac-2 Community Cohesion Eac-4 Historic Preservation Eac-5 Social & Cultural Diversity Arts & Culture Educational Opportunity & Attainment Eac-1 Eac-3 4.5/15 8.3/15 10.3/20 6.2/10 5.1/10 Education arts & communityEac Image credit Quality Life Center draft Gr 18 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Businesses in Lee County that are Creative In- dustries Outcome 2: Attendance and participation in live, perform- ing arts, visual arts, and museums Lee County is currently achieving 4.5 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. See SynergieS eaC-1: artS & Culture (4.5/15) purpoSe: Provide a broad range of arts and cultural resources and activities that encourage participation and creative self-expression lEadEr: allianCE for tHE arts EduCation arts & CommunityEaC EConomy & JoBsEJ Equity &EmpowErmEntEEdraft Gr 19 Adopt a strategic plan to protect, enhance, and expand the community’s arts and cultural resources and strengthen creative industries Adopt a percent-for-art ordinance requiring public art to be installed as part of new major development projects Establish enterprise zones, arts or cultural districts, or overlay zoning that encourages businesses in the creative indus- tries to cluster together and integrate with surrounding neighborhoods Collaborate with private, non-profit, or regional organizations to increase access to and participation in the arts Track participation and attendance at major community arts and cultural events, performances, festivals, and programs Provide financial or logistical support to local arts, festivals, performances, or cultural tourism Hire local artists to create artwork, sculptures, or perform in public spaces Develop special programs to advance arts education that is aligned with core curriculum in all public schools, especially early elementary grades Provide entrepreneurial and workforce development training programs that serve artists, writers, designers, and other creative industries professionals Ensure that major arts and cultural facilities are accessible to people with disabilities Protect and maintain local public artworks and cultural resources for future generations Measurable local actions coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actions P Arts & Culture Eac-1 P + +draft Gr 20 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Reading proficiency of third grade students in Lee County Outcome 2: High School graduation rate meets at least 90% Outcome 3: High School graduation rate equity Lee County is currently achieving 10.3 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES Eac-3: Educational opportunity & attainmEnt (10.3/20) purpoSE: Achieve equitable attainment of a quality education for individuals from birth to adulthood Leader: Lee County SChooL diStriCt eduCation artS & CommunityeaC eConomy & JobSeJ heaLth &SafetyhSequity &empowermenteedraft Gr 21 Engage local education authorities, teachers, families, and young people to advance collaborative decision-making and a community-driven framework for improving education Strengthen opportunities for parental and community involvement in schools Prepare an annual progress report for the public outlining the local school system’s performance Provide funding or other resources to support Head Start programs in the community Provide full-day kindergarten for low-income students and students with special needs Program or support after-school activities, tutoring, extended day- and/or summer programs for students who need additional academic assistance Offer multiple pathways to graduation as a way to improve educational outcomes for students Implement career pathway initiatives Measurable local actions coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actions P P Educational Opportunity & Attainment Eac-3 P + + + +draft Gr 22 Ensure equity, inclusion, and access to oppor- tunity for all citizens While specific objectives are not prioritized in this plan, 6 of the 14 Plan Priorities have a direct positive impact on this goal area. Click here to see synergies. Highlights of Equity & Empowerment No goals in this area are Plan priorities at this time. However, the community has made progress in the areas of Civic Engagement, Civil & Human Rights, Equitable Ser- vices & Access, Human Services and Poverty Prevention & Alleviation. Achievements include: • Established the Human Service Council, Neighborhood Associations, and Human Services Action Advisory Board. • Developed “Lee County Town Hall” online public forum and the Commission agenda “e-Comment” to facilitate citizen engagement and participation. • Established the Human Services Information Network in 2003 to provide a forum for information exchange and coordination among providers and the community to enhance the availability and delivery of human services. • Established the Lee Education & Employment Program to rapidly increase income for low-income working families and provide them a career path for upward mo- bility. • The LeeGROWS program gives residents an understanding of what happens “be- hind the scenes” of Lee County government, serving more than 1,100 since 2011. • In 2012, 170 houses were purchased for rehabilitation through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and 135 homes sold to qualified buyers. • In 2012, 20,869 students participated in a mock voting program in Lee County Middle and High Schools. • Between 2010 and 2012, Lee County Parks & Recreation partnered with 5,366 volunteers to help maintain public spaces and parks. A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Equity &EmpowErmEntEE EE - Equity & EmpowErmEnt 29.5/100 EE-1 Civic Engagement EE-2 Civil & Human Rights EE-3 Environmental Justice EE-4 Equitable Services & Access EE-5 Human Services EE-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation 4.7/15 0/10 0/15 6.2/20 10.9/20 7.7/20 draft Gr 23 equity & empowerment SynergieS Equity &EmpowErmEntEE EE-1 Civic Engagement EE-4 Equitable Services & Access EE-5 Human Services EE-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation BE-7 Transportation Choices BE-7 Transportation Choices Arts & Culture EaC-1 Educational Opportunity & Attainment EaC-3 Community Health & Health System Hs-2 Community Health & Health System Hs-2 Food Access & Nutrition Hs-4 Food Access & Nutrition Hs-4 Safe Communities Hs-7 Safe Communities Hs-7 In order to continue our prog- ress in the Equity & Empower- ment Goal Area, Lee Coun- ty is prioritizing six out of 14 goals that will have a direct positive impact on Civic En- gagement, Equitable Servic- es & Access, Human Servic- es, and Poverty Prevention & Alleviation. By prioritizing and making progress in Safe Communities, Transporta- tion Choices, Arts & Culture, Community Health & Health System, Food Access & Nu- trition, and Educational Op- portunity & Attainment, Lee County should also see im- proved outcomes in Equity & Empowerment. SynergiStic impactS draft Gr 24 Strengthen communities to be healthy, resilient and safe places for residents and businesses Highlights of Health & Safety Active Living, Community Health & Health Systems, Food Access & Nutrition, and Safe Communities are Plan priorities. The community has made progress in these areas as well as Emergency Prevention & Response, Indoor Air Quality, and Natural & Human Hazards. Achievements include: • In 2012, Lee County ranked 11th out of 65 and is in the top 30% of counties in the state for Health Outcomes that measure mortality, morbidity, health behaviors, clinical care, social & economic factors, and the physical environment. • Established Healthy Lee, a community coalition created to empower people in Lee County to adopt healthy lifestyles through education and action. • Reduced all 9 identified Food Deserts in Lee County; some by 97% and on average 65% • Community Garden Ordinance adopted to allow community gardens and farmers markets on vacant land within county neighborhoods. • In 2012, IFAS and The Food Task Force establish the Farm to Schools Program in Lee County. • 1,400 people throughout Florida and Lee County attended the annual “Taste of Lee” event which promotes foods produced by local, small farmers. • Development of LeeEvac App to allow residents to find hurricane evacuation zone information on their smart phones and devices. • Lee County Workplace Wellness Initiative empowers business leaders to start an outcomes-based wellness program in their own workplace to reduce health risks, improve quality of life, enhance personal effectiveness, and benefit the organiza- tion’s bottom line. A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Hs - HealtH & safety 43.2/100 Hs-1: Active LivingHs-2: Community Health & Health SystemHs-4: Food Access & NutritionHs-7: Safe CommunitiesPlan Priorities: HealtH &SafetyHSHS-3 Emergency Prevention & Response HS-5 Indoor Air Quality HS-6 Natural & Human Hazards Active Living Community Health & Health System Food Access & Nutrition Safe Communities HS-1 HS-2 HS-4 HS-7 1.9/15 10.9/20 6.9/15 7.5/15 0.1/15 5.1/15 10.8/15 draft Gr 25 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Percent of Active Adults in Lee County Outcome 2: Percent of Active Kids in Lee County Lee County is currently achieving 1.9 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES HS-1: ActivE Living (1.9/15) PurPoSE: Enable adults and kids to maintain healthy, active lifestyles by integrating physical activity into their daily routines Leader: HeaLtHyLee education arts & communityeacBuiLte nvironmentBe HeaLtH &safetyHs draft Gr 26 Include a chapter, section, or plan element focused on active living or active transportation in the comprehensive plan or transportation plan Require or incentivize bicycle and pedestrian amenities in new major development projects in high-density, mixed-use areas or near transit stations Create guidelines to encourage incorporation of active building design features in new public, commercial, office, and multi-family residential buildings Establish school siting guidelines that give preferential considerations to locations that maximize the number of stu- dents who can walk or bicycle safely to school Create an advisory board to advise the local government on issues related to planning, policies, code requirements, and other actions affecting active living in the community Achieve recognition as a Bicycle-Friendly Community or Walk-Friendly Community Appoint a physical activity specialist within the local health department to serve as a liaison with relevant local govern- ment departments or agencies Host or partner with community groups to support at least 2 programs that encourage active living for adults and kids Implement a local program that systematically improves bicycle and pedestrian amenities community-wide Provide at least 3 types of active recreation facilities that are available for community use, by population size Enable joint use of school-based recreation facilities during non-school hours Measurable local actions P P Active Living Hs-1 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + + + P draft Gr 27 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Health Outcomes: Lee County’s ranking in the state in regards to morbidity and mortality Outcome 2: Health Behaviors: Lee County’s ranking in the state in regards to key behaviors that impact health Outcome 3: Clinical Care: Lee County’s ranking in the state in regards to quality of clinical care and access to healthcare Outcome 4: Quality of Local Health System Lee County is currently achieving 10.9 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES HS-2: Community HEaltH & HEaltH SyStEm (10.9/20) PurPoSE: Achieve positive health outcomes and minimize health risk factors through a high quality local health system that is accessible and responsive to community needs Leader: Lee County HeaLtH department BuiLt environmentBe equity &empowermentee HeaLtH &SafetyHS draft Gr 28 Conduct a comprehensive community health assessment, which includes data collection and analysis of public health conditions, trends, and problems affecting the community Develop a community health improvement plan to strengthen the delivery of health services and improve community health Adopt a health in all policies statement or policy commitment for local decision-making Collaboratively engage the public in the assessment of community health problems and developing strategies to im- prove the delivery of health services Collaboratively engage the local public health department and relevant local government departments or agencies to integrate health considerations into local plans and policies that affect the built environment, physical activity, and ac- cess to fresh food Provide information and education to the public regarding health issues and available local programs and services that support prevention and wellness Demonstrate that the local public health department, local government, or major hospital has received HealthLead workplace accreditation Use a performance management system to monitor and improve health services and programs that promote positive health outcomes and expand access to health care Conduct health impact assessments (HIAs) on proposed infrastructure investments and development projects to in- crease positive health outcomes and minimize adverse impacts Measurable local actions P Community Health & Health System Hs-2 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + P draft Gr 29 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Local Fresh Food: The amount of local fresh food produced or sold Outcome 2: Food Security: Ability for families to access low- cost healthful food Outcome 3: Access to Healthful Food: % of residents within a walkable ¼ mile of a healthful food retail outlet Outcome 4: School Nutrition: Amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in public school districts Lee County is currently achieving 7.5 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES HS-4: Food AccESS & nutrition (7.5/15) PurPoSE: Ensure that adults and children of all income levels have opportunities to learn about nutritious eating and have physical and economic access to fresh, healthful food Leader: HeaLtHyLee C L imate & enerGyCe eduCation arts & CommunityeaC naturaL systemsnsBuiLte nvironmentBe eConomy & JoBseJ equity &empowermentee HeaLtH &safetyHs Image credit Celia B. Hilldraft Gr 30 Conduct an assessment of the local food system, including existing policies and programs that increase access to health- ful food and nutrition education Adopt zoning and development regulations that support or incentivize farmers markets, community gardens, and urban agriculture Adopt zoning and development regulations that limit or prohibit the sale of unhealthful foods Adopt menu-labeling requirements or regulations that discourage, tax, or prohibit the sale of unhealthful foods or bev- erages Demonstrate that the local public school district has adopted a model school wellness policy Establish a local or regional food policy council that includes health professionals, community organizations, schools, farmers, and/or related businesses Develop public outreach materials, classes, or workshops for residents to learn about food, nutrition, and gardening OR develop public outreach materials to promote food assistance programs Demonstrate that local schools or the public school district has received certification from the USDA Healthier US Schools Challenge or an award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in the past 3 years Purchase and sell healthful food at facilities owned, leased, and operated by the local government Implement an “Increase Your Food Bucks” program for farmers markets Provide incentives for healthful retail food outlets to locate in underserved areas or for mobile vendors that only sell fresh food meaSuraBle loCal aCtionS P Food Access & Nutrition Hs-4 Complete Currently underway plan prioritieS Future aCtionSP+ +draft Gr 31 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: Violent Crime Rate in Lee County Outcome 2: School Violence of Public Schools in Lee County Lee County is currently achieving 10.8 out of the 15 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. See SynergieS hS-7: SaFe CommunitieS (10.8/15) purpoSe: Prevent and reduce violent crime and increase perceptions of safety through interagency collaboration and with residents as empowered partners lEadEr: lEE County inJury prEvEntion Coalition EduCation arts & CommunityEaC Equity &EmpowErmEntEE HEaltH &safEtyHs draft Gr 32 Conduct a survey of community perceptions of safety recognizing that some crimes are not reported and to illuminate safety issues that need to be addressed Adopt a safe communities strategic plan (plan) with a comprehensive, balanced approach that includes violence pre- vention, intervention, suppression and enforcement, and reentry strategies Educate the public and the media about the plan, its implementation, and successful programs and strategies Develop partnerships with local agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and residents to implement the strategies and programs recommended in the plan Establish cross-agency coordination and procedures to support balanced implementation of the plan Perform ongoing data collection, evaluation, and monitoring from multiple agencies to track trends and identify emerg- ing community needs Implement violence prevention programs and strategies to address community-identified risk and protective factors Implement school-based violence prevention programs and strategies, particularly in highly impacted, urban, and at- risk neighborhoods Develop violence intervention programs and strategies to support at-risk families and youth and to prevent the escala- tion of violence Adopt violence suppression and enforcement programs and strategies that build trust through community collabora- tion, rapid, multi-sector response to violent incidents, and full investigations following the use of force Create or support a multi-faceted, monitored reentry program for ex-offenders that includes training, education, men- toring, and employment opportunities and other support services to reduce recidivism meaSuraBle loCal aCtionS Safe Communities Hs-7 Complete Currently underway plan prioritieS Future aCtionSP+ +draft Gr 33 Protect and restore the natural resource base upon which life depends Highlights of Natural Systems Green Infrastructure and Natural Resource Protection are Plan priorities. The commu- nity has made progress in these areas as well as Invasive Species, Outdoor Air Quality, Water in the Environment, and Working Lands. Achievements include: • Developed watershed restoration plans for which our water quality program has earned 35% compliance credit toward our overall pollution reduction goals since 2012. • 4,350 Pollution Prevention education program participants in 2012 • 100% National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits have been obtained prior to discharging stormwater. • Since 2000, Lee County has increase protected vegetated surfaces by 29%. • The Conservation 20/20 program buys environmentally important lands and re- stores the biological integrity and function and corridor connectivity. Funded by a 1996 referendum-approved property tax, the program has made 117 land pur- chases and includes 24,871 acres. • 56,233, nearly 20% of jobs in Lee County are agricultural and related industries. • 485 pesticide applicators attended the Lee County Extension Offices pest man- agement workshops. Certified applicators make an average of $3.62/hr more than the non-certified counterparts. This represents an annual salary differential of $3.5M/year for additional consumer spending. • JetBlue Park at Fenway South LEED Certified; anticipated operational savings of more than $100,000 each year to Lee County. • IFAS certified 2,368 landscapers in Green Industry – Best Management Practices program since 2006 • Fertilize Smart-landscape & fertilizer ordinance prevents residential yard waste and fertilizer pollution runoff. • 17 completed hydrologic restoration projects to date A complete list of accomplishments are in Appendix 3 Ns - Natural systems 64.6/100 Ns-1: Green Infrastructure Ns-3: Natural Resource ProtectionPlan Priorities: Ns-2 Invasive Species Ns-4 Outdoor Air Quality Ns-5 Water in the Environment Ns-6 Working Lands Green Infrastructure Natural Resource Protection Ns-3Ns-1 12.5/20 2.5/10 12.1/20 11.5/15 19/20 3.5/15 Natural systemsNs draft Gr 34 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: The amount of designated Green Infrastructure and vegetated surfaces Outcome 2: Green Infrastructure Distribution: Lee County residents’ access to Green Infrastructure Lee County is currently achieving 12.5 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES nS-1: grEEn infraStructurE (12.5/20) PurPoSE: Design and maintain a network of green infrastructure features that integrate with the built environment to conserve ecosystem functions and provide associated benefits to human populations Leader: Lee County C L imate & enerGyCe HeaLtH &SafetyHSBuiLte nvironmentBe naturaL SyStemSnS draft Gr 35 Create a community-wide green infrastructure plan that is integrated with other relevant local plans Adopt local design criteria and associated codes that require proactive green infrastructure practices for new develop- ments Adopt a policy requiring relevant departments be engaged during early reviews of proposed developments to ensure that project sites are evaluated for green infrastructure potential and environmental protections are put in place prior to construction Partner with key community groups and other stakeholders to ensure that green infrastructure practices are used in appropriate settings Create incentive programs to encourage land owners to adopt green infrastructure practices that link to broader green infrastructure systems Establish a green infrastructure monitoring program and regularly report on status of desired outcomes Increase the percentage of funding invested in green infrastructure Upgrade public spaces and public buildings based upon locally-adopted or recognized best practices in green infrastruc- ture. Where possible, create demonstration projects to enhance public support Provide for ongoing maintenance of green infrastructure at level required to maintain evapotranspiring functions Measurable local actions 3Green Infrastructure Ns-1 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ + + + +draft Gr 36 The following Outcomes measure: Outcome 1: The amount of priority natural systems con- served for biological function Outcome 2: The amount of wetlands, streams, and shore- line buffers Outcome 3: Connectivity of land for improved ecosystem services Outcome 4: Restoration of degradation of natural areas such as erosion and removal of Invasives Lee County is currently achieving 12.1 out of the 20 avail- able points for this objective. Find out how we earned our points. SEE SynErgiES nS-3: natural rESourcE ProtEction (12.1/20) PurPoSE: Protect, enhance and restore natural ecosystems and cultural landscapes to confer resilience and support clean water and air, food supply, and public safety Leader: Lee County C L imate & enerGyCe eduCation arts & CommunityeaCBuiLte nvironmentBe eConomy & JoBseJ naturaL systemsns draft Gr 37 Develop a plan to protect and restore natural resources through land conservation, corridor connectivity, and restora- tion of biological integrity and function Adopt land use regulations that establish appropriate wetland, stream, and shoreline buffer widths and adjacent land uses Create an advisory board with scientific experts and other local stakeholders to inform land conservation and restora- tion activities Partner with adjacent jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, and local or regional non-profit organizations to advance land conservation and restoration efforts Sponsor educational and outreach activities to increase ecological literacy and knowledge about natural resource pro- tection Adopt land use strategies to incentivize permanent land conservation Implement local and market-based financing strategies to acquire land or development easements, or fund restoration and maintenance activities Restore, maintain, and monitor conserved natural lands to increase natural resource resilience, adaptability, and bio- logical integrity Measurable local actions 3 P P P Natural Resource Protection Ns-3 coMplete currently underway plan priorities Future actionsP+ +draft Nx 1 Next StepS Gary Griffin, P.E., PresidentB&I Contractors, Inc.Robbie Roepstorff, PresidentEdison National Bank If I don’t get involved how can I expect somebody else to get involved? You really have to step up and do your part or you can’t ask someone else to do their part. – Robbie B. Roepstorff, President, Edison National Bank Occupants of the buildings ex- pect us to put in systems that have a positive impact on em- ployees. Not only by saving en- ergy but by making their em- ployees, happier with their work environment. – Gary Griffin, P.E., President B&I Contractors, Inc. Click here to learn more about what community leaders have to say about sustainability.draft Nx 2 Implementation of the Sustainability Plan requires taking steps toward achieving the outcomes described in each of the Goal Priorities identified in the Goal Report. These steps will take the form of actions identified as “currently under way”, meaning we working on it; “plan priorities”, meaning we plan to work on it in the next three years; and “possible future actions”, meaning we will consider them again in the future. The actions might include, but will not be limited to, policies, education and out- reach, partnerships and collaboration, practices, and programs and services. Some of the actions will be led by Lee County, oth- ers by the community partners identified in each Goal Priorities. Together with the Lee County Departments and our community partners, the Office of Sustainability will prepare an annual re- port that will describe progress, short-comings, or challenges. The report will include a simple scorecard that will clearly illus- trate the status of each Goal Priority. The scorecard will be avail- able on the Office of Sustainability website and social media. Click here - to view a sample of the annual scorecard. The Sustainability Plan has a three-year planning horizon. Be- ginning in 2016, the Office of Sustainability will work with Lee County Departments and community partners to re-assess our actions and outcomes overall and revisit Goal Priorities with the residents of Lee County in preparation for a 2017 Plan update and re-certification with STAR Communities. Next Stepsdraft Nx 3 Funding The prioritized objectives and the anticipated positive impacts to other goal areas and objectives are aligned with much of the work Lee County is already doing. Therefore, implementing the Sustainability Plan and continuing to make progress is possible within current bud- gets. At the same time, there are numerous competitive federal grant programs for technical assistance and others for project and pro- grammatic funding that can help the community achieve sustainability goals. The Plan positions Lee County and community partners for success in the pursuit of grant funding to advance projects and programs. Some of the available funds are in accounts that Lee County has likely utilized or benefitted from in the past such as transportation and wa- ter infrastructure accounts, beach replenishment programs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), safe streets programs of the Justice Department, and Fund for the Improvement of Education, among others. But there are other sustainability initiatives, inter-agency efforts, and lesser-known federal agencies whose competitive grant goals mirror the Sustainability Plan. These initiatives include, but are not limited to: BE-3: COMPACT & COMPLETE COMMUNITIES. The “cross-cutting” nature of this goal will eventually require an integrated approach by appropriate county agencies. Fortunately, there is alignment of similar agencies within the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities. CE-1: CLIMATE ADAPTATION. “Preparing the United States for the impacts of climate change” is one of three major goals of the President’s Climate Action Plan. But even before that plan was released in June 2013, many federal agencies were addressing this challenge. Working with science-based agencies such as NOAA and NASA, local gov- ernments can better understand how extreme weather will impact their community. Competitive grant programs to increase energy efficiency of existing and new buildings, better connect transit to jobs and housing, and improve or construct green infrastructure that increase community resilience are part of the Administration’s strategy. And because some of these programs partially overlap with the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, Lee County may be able to accomplish goal CE-1 and other community development, quality of life, and natural resource protection goals contained in the Plan. HS-4: FOOD ACCESS & NUTRITION. This goal virtually mirrors the Let’s Move public education campaign that has brought together multiple federal agencies – Agriculture, Interior, Education, Health and Human Services, and others – in a public private partnership to address obesity issues by increasing healthy food options in schools and neighbor- Built ENviroNmENtBE C limat E & ENErgyCE HEaltH &SafEtyHS draft Nx 4 hoods, promoting regular exercise, and protecting and increasing local agriculture food systems. While Let’s Move is not a grant program, participating agencies have incorporated its goals into their competitive grant programs. It also provides platforms for creating and strengthening public-private partnerships and public events that can help Lee County meet this important goal. EAC-1: ARTS & CULTURE. A lesser-known agency is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS admin- isters multiple competitive grant programs that, along with other federal agencies can help with the planning, imple- mentation, and execution of activities contained in goal. IMLS programs have funded informal education opportunities between museums or libraries and public schools, youth engagement programs for at-risk kids, and career ladder pro- grams in the arts and sciences. These are just a few of the opportunities Lee County and community partners can and should consider in implementing the Sustainability Plan goals. By ensuring the Plan aligns with funding opportunities and demonstrating a coordinated and clear vision, the community se- cures the ability to compete for the resources needed to meet long-term goals. EduCatioN artS & CommuNityEaC draft Nx 5 Completed progress no progress Together with the Lee County Departments and our community partners, the Office of Sustainability will pre- pare an annual report that will describe prog- ress, short-comings, or challenges. The re- port will include a sim- ple scorecard that will clearly illustrate the status of each Goal Priority. The score- card will be avail- able on the Office of Sustainability website and social media. Scorecard Be - Built environment Ce - Climate & energy Ej - Economy & jobs Purpose Progress Purpose Progress Purpose Progress Concentrate development in compact, human- scaled, walkable centers and neighborhoods that connect to transit, offer diverse uses and services, and provide housing options for families of all in- come levels Strengthen the resilience of communities to climate change impacts on the built, natural, economic, and social systems Foster economic prosperity and stability by retain- ing and expanding businesses with support from the business community Create an increasingly self-reliant community through a robust local economy with benefits shared by all Prepare the workforce for successful employment through increasing attainment of post-secondary education and improving outcomes of workforce development programs Promote diverse transportation modes, including walking, bicycling, and transit, that are safe, low- cost, and reduce vehicle miles traveled. Achieve livability, choice, and access for all where people live, work, and play Reduce climate impacts through adaptation and mitigation efforts and increase re-source efficiency Create equitably shared prosperity and access to quality jobs C limat E & ENErgyCE Built ENviroNmENtBE CE-1 Climate Adaptation ECoNomy & JoBSEJ Business Retention & Development EJ-1 Local Economy EJ-3 Workforce Readiness EJ-6 sampleBE-3 Compact & Complete Communities BE-7 Transportation Choices draft MINUTES OF THE REGLAR MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE May 17, 2018 Naples, Florida LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Senior Advisory Board and Productivity Committee met on this date at 10:00 A.M. at 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Building F, 5th Floor, Training Room, Naples, Florida with the following Members Present: Senior Advisory Committee Present: Charles “Doug” Hartman Joel Kessler Thomas Lansen (arrived at 10:27) Larry Magel Litha Berger Excused: Jacquelyn Pierce Victoria Tracy Absent: Murray Hendel Also Present: Geoff Willig – Operations Analyst County Manager’s Office Tim Durham – Executive Director of Corporate Business Operations Louise Pelletier – Manager of Senior Programs & Social Services Michael Sheffield - Director of the Communication & Customer Relations Division Public Present: Shelley Perry – Lasting Links Solutions 1. Call to Order Doug Hartman called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call – Committee Members 4 members were in attendance for the Senior Advisory Committee, a quorum was not established. Tom Lansen arrived at 10:27 resulting in a quorum. 4. Approval of Agenda The agenda was distributed to all present and approved once a quorum was achieved after the staff report from Louise Pelletier. 5. Public Comment Shelley Perry asked about the data that was shared at the previous meeting. Geoff Willig shared that the data came from the Census Bureau and the Senior Population percentage of 26.4% was based on the 2010 census information. The 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) figure resulted in a slightly higher percentage of 30.1% of the County population that is 65+. Shelly Perry offered to share the data that she has for the Community. 6. Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meeting Once a quorum was achieved the minutes from the May 3, 2018 meeting were approved after the staff report from Louise Pelletier. 7. Staff Report a. Louise Pelletier – Senior Services Louise Pelletier shared with the group that her staff of seven individuals supports the seniors of the area and helped 230 seniors in the last year with a waiting list of nearly 700. They are the lead agency for the County for case management, a process that involves an assessment of the individuals seeking assistance. Funding for this office is provided primarily by Federal and State grants. They help these seniors to stay in their homes through support and meal delivery. Her office organizes 4 congregant meal sites (East Naples Community Park, Golden Gate Senior Center, Goodlette Arms, and Roberts Center). They also provide area seniors with opportunities to volunteer. During the hurricane they helped additional individuals that were unaffiliated. She indicated that 90% of the seniors that her office works with are living on Social Security, and estimated that they live on an average of $12,000 a month. Louise answered several questions from the Committee, much of the discussion was related to how individuals are referred and how individuals find out about the services provided. She answered that some individuals do not desire the help that are referred to her office, but staff meets with the individual and shares the available services. Much of the information sharing is a result of Louise speaking to different organizations and sharing what they are doing. She shared that Leadership Coalition on Aging (LCA) is the most active group, and she anticipates speaking with Greater Naples Leadership (GNL) soon. The tough job is communicating the need so that the community understands the need. Tim Durham directed John Mullins the Government Affairs Manager to coordinate with the County’s lobbyists to pursue and identify additional grant opportunities. b. Michael Sheffield – County Communications Michael Sheffield shared briefly what his staff of 14 individuals does for the County Communications division. The Communications team provides electronic notices and press releases to the public and local news organizations. Individuals can register to receive these notices on the County website. Larry Magel asked how someone would be able to receive notices related to senior services, but that is not a current option. The division oversees the website, Collier Television, Annual Report, public records requests, and handle the emergency communications. The division also oversees the County’s switchboard operations and responds to approximately 60,000 calls annually. Michael shared that since the hurricane the division has also been sending text notifications as well, and they had 3 million impressions on social media. They also sent 120 notifications between Labor Day and September 25th. Michael was asked about the demographics of the 3 million impressions and he said that he would look into that information. Michael was asked about the opportunity for the committee to develop a video and he had already thought to work with Louise to develop a video, but was open to other ideas. The Chairman asked Mike to provide information regarding the contact information for home owners associations (HOAs) to communicate with the communities within the County. Tim Durham added that the Growth Management Department routinely meets with the HOAs and probably has the list available. 8. New Business The Committee discussed the procedures previously distributed. The Committee removed the last sentence in A.8 regarding staff initiated agenda items, removed the reference to forms provided for public speakers, and removed the reference to Petitioner in section C.3. The amended document was approved unanimously. 11. Committee Discussion Doug Hartman shared with the group that he had done some research of Sarasota’s Senior Advisory Board, and a program for livable communities developed by AARP. Geoff Willig suggested that he was working with staff to setup a folder to hold the research material that the group has. Larry Magel asked about the value of the Liveable Communities plan, and Tom Lansen was not fully comfortable with adopting an AARP program. Doug Hartman indicated that it would mean worldwide recognition and help develop an action plan. Shelly Perry indicated that the Community Foundation and GNL were in the process of establishing a Council to act upon the community assessment. Joel Kessler asked how the establishment of this council will impact the efforts of the Committee. It was determined that it would be good to have Eileen Connolly-Keesler and Mary Beth Geier join the next meeting to discuss the role of the council and this Committee. Tim Durham shared that the Committee is focused on County related issues and can coordinate with the council. 13. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 with nothing further to discuss. 14. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Senior Advisory Committee will be on June 4, 2018 pending the availability of Eileen Connolly-Keesler and Mary Beth Geier with the time and location to be determined. Collier County Senior Advisory Committee __________________________________ Charles Hartman - Chairman The foregoing Minutes were approved by Committee Chair on June 4, 2018 , “as submitted” [ ] or “as amended” [ ]