Planning Commissioner + Workshop Registration
Payment must be received by: Early bird discount

(June 9 – July 11)

 Regular

(July 12 – Aug. 15)

 Late

(Aug. 16 – 31)
Workshop Only(2) $45 $45 $45
Planning Commissioner Tuesday only (attend sessions + Opening Reception)(3) $200 $250 $300
Planning Commissioner Full Conference (includes Tuesday’s workshop) (1) $475 $555 $605

 

(1) Includes all sessions, all breakfasts, lunches and receptions + the POT workshop. No lunch on Tuesday. 
(2) Only admittance to Tuesday’s POT workshop. No lunch.  
(3) Tuesday only includes sessions, meetings, and Opening Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres. No lunch. 

 

CANCELLATIONS

Should you need to cancel your registration, there will be a $50 fee through Aug. 15 and $100 from Aug. 16 – Aug. 31. No refunds will be granted starting Sept. 1.

 

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the chapter office at 850-201-3272 no later than Aug. 4, 2025. Special accommodations with respect to lodging should be handled directly with the hotel.

 

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Have special dietary needs? Be sure to indicate them when you register. We cannot guarantee to accommodate special requests if not provided ahead of time.

Click Here to Review Workshop Agenda + Speakers

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9 am – 4:30 pm 
Maximum: 75 people.

 

This all-day training that is ideal for appointed advisory board members, elected officials, utilities, historic preservation or water board members, city clerks, or a local government employee who is eager to learn more about local planning and zoning fundamentals, land use law, future planning trends, and effective public engagement tactics. All positions and backgrounds are welcome.

 

AGENDA

(download agenda pdf here)

9 – 10:30 am:  Merle Bishop, FAICP, Implementing Comprehensive Planning Techniques

10:45 – 11 am:  Break

11 am – 12 pm:  Owen Beitsch, FAICP, Private Sector Perspectives on Current and Future Planning Trends

Noon – 12:45 pm:   Lunch + networking

12:45 – 1:45 pm:  Bob Cambric, Effective Public Engagement Practices

1:45 – 2 pm:  Break

2 – 3 pm:   Merle Bishop, Ethics in Planning

3 – 4:30 pm:   Peter Henn, AICP, Esq. + Laurie Harari, Navigating Land Use Law Requirements

 

TOPICS COVERED:

Merle Bishop, FAICP,  Implementing Comprehensive Planning Techniques + Ethics in Planning sessions.  Florida planning as it relates to the comprehensive plan and the land development code will be discussed as well as exploring how they are different in their scope. Review processes for local and state planning will be explained, including state and local jurisdictions for roadways. EAR based amendments will be covered along with various topics related to Florida planning.

 

Peter Henn, AICP, Esq., Navigating Land Use Law Requirements. The legal aspect of planning will be discussed. Bert Harris basics as well as important case law will be discussed as it relates to land use planning. Quasi-judicial versus legislative decisions will be explained. An overview of new legislation will be provided as well as guidance regarding state preemption of local regulations.

 

Bob Cambric on Inclusive Public Engagement Practices.  The planning board’s role versus the planning staff role will be explored. Best practices for public participation, public hearings and meetings will be explained for both in person and virtual meetings in the post COVID world. Meeting procedures will be explored including explaining Roberts Rules of Order. Finally, the Florida Sunshine Law requirements and the state’s code of ethics will be explained.

 

Owen Beitsch, FAICP, Ph.D., on Private Sector Perspectives on Current and Future Planning Trends.  A variety of emerging trends in planning will be presented in this session. Architectural design, green infrastructure, low impact development, resiliency, sustainability and land use and planning in a post pandemic world will be covered.

Click Here for Registration Options + Form

Please read before registering: Planning Commissioners have three ticket options.

 

WORKSHOP ONLY TICKET:  If you want to only attend the Planning Officials Training Workshop, please select the $45 Planning Officials Training Workshop ticket.  Image right.

COMMISSIONER TUESDAY ONLY TICKET:  If you want to attend the workshop and Tuesday sessions and Opening Reception, please select the $45 ticket and the APA Member Tuesday Only ticket.  Image right.

COMMISSIONER FULL CONFERENCE TICKET:  If you want to attend the entire conference, the Planning Officials Training Workshop is complimentary.  Please select the Planning Commissioner ticket. Image right.