Services Overview

Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) in Florida exist as a response to area wide or regional circumstances and needs. The RPCs were created by voluntary interlocal agreements (most commonly under 163.01, Florida Statutes), which created a consistent geographic framework within which planning and technical assistance activities could be developed and implemented.

The Florida Legislature identified the role of the RPC as “Florida’s only multi-purpose regional entity that is in a position to plan for and coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments, and meet other needs of the communities in each region.”

The general purpose of the South Florida Regional Planning Council is articulated in its mission, which is to identify the long-term challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Florida and assist the Region’s leaders in developing and implementing creative strategies that result in more prosperous and equitable communities, a healthier and cleaner environment, and a more vibrant economy. Specific rights, duties and powers of the RPCs are defined in the Florida Statutes and will be described in the section entitled “Statutory Guidelines.”

Local Government Tech Assistance

Regional councils provide technical assistance to their local jurisdictions through numerous services and special tasks. By offering technical assistance programs to their local governments, economies of scale are achieved

Economic Services Analysis

The South Florida Economic Forecasting Partnership (The Partnership) offers technical assistance to communities and organizations to predict how policy decisions or economic events can impact the economy at the county, region, and state level.

Economic impact analysis supports local authorities in making economic development investment decisions by providing consistent assessments of the magnitude and characteristics of the economic benefits related to those decisions. The Partnership was formed in 2003 and continues today with the participation of the South Florida Regional Planning Council and Palm Beach County.

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Regional Convening

The SFRPC recently completed Seven50 (“seven counties, 50 years”), a 50-year plan and a blueprint for growing a more prosperous, more desirable Southeast Florida during the next 50 years and beyond. This plan represents how we served as a regional convener for the South Florida region. Spearheaded by the South Florida and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Councils and the Southeast Florida Regional Partnership (SFRP), a unique collaboration of more than 200 public, private, and civic stakeholders, Seven50 is mapping the strategy for the best-possible quality of life for the more than six million residents of Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.

We strive to work as regional conveners relative to issues of regional impact.

Visioning

The Visioning process involves a series of free-wheeling meetings among a broad cross-section of stakeholders. Participants are encouraged to brainstorm ideas for group consideration without restrictions and inhibitions. Discussions center on the long term direction stakeholders would like to see their city or organization take and the issues that may have a critical impact on their plan. Visioning is the foundation for developing a realistic mission statement and a workable strategic plan.

Dispute Resolution

The Council’s Regional Dispute Resolution Process (RDRP) was adopted in response to the requirements of Chapter 186.509, Florida Statutes. The RDRP is designed to reconcile differences in planning, growth management, and other matters among local governments, regional agencies, and private interests. The RDRP endeavors to be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early as possible; utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence; allow flexibility; provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties; and provide as much process certainty as possible.

GIS/Mapping

The South Florida Regional Planning Council uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce display maps and assist the planning staff in its analytical work. The Council offers a variety of Mapping Services including the creation of customized maps. Examples of the Council’s mapping capabilities are displayed in the South Florida Map Gallery.