Dismantling Growth Management?

CIVIC Concern | Mar 27, 2009 | 1

Several bills moving through the legislature would greatly affect Florida's growth management process.  Legislators are considering eliminating the Department of Community Affairs, the agency that works with local communities to help control and manage growth and protect the environment. There is also a bill to make it easier for developers to fill in wetlands and build on them.  

Legislators argue the changes will spur economic development.  Environmentalists and advocates of smart growth oppose the changes, pointing out the hundreds of thousands of new homes sitting empty and arguing that destroying Florida's environment and encouraging urban sprawl won't attract new jobs, residents or tourists to the state.

What do you think?  For more information, visit CIVIC's article.