Manatee County Government
How Will We Grow
How Will We Grow? A Conversation with the Community
The How Will We Grow? project came about from the challenges that arose from the boom and bust economy during the years 2000-2005. As new leaderships developed, they began questioning the reasoning behind many growth policies as some of the regulations seem to be having the opposite effect.
County administration has challenged staff to look at land use and infrastructure planning differently. Look at planning through the eyes of an accountant. Seeing infrastructure as assets, the following questions became apparent:
- Are we capitalizing on our current infrastructure and service assets?
- Is our existing infrastructure maximized in terms of the number of customers it’s capable of serving?
- Does infrastructure support or hinder redevelopment efforts in established areas?
- Is new development maximized and balanced in terms of customers/fees/taxes versus cost of services?
- Is the county assisting with economic development in how it handles infrastructure delivery?
- How does all this relate to past public workshops and citizen input on growth?
- How does all this compare to future trends?
The How Will We Grow? report provides an introspective look, not only at development review, land use and infrastructure planning, but also considers three alternatives to growth and weighs their impacts.
Downloadable Report
How Will We Grow? A Conversation with the Community (high resolution version)
How Will We Grow? A Conversation with the Community (lower resolution version)
Update: pages 69-70 have been replaced for document dated Jan. 15, 2013
Video Presentation of How Will We Grow reports & findings:
Feb. 7, 2013 - Tiger Bay meeting (short version)
March 2013 - League of Women Voters (full presentation)
Powerpoint Presentation:
January 15, 2013 Worksession (PDF of presentation)
- Traditionally, Manatee County and Bradenton has been seen as a retirement area, a low cost alternative to Tampa and Sarasota or a bedroom community to the St. Petersburg and Tampa. Based upon demographic, land economic, and market projections and trends, which type of “Best Place” fits for the future of Manatee County and what do we need to do, to achieve it?
- What development patterns are successful in increasing the efficiency of infrastructure?
- Are there development patterns and products that better align with trends and economic activities in our area?
- Are there development patterns, types of development or activities that may complement or encourage our targeted industries?
- What incentives for redevelopment should be implemented in our targeted areas?
- Many of our redevelopment areas have aging infrastructure. As we spend millions on infrastructure replacement in areas with dwindling property values, what can we do to get a better return on the investment in these areas?
The ULI presented to the BoCC on March 26, 2013. PDF of the presentation.
Watch the Video of the ULI BoCC presentation
ULI is coming back for a follow-up presentation on May 14th at 9am - Bradenton Convention Center, Longboat Key Room
ULI Preliminary Draft Report for Manatee
The next step is to start a conversation with the community on these issues. Staff will seek input from citizens and stakeholder groups and provide opportunities for citizen participation and comment.
UPCOMING How Will We Grow? Community Meetings
Open to the Public
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
ULI Follow-up Presentation
Bradenton Convention Center - Longboat Key Room
1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto
9:00am
Thursday, May 16, 2013
GT Bray
5502 33rd Ave Dr W., Bradenton
Parks & Recreation - Movie Room
6:00am - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Downtown - Fountain Room
next to the County Admin. Bldg (1112 Manatee Ave W.)
10:30am - 12:00pm
PRESENTATIONS TO LOCAL GROUPS & CLUB MEETINGS
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Sertoma Club
Ezra's - 5629 Manatee Ave
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Manasota Chapter of FL Surveying & Mapping Society
Sun N Fun RV Resort - 7125 Fruitvillle Rd
6:30pm – 7:30pm
In June 2013 (date TBD), the Board of County Commissioners will weigh the recommendations before them (How Will We Grow Report and ULI ), hear from the citizens, and provide direction on potentially a new direction for growth in unincorporated Manatee County.
