“Florida has very distinct and different regions. To accomplish greater regional collaboration, it is important to first figure out the needs of each region and then fashion a plan that works.”

Mr. Peter Rummell, Chairman and CEO, St. Joe Company

The Urban Land Institute Florida Initiative for Regional Cooperation is hosting its statewide symposium on achieving more livable communities through regional cooperation on March 17, 2006, at the Radisson Miami Hotel in Miami. Event co-chairmen are Mr. Peter Rummell, chairman and CEO, St. Joe Company, Jacksonville; and Mr. Nathaniel Reed, former assistant secretary for Fish, Wildlife and National Parks, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Governor Jeb Bush is slated to be the Keynote Speaker and his remarks will focus on “How the State of Florida can Encourage Regional Cooperation.” Esteemed panelists include: Mr. Steve Seibert, Century Commission Executive Director (moderator); Secretary Thaddeus Cohen, Florida Department of Community Affairs; Secretary Denver Stutler, Florida Department of Transportation; Secretary Colleen Castille, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; The Honorable Michael Bennett, member, Florida Senate; The Honorable Mike Davis, member, Florida House of Representative; and Dr. Pamella Dana, Florida Office of Tourism, Trade and Development.

The Urban Land Institute is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land in order to enhance the total environment. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 28,500 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.

The Urban Land Institute Florida Initiative on Regional Cooperation was created two years ago to foster regional cooperation to improve the quality of life and economic competitiveness of communities throughout the state. The effort was led by the ULI Florida Statewide Committee on Regional Cooperation, a broad cross section of leaders from the public, private and non-profit sector.

The committee identified principles and recommendations for regional cooperation, which are detailed in a report published in August 2005. The statewide symposium is one key step toward achieving the cooperative efforts being sought by the initiative. The program is funded by the Urban Land Institute, the Institute four district councils in Florida, and a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

For more information, please visit www.uli.org/floridasymposium.