Government Digest: Apr. 29

Housing agency offers development program

PINELLAS COUNTY — The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County is sponsoring the certificate in community real estate development program at the University of South Florida. The program runs from May 12 to Aug. 19. According to a county press release, the program offers practical training for staff responsible for creating successful affordable housing and community-based real estate development programs. The program is designed for board members, policy makers and community leaders engaged in promoting affordable housing, as well as students in business, urban studies, architecture and others seeking hands-on experience in project-level real estate financial analysis. The program costs $125. Applications must be submitted by May 6. For more information, go to fiog.usf.edu/trainings/cred/.

Tampa Sports Authority seats open

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — County commissioners are seeking to fill two four-year terms on the Tampa Sports Authority, which owns and operates Raymond James Stadium and manages three public golf courses for the city of Tampa. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. The deadline for applying is May 12. The Board of County Commissioners will make appointments in June or July. An application is available in the commissioners' reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, by calling (813) 272-5826, or on the county's website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side.

House passes 'Community Planning Act'

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House passed House Bill 7127, the “Community Planning Act,” which overhauls the state's growth management laws. The bill shifts more responsibility to local governments by largely leaving it up to counties and cities whether to continue to require developers to pay for infrastructure improvements. The bill also removes limitations on the number of times local governments may process plan amendments, and there is no longer a state-mandated review of all changes to comprehensive plans. A similar bill in the Senate, SB 1122, is awaiting approval by the Budget Committee.

Senate committee OKs tech firms' tax exemptions

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate's Commerce and Tourism Committee passed a committee substitute for Senate Bill 506 expanding the types of firms eligible for property tax exemptions for new and expanding businesses to include technology companies. Local referenda would still be required to approve the tax exemptions, which last for up to 10 years for new facilities and equipment and expansions of existing facilities. When approved by voters, local governments implement the tax exemptions by ordinance. The bill next goes to the Budget Committee.

MEETINGS

COLLIER COUNTY

The Community Redevelopment Agency, Bayshore Gateway Triangle Local Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. May 3, at the Bayshore Gateway Triangle office, 4069 Bayshore Drive, Naples.

PINELLAS COUNTY

The Pinellas Planning Council joint transportation/land use working group will meet at 11 a.m. May 4, at the Largo City Hall community room. 201 Highland Ave., Largo. For more information, call 727-586-7490.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

The Planning Commission, University of South Florida, President Judy Genshaft, and Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools MaryEllen Elia, will hold a “Partnering for the Future” joint workshop meeting at 9 a.m. May 6, at University Area Community Center, 14013 North 22nd St., Tampa.

For more information, call Grace Sanders at 813-272-5940.