What will Florida’s growth management landscape look like if the Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment passes? Its language is clear, its implications reach every aspect of growth management and environmental protection, both private and public.

     Some pundits have termed the amendment, which would place all comprehensive plan adoption and amendment powers in the hands of local voters by way of referendum, a “tectonic change” in Florida’s current approach to growth and environmental issues.

     Recognizing the need for a forum to discuss the legal and policy challenges of “planning by popular vote,” the 2004 Annual Environmental and Land Use Law Update will explore and highlight these issues throughout the two-day seminar. The Update will convene at Amelia Island Plantation on August 19-20, 2004, with Section Committee meetings slated for August 21.

     Seminar co-chairs Dave Jordan and Mary Hansen promise a lively discussion. In addition to the keynote focus, the Seminar will cover recent legislative and agency developments, new initiatives in water supply production and protection, model development rule drafting and a field seminar guided by the Section’s affiliate members.

     Further Update information will be available on the Section website.