As a planning principle, every 7 years, Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes (F.S.) requires that all local governments review and evaluate their comprehensive plan. This process is called the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). On May 23, 2019, the City's Development Department issued a notification letter to the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), prepared in accordance with Section 163.3191, F.S., stating that the City reviewed its Comprehensive Plan and has determined that amendments are necessary to reflect changes in state requirements in Chapter 163, Part II, F.S.  These changes to Chapter 163 F.S. are attached to this agenda. The City acknowledged that it has one year from this date (May 23, 2020) to prepare and transmit the proposed amendments to the State Land Planning Agency (DEO).  

The purpose of this planning process is to update the Comprehensive Plan (Plan) through recommended EAR-based plan amendments and assess the City's progress in implementing the Plan. The EAR is intended to accomplish several important purposes: Identify planning related community issues; review past actions of the local government in implementing the plan since the last EAR; assess the degree in which plan objectives have been achieved; assess both successes and shortcomings in the plan; identify ways that the plan should be changed; respond to changes in state requirements and regional plans; and ensure effective intergovernmental coordination.

Public input has been requested and encouraged through three (3) public workshops and one (1) focus group discussion with Stuart Main Street. With careful consideration of the public comment, staff has identified five (5) major issues: 1) Plan for Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability; 2) Promote Diverse, Attractive and Healthy Housing; 3) Enhance Mobility for All Residents; 4) Strengthen the Local Economy; and 5) Make Investments in Capital Improvements for the Future.

Tonight, staff will present data, analysis and recommendations in regard to issue #2 and #4: Promote Diverse, Attractive and Healthy Housing and Strengthen the Local Economy. Staff has attached to this agenda the recommended changes in a draft report, and the Future Land Use, Housing, Recreation and Open Space and Economic Development Elements of the current Comprehensive Plan for your review. After a brief presentation, staff encourages the discussion and direction of the issue and the draft recommendations. Staff has planned for one last joint workshops (March 10th) to discuss the remaining major issues #3 and #5, which relate to Mobility and Infrastructure.