Coastal Comprehensive Plan Update October 25, 2006

Background Overview Governor’s Executive Order resulting from recommendations of Commission for a New Georgia DCA appointment of broad-based advisory committee, chaired by Commissioner Launched in August 2005

Executive Order Executive Order signed February 2005 Directs DCA to prepare plan by September 2007 Charge: To outline a vision for Georgia’s coastal area that promotes sustainable future development without compromising the region’s valuable and vulnerable natural environment.

CCPAC Composition 35-member CCPAC Stakeholders from Georgia’s coastal counties – Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty and McIntosh Three state agencies represented on the committee: DEcD, DNR & DOT. DCA Commissioner Beatty serves as chair.

Committee Retreat – January 2006 Objectives: Define broad vision for the Coast Identify most important issues and opportunities facing the Coastal region Learn from experiences of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Learn about Coastal Sound Science Initiative Provide direction on specific plan components and implementation options

Draft Vision Statement for 2026 The vision of Coastal Georgia is to be a unique and cohesive region based upon innovation and excellence in all we do to preserve, nurture, enhance and develop our abundant human, natural, historic, cultural and economic resources.

Specific Vision Themes Preservation of natural and cultural resources: restore eco-systems, pristine barrier islands, wildlife, coastal heritage Transportation: new E-W corridors, alternatives like public transit, ferries, water taxis provide access to coastal resources Quality growth: mixed use development, walkable communities with public spaces, clustered development Greenspace and greenways: urban and rural green space Maintaining diversified economy: revitalize and support traditional uses, new economic hubs with regional flavor Diversity and social equity: safety, security, family-oriented Ports expansion: including military Education: quality education, training and research Governmental coordination: for service provision and improved water quality

CCPAC Prioritized Issues LAND USE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION NATURAL RESOURCES TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES and SERVICES HOUSING

Stakeholders Stakeholder and public involvement is a critical element in the comprehensive planning process. A full range of community values and desires must be reflected throughout the process . Potential stakeholders include: Local elected officials Local appointed officials (planning commission, etc.) and staff State and federal government agencies (i.e., Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, King’s Bay Submarine Base, Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center) Chambers of Commerce/CVBs Homebuilder Associations Development Authorities Environmental organizations Coastal scientific community Non-profit organizations Historic organizations Regional and Interstate Groups (Florida and South Carolina) University system and Department of Technical and Adult Education Cultural and historic resources organizations Agriculture and silvaculture interest groups Commercial and recreational fishermen Local government organizations, including the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)

Stakeholders Involvement Techniques Three rounds of public meetings at all levels, held around the region Quarterly CCPAC meetings Technical advisory committees’ meetings held regularly Community choices surveys Interested parties lists Local government interviews Stakeholder group emails Website Press releases

Priority Plan Implementation Techniques Guide for State investment in region Consistency in plans of local governments and authorities Recommended best development and conservation practices Consistency in plans of State agencies Work program of specific action items, responsible parties, costs and timeline

Thus far…. 35-member CCPAC appointed and meeting regularly CCPAC agrees upon prioritized list of issues to be addressed by Plan Consultant hired to: Conduct Stakeholder Involvement Process; plan prepared Create Alternative Development Scenarios Assess existing local government regulations Establishment of Local Government Advisory Committee Draft “Regional Assessment” prepared

Maps being prepared include: Regional land use map DRIs Transportation facilities Land conservation areas Best management practices list Web-based local government resource tools Regional profile excerpted from CGRDC regional plan Website established with background materials www.georgiaplanning.com/coastal.htm

Next steps…. 1st round of Stakeholder meetings October 2006 Next meeting of Local Government Advisory Committee Fall 2006 Next meeting of CCPAC December 2006

Director, Office of Planning and Quality Growth DCA staff Jim Frederick Director, Office of Planning and Quality Growth jfrederi@dca.state.ga.us 404/679-3105 Adriane Wood Project Manager awood@dca.state.ga.us 478/752-1172