Report Highlights Power of Community Visioning to Shape Florida’s Future

1000 Friends of Florida, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, has released a groundbreaking new report demonstrating how meaningful public participation can enhance long‑range community planning and protect Florida’s natural and agricultural lands.

The Community Visioning and Landscape Conservation Planning report, drafted by Dover, Kohl and Partners, showcases successful case studies from across Florida - ranging from Lake Wales to Wimauma - where citizen input has helped communities balance growth, conserve critical habitats, and preserve unique local character.

“This report offers both inspiration and practical guidance for local governments and citizens

alike,” said Paul Owens, president of 1000 Friends of Florida. “At a time when state policies are limiting local planning authority, it’s more important than ever to use the tools we have— science, visioning, and public participation—to shape the future from the ground up.”

Key Findings

• Community visioning works: Meaningful public participation creates community buy‑in for long‑term growth strategies.
• Data-driven conservation: Integrating landscape‑scale conservation science ensures natural systems and agricultural lands are prioritized.
• Case studies inspire action: The report details real‑world examples of how local governments are planning for growth and resilience.

The full Community Visioning & Landscape Conservation Planning report is available online at: https://1000fof.org/communityvisioning.

A free public webinar to discuss report findings will be held on September 11, 2025. Registration is now open at https://ow.ly/m1lY50Wwlo3.

Founded in 1986, 1000 Friends of Florida is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to saving special places, building better communities, and advocating for sustainable growth.