CUES is participating in two important efforts at each end of our seven-county region. In the north, CUES is staffing the Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast. This group met in July to discuss issues pertaining to the natural environment. Next month, economic issues will be discussed. This organization’s work is important to maintain the quality of life in our northern counties (Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River) as they face increasing growth pressures. At the other end of our region, the South Miami-Dade Watershed Study and Plan is being undertaken to help meet the natural system requirements of a healthy Biscayne Bay and Miami-Dade County, while addressing essential quality of life characteristics, such as economic development, community character and infrastructure needs. CUES just convened the fourth meeting of the Technical Review Committee for the South Miami-Dade Watershed Study. This group meets at six key points in the Study process to evaluate and make recommendations on the work products and help ensure the technical validity of the consultant's work. CUES Director Jim Murley serves as the moderator of the TRC. The Watershed Study is a project of the Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning and is managed by the South Florida Regional Planning Council.

August 2 through September 10
The Everglades Forever Auction
Participants can bid on a variety of trips, experiences, merchandise, sports memorabilia, and artwork. The Florida Earth Foundation is still accepting donated items and encourages supporters to help get the word out. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Bid on an autographed Shaquille O’Neal Lakers jersey or on many of the other interesting items!

August 26-28, 2004
20th Annual Land Use Institute - ALI-ABA
CUES is proudly co-sponsoring the Twentieth Annual Land Use Institute with the American Law Institute-American Bar Association (ALI-ABA) in Boston from August 26-28, 2004. This annual course provides a review of current issues in land use for attorneys, planners, public officials, developers, and academics. Participants will be updated on planning, land use, and eminent domain decisions, the past, present, and future of zoning, homeland security issues, organizing support for a development project, ethical considerations for land use practitioners and governmental lawyers, and more.

Urban Land Institute: Challenges and Opportunities for Florida’s Regions
CUES Director Jim Murley continues to take part in a ULI statewide project exploring Florida’s regional opportunities and challenges. The committee has held four regional meetings to solicit input from local leaders. The first South Florida meeting was held at CUES offices at the FAU campus in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A key finding from this meeting was the importance of connecting transportation and land use decision making. The goal of the project, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is to develop a set of recommendations that will identify and remove obstacles at the state government level to regional collaboration. Another South Florida meeting is being scheduled for October 20, 2004. See upcoming CUES News for more information.

Smart Growth and New Urbanism Seminars Coming Soon
CUES will continue its joint seminars with the Florida Association of Realtors focused on smart growth and new urbanism. The next offering will be at Seaside on September 30 and then in Orlando on October 21. As it becomes available, information will be posted in CUES News and on the CUES website. To learn more about these programs, contact Jim Murley at CUES or Catherine McCaskill at FAR, (850)224-1400.