Nilsa Zacarias Brandon R. Schaad Rebecca Grohall Economic development and job creation are perennial issues for almost any community, but even more in this severe economic downturn. Recent economic conditions have affected most everyone in the public and private sector, and the City of Sebastianhas been no exception. This presentation will focus on the City of Sebastian’s efforts to strengthen their economy by maximizing their available resources and providing a sustainable economic framework which balances land use, housing and transportation. Sebastian’s cutting edge sustainable approach is based on supporting green jobs, promoting the growth of eco-tourism and diversifying housing choices to attract a more dynamic workforce.

1. APA Florida 2011 Conference Sustainable Economic Development with Limited Resources: The City of Sebastian‘s Green Approach 9.9.11

2. Sustainable Economic Development with Limited Resources: The City of Sebastian‘s Green Approach 2 Rebecca Grohall, AICP Brandon Schaad, AICP, LEED AP NilsaZacarias, AICP

3. 3 Sebastian

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5. ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVE LANDS 5

6. POPULATION PROJECTION 6

7. 7 Median monthly housing cost-$1,380 Renters-$918

8. POPULATION TREND 8 21,929 16,181 10,205 2,831 825 698

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10. Means of Transportation to Work 10

11. 11 Percent graduated from high school 16 Percent bachelor degree or higher

12. 12 35 Percent - professional-educational, and health care 15 Percent- Retail 14 Percent - construction

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14. Fiscal Constraints 14

16. Common Concepts:

17. “capacity to endure”

18. Potential for long-term maintenance of well-being (environmental, economic, social)

21. Responsible Use of Indigenous Resources: invest in eco-tourism, fishing/water based recreation, “Old Florida” charm and history

22. Conservation / Responsible Consumption: efficient use of resources, reduce energy consumption, lifestyle changes needed to preserve natural beauty

23. Fiscal Responsibility: short- and long-term ability to deliver services needed to succeed economically while keeping tax burden low

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26. “The twin challenge of climate change and economic stagnation can be solved by the same action-broad, aggressive, sustained deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency” Brad Collins, Executive Director, ASES American Solar Energy Society 20

27. Reduce dependence on fossil fuels Lower utility bills No C02 emissions Strengthen National Security Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient 21

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30. FACTS GERMANY Population- One-quarter the size of U.S. + Renewable energy jobs and generates new jobs faster than U.S. (RE jobs increased 36% in two years) 5x wind sector jobs 4x the photovoltaic solar jobs than U.S. Produces half wind rotors of the world , one-third solar panels 24

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32. FACTS UK - 2010 1.2 Billion Investment Offshore Wind Farm turbines will create power for 200,000 homes (300 MW of power) 26 Offshore wind farm increases UK’s wind energy capacity 30% - UK is now the world’s largest producer of wind energy 2020 UK’s renewable energy target – to generate one- third of its electricity via renewable sources

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34. RE & EE by 2030 + 4.5 million new jobs - 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions annually-(57% EE- 43%RE) Green jobs – diverse range of skills - construction, professional services, public sector, retail , truck transportation, manufacturing (metal and electrical equipment) 28

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36. FLORIDA US Third Largest Energy Consumer Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - primary organization for state energy and climate change programs and policies Senate Bill 2156 Development of strategic energy policy – Dr. Mary Bane – Special Advisor on Energy Policy- “develop an energy policy for our state that strikes a balance of affordability, reliability and sustainable resources” Gov. Rick Scott 30

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40. Remaining EECBG funds - eligible programs and initiatives Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate: $17,585,466 All rebate funds are no longer available Energy Assurance Grant Program: $1,881,676 Collaborative effort - several state agencies to review and strengthen Florida’s Energy Assurance Plan by incorporating smart grid improvements and renewable energy facilities 33

42. Reduce total energy use

44. Solar water heating system , high efficiency air conditioning and windows, and green insulation 34

46. UTILITY COMPANIES – green approach 36 Florida Power & Light - FPL Solar Energy Centers Constructed three solar power plants - created 110 megawatts of clean energy for 4.5 million customers DeSoto Solar Energy Center Martin Solar Energy Center Space Coast Solar Energy Center

48. Interconnection and net metering - learn more about Customer-Owned Renewable Generation

49. Interconnection and net metering - learn more about Customer-Owned Renewable Generation

50. Interconnection and net metering - learn more about Customer-Owned Renewable Generation

52. Solar Water Heater for Residential and Commercial Rebates Rebates of $1,000 for every new residential solar water heater Interconnection and Net Metering Customer Owned Generation

53. 38 Provide electricity to residences or facilities Allows customers to interconnect approved renewable to electric grid generation systems www.FPL.com/netmetering

54. City of Sebastian 39 Electrical Contractor Complete Solar Solar Photovoltaic power systems services: designing engineering permitting installation

55. In The News Now… 1.5 Billion Solar Farm August 15, 2011 National Solar Power - 4 communities in Florida to become home of the world’s largest solar farm – Gadsden, Hardee, Osceola and Suwannee Counties – First phase up and running within six months of breaking ground. Hensel Phelps Construction Co., will design, build and operate the solar farms 40 National Solar Power’s planned 400-megawatt solar farm - renewable energy to power 32,000 homes

56. In The News Now… PALM BEACH COUNTY County Commissioners adopted development regulations – 500-foot-tall wind turbines– wind power to produce electricity (August 29, 2011) 41 County effort to become state’s leader in wind power Wind Capita Group proposes 80 wind turbines near Belle Glade (16,000 acres)

57. Sebastian’s Approach

58. Projects Examined: 43 2010 Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) 2010 Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element (New) 2010 CRA Master Plan Update 2011 Riverfront Parking Study Various City Initiatives Sustainable Long-Term Economic Development Strategy

60. Housing Strategies

62. Improved Urban Environment in the Riverfront

66. Improved Pedestrian Environment in the Riverfront

73. www.dsireusa.org Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. US Department of Energy

74. www.eia.gov Energy Information Administration

75. http://www.eecbg.energy.gov EECBG Program

76. www.natlsolar.com National Solar Power 55

77. 56 THANK YOU!