FAU's Jupiter office of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions focuses on the importance of design in creating communities that meet the principles of smart growth. In this effort we host or collaborate on a variety of community, regional, and state activities, such as: - hosting nationally recognized speakers such as Charleston's Mayor Joe Riley and Charles Jordan, President of the Conservation Fund
- working with municipalities, the State of Florida, and professional organizations in directing policies for smart growth
- fostering a sense of regionalism through seminars and research
- training elected officials in urban design as it relates to their specific communities
- convening conferences and think tanks
- partnering with other organizations such as the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Urban Land Institute, and the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association to widen and strengthen the message of smart growth and regionalism
Within the development of Abacoa our efforts include:
- encouraging stewardship of the greenway system,
- sponsoring an environmental camp for youngsters each summer
- offering personal tours for those interested in new urbanist communities
- creating awareness of the importance of diversity and encouraging the offering of a range of housing prices in neighborhoods
- writing the Chronicles of Abacoa to document the history of the development and its contribution to smart growth and urban design
Much of this work is accomplished via two major initiatives: the Abacoa Project and the Florida Public Officials Design Institute.
The Abacoa Project strives to foster a sense of community within the new urbanist community of Abacoa, where FAU's MacArthur Campus is located. The development is a model and laboratory of new urbanism.
The Florida Public Officials Design Institute trains public officials in understanding design so that they can take the lead in creating places of distinction that enhances quality of life. The Design Institute hosts eight officials per year evaluating projects ranging from redevelopment of major transportation corridors, to evaluate planning policy for 25 square miles of land, to revitalizing a residential neighborhood as the catalyst for a whole town.
