This year, as part of its work program, the PPC undertook a survey designed to gauge how well the agency is serving local governments as it pursues its mission and objectives. Two copies of the survey were distributed to each of the twenty-five local jurisdictions and the School Board, with a request that one be completed by an elected official and the other by a designated staff member. Twenty-eight responses were received.

The results presented below show that, overall, most participants are satisfied with the PPC's work and regard it highly. In addition, a number of suggestions were made that will help the agency refine and improve its role in the future.

The PPC Mission

In the first section, participants were asked to rate the PPC's success in fulfilling the five objectives listed in its mission statement: providing a representative forum, establishing overall policy direction, achieving and maintaining plan consistency, fostering interagency coordination, and providing technical assistance to local governments. Each of these items earned favorable responses (“good” or “excellent”) from between 89 and 96 percent of respondents. However, when asked whether the PPC should seek new or different roles in the future, only 21 percent of respondents answered “yes.” Overall, it appears that the PPC is successfully fulfilling its mission statement, and that local governments are satisfied with its role.

Countywide Plan Administration

In the second section, participants were asked to evaluate the PPC's success in performing a variety of countywide planning functions such as land use amendment review, comprehensive plan consistency analysis, and annexation evaluations. When asked if staff completes these tasks in a timely fashion, understands local needs and issues, and adequately communicates countywide issues with local staff and officials, 93 percent of respondents answered “yes” for each item. The responses indicate that the agency is performing these tasks in a manner that satisfies the great majority of local governments.

Local Assistance

In the third section, participants were asked about their experiences with the PPC's technical assistance to local governments. Sixty-one percent indicated that their communities had received assistance. Those respondents were asked to rate staff performance according to nine criteria describing the quality and usability of the service received. For three of these criteria (professionalism, staff knowledge, and helpfulness), staff received a 100 percent “excellent” rating. All others received a combined “excellent” or “good” rating of 100 percent. Local assistance activities have traditionally been viewed as one of the most beneficial functions of the Council, and the survey responses reinforce that view.

Communication

The last section inquired about how well PPC staff is communicating with local governments and the public through methods such as the agency web site and newsletter. Sixty-eight percent of respondents stated that they had accessed the web site. Asked to rate the site according to a number of criteria (ease of use, information usefulness, up-to-date content, and helpful links), 100 percent of participants responded “excellent” or “good” Eighty-six percent were familiar with the newsletter, and 96 percent of those rated it as either “excellent” or “good.” Only 32 percent felt that staff should explore other communication methods, and the same percentage felt that email should be used more often. Overall, it appears that the PPC is communicating in an acceptable manner.

Participant Comments

Throughout the survey, participants were encouraged to write in their own comments and suggestions for improvement. Some requested that the agency broaden the type of data it provides, to include items such as case studies of development activities, greater analysis of countywide trends, and comparisons of local government regulations. Others requested more technical assistance in navigating PPC requirements and the state comprehensive planning process. A few suggested a significant broadening of PPC activities to encompass areas such as transportation planning or coordinating countywide e-government functions. Finally, many simply advised the agency to “keep up the good work.”

At this time, it is unknown whether all of the suggestions could be implemented, but several, especially those requesting the provision of additional countywide data, are already being planned for implementation. Overall, the survey was a worthwhile effort that will help the PPC as it strives to continually upgrade its countywide planning and local assistance efforts.

Upcoming Public Hearing and Meeting Schedule

Planners Advisory Committee	Pinellas Planning Council	Countywide Planning Authority
•   November 8, 2004 •   December 6, 2004 •   January 10, 2005* •   February 7, 2005*	•   November 17, 2004 •   December 15, 2004 •   January 19, 2005* •   February 16, 2005*	•   December 7, 2004 •   January 4, 2005 •   February 8, 2005* •   March 1, 2005*