Adie Tomer challenges local and state leaders in Florida to leverage its strengths in trade and logistics for a more production-oriented economy—to the benefit of the long-term economic prosperity of the state.
"Florida took a beating during the Great Recession. Like many of its Sun Belt peers, the prominent roles of real estate, tourism, and financial services led to over 650,000 jobs lost between 2007 and 2010. Many of the state’s largest metro areas remain thousands of jobs below their peak levels," according to analysis by Tomer.
Tomer lists the state's advantages in trade and logistics—such as Miami International Airport, 15 deep water ports, and cutting-edge freight policies—yet, "for all its logistics advantages, Florida simply doesn’t make enough of its own stuff." That last point is evident in a $180 billion domestic and international trade deficit in 2010, according to Brookings data.
Tomer also points out more of the state's potential in creating a manufacturing base, and recommends a few strategies, including cultural change, to achieve the recommended goals.
FULL STORY: Can Trade and Logistics Remake Florida?
Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.
How Planners Can Help Cut Corporate Carbon
Up to 75 percent or more of many companies’ greenhouse gas emissions come from activities impacted by urban planning. Like it or not, planners are key players in mitigation. Technology can help.
Warehouse Moratorium Sought in Suburban Georgia to Slow Road Damage
Traffic from the area's booming distribution centers is damaging local roads and causing concern among residents.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie