by Christine Robinson | Jan 18, 2025 | News
I recently had the opportunity to go on a benchmarking trip to Charleston organized by the Sarasota Chamber. These trips are organized to learn both best practices and what to avoid in public policy and processes. It is good to get out of the community and learn about...
by Christine Robinson | Dec 21, 2024 | News
Inclusionary housing requires or incentivizes developers to set aside a portion of new housing units for low- or moderate-income residents. In Florida, local governments have explored inclusionary zoning as a way to increase affordable housing availability. It has...
by Christine Robinson | Nov 30, 2024 | News
The School Board Referendum, the extra millage we pay on our property taxes to support our students and teachers, passed on Nov. 5 with 84.07% of the vote. A record number voted for this referendum – 214,656 people voted “yes.” This vote is symbolic of all that is...
by Christine Robinson | Oct 26, 2024 | News
The School Board Referendum renewal is on the last page of your ballot this year. This renewal, which is supported and funded by most of the business community and local foundations, is fundamental to our county’s future and our “A” rated school district. This...
by Christine Robinson | Aug 17, 2024 | News
Transparency has been a challenge this past year for many local governments. We have written about specific examples of government documents not being provided to the public ahead of time or not allowing public comment on commissioner proposals from the dais. Today,...
by Christine Robinson | Jul 29, 2024 | News
The Sarasota County Commission recently voted against funding parental choice school readiness childcare. Commissioners cut $510,000 from the program, the amount voted through last year, and turned their back on a long-term partnership with the Legislature and...
