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    Promise Zone Application

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    Topher Forhecz
    Promise Zone Application

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    SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION SECTION I-EXECUTIV) ‘The Southwest Plorda Promise Zone (SFP) is a rural aa witha young population, low cost of living, and an abundance of developable land, Italso faces high unemployment and a workfore that is largely unskilled To address these issues, SFPZ created a strategic plan focusing on five goals aimed at ‘improving the quality of lie and proving new opportunities for resident, The gous of the SFPZ Strategie Plan center around cresting jobs, hancing economic ativty, improving educational opportunites, redoing rime, nd improving community infatutue, The atvites under the SFPZ sas include marketing the region based onthe communis target industries, ainng workers, nd ‘onnectng them to jobs, providing resources to elp smal businesses form and grow, developing snakes fr locally grown fesh food, promoting eooursm, inproving educational opportunites for residents, expanding community policing, o rede erm idettyng and reducing human, taticking, ‘nd expanding much-needed community infastuctre. The Southwest Florida Regional Planing together Council (SWFRPC) will serve a the lead eat. Ithas over 40 years of experience of bi ives partners to accomplish common goals. Glades, Hendry, and Collie Counties wil serve asthe Inyplementaton Pres. The Soutest Fern Workforce Development Board, Smal Busines Development Center, mmokslee Busines Development Center, Immokalee Foundation and the Southwest Flori Regional Human Tracking Council so will serve as parters In addition, over 50 ‘organizations and ents within the SFPZ are commited to implementing this plan. Phe SEZ. wus selected ‘Promise Zone Finalist” inthe 2015 PZ. designation process. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION age | 1 > e-em ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL. ‘The Southwest Florida Promise Zone (SFPZ) covers all of Glades and Hendy Counties in ‘dition tothe norther section of Collier County including the rural community of Immokalee, noth to the Hendry County border, This three-county area is rural in nature and les in he southerly center of the state, avayffom Florida's coastline, Nts economy relies heavily on agriculture and livestock. ‘Together, the thee counties have 11% ofthe state's total acres in farmland and produce 20% ofthe state's SI billion annual frit harvest according to the 2012 Census of Ag As identified through the Promise Zone Mapping Too, the population for this area is 76,438 (2010 Census) and the overall poverty ates 31.20% with the highest tract poverty rate in the SFPZ at 61.20% (ACS 2011 oF BLI Rate from CHAS 2010). The employment rate is 84.35% (ACS 2011) meaning 15.6% ofthe population is unemployed, which is extremely high. Unemployment has been & long-term problem as evidenced by the high poverty rates and is due tothe lack of viable employment ‘opportunities. Hendry County typically has one ofthe highest unemployment rates inthe state, Many existing jobs ae related to the agriculture field and ate low-paying and often seasonal, The Promise ‘Zone Mapping Too! identified a vacancy rte of7.22% (ACS 2011 or USPS 2013) forthe designated "The Part 1 Crime Rates per 1,000 people in the SFPZ are shown in the able befow forthe period 2012-2014. The number of Pat | crimes ae from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Staistes for Glades, and Hendry Counties, and the unincorporated portion of Collier County. ‘area 2012 2013, ‘Promise Zone Area 2,578, 2.410 ‘The SFPZ i @ hotbed for human traffcking- both sex and labor trafficking. Nearly 0 years ater ‘he award winning Harvest of Shame documentary by Pdward Murrow, one of the largest human SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page 11 veo SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL teaicking prosecutions occured based on events in Immokalee, Over 1200 victims were involved. 62 ‘human trafficking calls were received by the local hotline in 2015. Addressing Human Trafficking isa strong priority in the SFP, ‘Nesdss ‘The SPPZ is an area facing many challenges. As indicated below in Table 2, it has a diverse population that i largely Hispanic, especially in Immokalee. (For data purposes, the Immokalee CDP (Census area data were used forthe unincorporated portion of Colier County ineluded in the Promise “Zone application. The CDP captures approximately 95% of the population in the included area of Collier County and provides recent data onthe population.) “Many Hispanic people come to this area of Florida to work in agriculture and eventually setle hee. Many ofthese people come from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, or other nearby counties and Ihave extremely low education levels, having ef school prior to completing eighth grade, This is ‘reflected inthe low percentage of residents within the SFPZ who have graduated fom highschool, ‘which is significantly lower inthe areas with a high percentage of foreign born residents. The high prevalence of residents speaking language other than English at home i also an sicator of significant barriers faced by many residents within the SEPZ. Included in this eroup isthe large numberof Haitians who live in Immokalee and who speak only Creole. As aresuit, materials for trainings or public meetings, must offen be povided in English, Spanish and Creole, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ONAN "% Black oF Afvican American 3.5% 1.4%. 18.9% 16.7% % Hispanic or Latino a 503%. 75.8% 23.6% ‘% Native American 3.6% 2.2% 1%. % Language other 216% 420% Ws% 273% home, age 5+ | ‘%6 Foreign born 5.0% 341% Dem 93% % High school graduate or Higher age" 756% 613% 32% S% 25+ [ Fear petal ey Tara As Cm Boreas Ane Comment Sete OTT Fe Geez he imap a lr ind eg pe cave an tlling As spt inh compan US Depa S's Report on Trafficking Persons, children working in agriculture, Native American children, migrant wate, enpoeesot ements commune population ih ino Els polo, sad pois ae lt bg an tlk. lf ae tree pent SEP Ale alin sing was weaved inh FP prt of 2 yurinvetgnton with ot pr, Southwest Flo Rein Human Ting Coston CS WELATC) nd member cxpinden ioe Cooe st Daan (27 linings ea eos Ath many ofthe sous xt aches higher uation lees nthe SEZ, te roan a sient love anor asin te at nd he ecto stamen re ean om, Reno risk pri spor and sognton of oles Septal ice ey gx ela, i chee (0A CD ak woe ek tsa pe pes wal es pti vio bes ng, counseling, et.) public transportation, and connections to employment. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page 13 eo ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL “The lack of education affects the types of businesses that will locate inthe community. A recent report prepared by the Site Seletion Group for rural economic development group called FHREDI, of “which the SFPZ. communities are members, iene the lack of skilled workforce asthe area's ‘rcatestweaknes in trctng new businesses Addessing this issue wll equi @ multi-faceted, long term approach andi eral element ofthe SFPZStategie Pan. ‘According tothe March 2014 report, Opportunity Naples: Competitive Assessment, the sustainability ofthe Collier County workfore isa sk, Ther ia shortage of qualified workers aged 24-44 in most occupational categories to replace the increasing numberof retiring baby boomers Agriculture, mining and accommodations/food service are the only thre business sectors projected to ‘have enough local residents to fill the employment gaps. Fels with the largest gaps include: real stuterentaeasing professional/ssientfic and technical service, and management of companies and enterprises. Careers with greatest risk and lack ofsustainabilty are management, architecturelengineeing, community and social service, protective service, and business and financial ‘operations. Alo, there is a shortfall in qualified candidates forthe quickly developing medical ‘manufacturing, sciences, and turism industries. Physical Nees: SFPZ also struggles with lack of amenities in many areas duet the Low population levels that cannot support them. Much ofthe SFPZ is approximately one hour by car from larger communities that offer variety of services and stores. Within SFPZ, these services are non- existent or extremely limited, This not only means residents must travel unacceptable distances for more specialized services, but also there ae fewer jobs du to fewer businesses in the SFP. Additionally, most FP communities tack fui jendly/youth activities such as movie theaters, skating Finks, nd other recreational attractions. ‘Other physical needs include infrastructure suchas weter and wastewater treatment, widening of several main roads (SR 80), public transit both within the communities and to other communities, and SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page |4 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ee snore park nd sports lds fr children ply oraz spots. Stowals re lo needed forthe Inge pdestian population, nation, ivi instar within te SFPZ is rel needed tenable chzesto cones wit cach er, solve robles and buld commu in bth phys wd on pyieal waye Assy The SPPZ has many asso off. The populion fs relatvely young wit the median gaging fun 26104 nthe SFP counties. The population flo ready to wor but wil need tring to pcos igh jobs [hidden ast of he SFPZ isthe sbtne dep pocket of nivdal and corporate wealth hat exists inthe Nope, Florida area, The weath disparity between Immokalee and abating Naples areas the 2nd worst nos dvergnt in th county, with Naples as one ofthe six welts communes in he county. (2477 Wall Sret, psd in USA Tay Fly 112015). Naples ha ong eon known a ot spot for wealthy retires and Fortune S00 executives. The Naples area business commun cognizant ‘hata skilled labor force i trsk for the future of growing Collie County. ue to the young, population ‘of and close proximity of Immokalee, it is wel recognized tha the future workforce for Collier County ‘must be developed in large part in Immokalee, In addition current snd former business leaders, recognize that without investment in education, the depressed conditions of rural areas within the SFPZ inevitably wil persist. Naples is «hugely philanthropic area with a large community of benefactors and ‘mentors tothe Immokalee Foundation, one ofthe partners forthe SFPZ strategy. This commitment of resources, both financial and timelmentorng, i available to improve conditions throughout the SFPZ. hysical Assets: Some of he physical assets of the area include lange amounts of land that is readily available for development, Additionally, the development process in Glades and Hendry ‘counties is user-ftiendly and not unduly burdensome for businesses se gto locate there or expand existing fits. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page |S SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL “The cost of doing busines is lower in the SFPZ. compared to other ares, Inthe recent report to FHREDI, Site Selection Group found that locating a new business in this area would conser y offer savings of between 10% and 13% in annual operating costs over large metropolitan areas, A signticant portion ofthese cost savings canbe attributed tothe region's relatively low labor costs In terms of education, Immokalee includes a vocational school and nearby Ave Mati University, Hendry County includes a branch campus of Florida Southwestom State College. “The area is also well served by major state roads that connect the communities inthe SFPZ with ‘the more populated coastal areas of Ford. The roads provide good iterconnetivity throughout the region forthe movement and distbution of goods. ‘There i also rail service through Glades and Henry that allows fr distibution and movement of goods. Collier and Hendry counties also have smal aigports that offer space for business development eo-oursm is another opportunity for development inthe SFPZ, Glades and Hendry border on ‘Lake Okeechobe, the second largest freshwater lke inthe U.S, while Immokalee borers Lake “Trafford, another large freshwater lake. Both lakes andthe surounding aess are used fr boating, {ishing bird watching, and other natue-based sctiviies, The Pepper Ranch Preserve is 2,152 acre conservation propety in Immokalee that offers hiking, camping, tail, hunting, and much more. The City of Labelle (in Hendry County) also just reosive funding to offer agricultural tours similar othe nes hold in Clewiston (also in Hendry County), that highlight the logistics of various crops and demonstrate the importance of ariculture to the lca and state economy. Also, the SFPZ is oated in «lose proximity to the Berges National Par, the tit largest national park in th country, which is visited on average by one milion poople per year. (Patk Statstis, National Park Service). ‘Existing economic development efforts: Existing economic development work in the SFPZ inchades efforts by Glades and Hendry Counties to attract new businesses through the inland port approach, Hendry County is working to expand and privatize its Airlades Indusval Park and Aieport SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page 16 oo ee SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL near Clewiston to serve as an altemative to Miami for certain businesses bringing cargo to the state for Aistibution. Glades County is developing its Americas Gateway Logisties Center as pat of its new Glades County Business and Commerce Park, The Training Center at this projet was awarded $3.5, million from the State of Florida in 2014 and will tain workers in manufictring logisties and Aistibution for now jobs created at this park and Airglades. ‘The SFPZ area i seking to expand its food processing footprint. Glades and Hendry recently {joined with edjacent Charlotte County to request support to hold an economic summit focusing on developing a food processing induty cluster given the large quantity of fruits and vegetables grown in the area then shipped elsewhere for processing. Along thes ine, Immokalee has planned «5,000 sq. ‘oot high-ech culinary kitchen, with shared food processing space for hot and cold products, as well as ‘administrative offic space for stafT and clients. The icity is designed for use by farmers end cooperatives, start-up food companies and home kitchen entrepreneurs, mid-size food companies, and retail and food service companies IN IV-PART B: PR “The Implementation Parnes ofthe SFPZ developed the goal ofthe SFPZ Strategic Plan with the intent of ereating new opportunities and improving the quit of life for residents. The gols are designed to complement and overlap one another wit some gots having activites that wil further ctr gon. SFPZ members recognize that more partners are needed and hard work wil be requied but betiove these garls provide a road map for achieving the communities they desire. These communities ‘wll eapitlize onthe region's asses, provide a good education coupled with opportunities for higher eeluction, provide good job opportunities, and provide safe, livable cites and towns. ‘The following sa summary ofthe gos unde the SPPZ Strategic Plan. The main goals ae Create Jobs, Inerease Feonomie Activity, Improve Educational Opportunites, Reduce Crime, and ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION age 17 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ol Improve Community Inftastructure. (The Goals and Activities Template includes information on the Implementation Parner and ther role, the timeline for activities, data to be collected, and the process ‘or colletng itso that information isnot repeated inthe narrative.) Subgoal 1: Attract New Businesses © suinetng ew bsnesis othe eons val o he SFPZ Sree Plan. SFP members recognize tha he rural area will oly be attractive to certain industries and bave structured theit ‘marketing, workforce training, and business development efforts along thes lines, The 2014 report to 'FHREDI from the Site Selection Group reviewed FHREDIs target industries and added to them to produce the following lis: agriculture and agribusiness, life siences and medical sciences, global logistics and distribution, manuttctring, pre-fab construction products, recreational setivtes, and tourism, These industries are the primary focus in numerous cutent business development efforts ‘underway in the SFPZ. Park in ‘Curent business development efforts nce development ofthe Aitades nd ‘Hendry County, the Immokalee Airport in Immo and the Americas Gateway Logisties Cente in Glades County. ach projet estes jobs and offers new opportunites forresdents, Each will be smareted to businesses seeking o import or export goods asthe potential exists to atract businesses away fiom more congested pots and sports onthe coast to those in the SEP that ofr educa ens and less congestion, Once completed, hese initiatives wil rete hundreds af obs. ‘Marketing to new businesses is ongoing and will increase as parks and airports described inthe above activities complete construction and offer new business opportunities. The Ainslades Industrial Park and Aiport transfer othe private company is expected to occur inthe next 18-24 mos. After tha, infrastructure improvement will bpin along with increased marketing over years2-S. Phase | of the ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page 18 ee Rol) SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL See Americas Gatay Logistics bean in Febriry2016 and wil complete in approximately 8 months. pansion of the Loistes Cer wil continu ove the next 10 yeas depending on rte of development and oecupancy, Te mnmokalee Apr wil purse funding fr ne infastustae and customs fst over the next 2-5 yours, Subgoal 2: Trs R ts for Jobs rad Connect Them with Employers © incre capinticeon je etd ro Stgi | hs sue odo tang Ten forte oppor intr being, The South lr Wek Deelpment Boa, ($°W) ian ingore in hilt and surety ope ee cori th SFPZht lp resis nd nd ply rj. Tey bo wok SFP so 0 prove ning eteton prog tht in eel jos. Tey offer neo ang andi ep ples xn nc expr, "ning n ls County wl eg athe Ameri Catena Logit and Mansi Reon rade ener, whi il eve ating ly ought tesco RED on, Contin on th Rein Ting Catriona ing poas e see bg vt ont Spanea rogram vl aed eo i gn msn foie SECTION IV-PART m2: INCREASE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY Subgoal 1: Provide Resources to Help Small Businesses Form and Grow © srissuvyat se oping nw i ow ng the esouces necessary to assist them. Several partners curently work inthis area and are seeking funding expand thee serves, The Small Business Development Center (SDC) provides one-on-one technical assistance in the communities with taff pople assigned to those areas. Many people ae unaware of these programs cr nod assistance to asses apitl though Small Business Administration Loans and other sources SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page 19 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ‘A, they ned help ting the ass egulton anor woking with cl jrisditon to bin penis fr improverens. The SFP ssking finding to expnd hse eves an tat wit por mating of hm, Upon nding he expe serve ofthe SBD cold eg ime ‘This boa alo fetes on evelping mat fr lly grown fe by eling to newy crete sh fod mats an to cal sco for interes nd uch programs, Cen GloesComty has rose oes and isons fod dete by USDA. Hendry County ha sors but no sh darks Given hat SFP proces 20% ofthe sate 1. bilon aaa fit harvest 2012 Census Agr, thes signin sh fn ein prs Isl ht old be sol oa Glas Hendy, an Inka CRA wl wor wih nts Indvd nor grower to devsop fs od kts, omestion scons nd ether potential bayer, andor commanity arden. The SWFRPC has api wie othe USDA Fam SekolPoga and wll omni do soinan flat establish ct mat fr te al frm corporations, The County Aaa Exteton oi alan wih ulfChs Grover Assit, wil provide tes nhs aes to help st sh fod arts an commun pres. Ian the avi of VISTA voles help to cont spc, vendors an marking woul bean nent lp init fot. The development of fesh fed makes and inpleniaion of commun gades is expe toe 102 yews Subgoal 2; Develop and Market Eco-Tourism Attractions @ ris sbgn bison the nual elements he et yeni ecotourism. Caren, nay ecto stron dt ov mtg but ude hs avy, SPP pares wold oor ths efits o etch oe vss thy rng more people the eon Some ofthe marketing materials to be developed include videos, brochures, and other promotional pees that could SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page | 10 a SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Sar be distributed through the EDCs, Tourism Development Cou (CTDCs), Chambers of Commerce, museums and ther eco-tourism atactions. In addition, local eo-toursm fies wil be expanded to atrat more vistors. The natural beauty ofthe SFPZ offers opportunities for many nature-based activites. Some need to be improved or ‘expanded while thes are waiting to be developed. Funding under this activity would provide the sources to develop those fits to draw mor vistors othe SFPZ. A Promise Zone designation ‘would asistin acquiring funding needed in onde to implement this subgou ‘A staff person or VISTA volunters woud be utilized to immesiately begin inventorying the Jocalattrations and developing plan for marketing them cohesively, Once erated, the plan cou be used to develop marketing material suchas a vdeo that canbe played atthe Naples Visitor Centr or brochures that an be distibued slong the coastal areas. This effort would take approximately three _yearsto complete, with marketing continuing indefinitely. ‘The plan for developing additonal eco-tourism atractons will be implemented immediately as {unding is identified. The plan would take approximately one year to develop, SECTION 1V-PART Bi PI rE © te sWERPC a prinered whe Inokale Foundation (Ta proven sional ieet sevice provider of 5 years within the Immokalee portion of the SFPZ with offices in Immokalee and Naples. TIF currently serves more than 1,000 students per year through 4 ore programs tat change the lives of Immokalee’ youth and the future of Immokalee, Three af those programs (outlined below) ‘willbe expanded within the SFPZ to reach more Immokalee youth and to reach youth inthe ‘communities in need within Glades and Hendry Counties. ‘The programs of THF not only provide the educational opportunities for Immokalee’ Jmpoverished youth, but also do "double duty” in job eration. Firs, TIF has become one ofthe larger SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page [at ea SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Inmokalec, employing 240 flland patsime employees commited to the future of ts iden nadition, the Imes Readers program trains an pays high school students 9M to ator _young children, improving the economie situation of immokslee families and creating a ture bank of ‘commited teachers fr the url re, "TPs track cord is tll, with 100% of ther students graduating from high schoo and 97% ‘continuing ont college or vocational taining, This almost 300% improved reduation rat is ‘specially impressive in an area in which children not served by the TIF, graduate high school athe rate of only 35% Subgoal I: Expand Immokalee Readers Program throughout SFPZ “This program pis high schoo! tutors trained and paid $9Mhour With K-2 sadents who fallin te bottom ter of reading sills. The tutor works 7.5 hours per week andthe tutor to student ratio is 1:4 “The program currently reaches the bottom 15% of the Immokale K-2 students. The SEPZ would ike to cspand the program ach an adtonal 10% in Immokalee andthe boom 25% of Glades and Hendry stents, This program woul be elarged within Immokalee during the fist two years, with expansion to Glades and Henry Counties stating in year the, Full saturation, reaching al ofthe bottom 25% of K-2 readers throughout the SFPZ is projected to take 3-4 years. Subgoal 2: Expand Career Development Program throughout SFPZ ‘The second program of TIF tobe expanded in reach is the career development program which provides workshops and panes that expose Immokalee children to hundreds of jb opportunites that they would not envision within the confines ofthe ariculture-centic Immokalee, Additional staffing ‘would be needed to enlarge tis program a 1:70 staff to student rato, This program would be enlarged within Immokalee during the fest year, with expansion to Glades an Hendy Counties starting in yer two. Pll saturation, etching 400 more served throughout the SEPZ is projected fo take 57 years. Subgoal 3: Expand Post-Secondary and Career Success program in SPFPZ. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Poge | 12 ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL “The third progeam of TIF to be expanded is the post-secondary and career success program ‘wich provides academic advisement and mentorship to high school students. This program would be enlarged within Immokalee during the frst yea, with expansion fo Glades and Hendry Counties starting in years two to three. This program would grow organically throughout the ten year period to include all ‘ofthe students who were part ofthe Carer Development program. ‘SECTION 1V-PART B4:_ REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME. bgoal I: Prevent recruitment of human trafficking victims in SFPZ. Bduston is rial to prevent and identify human tricking, The Southwest Florida Regional Human Traficking Coalition (SWELLTC), which includes 35 tong organizations within Southwest Florida is partnering with SWERPC an its partners to expand its education of ais youth and families an to preven recruitment of victims, Additonal safing is neoded to educate the hilren nd fails in abs areas within the SFPZ. Education would occur though aeademicchools presentations and "Slave Fes events in whic interactive games and education occur teach hildren and families about human tafickers methodologies and recruitment methods. Is antpated that it ‘would take 3-5 yeast each al childon and familie in a-sk areas within the SFPZ. Subgoal 2: Reduce Human Trat ing Cases Education of people within the community likely to come into contact with vitims of aman of profesional to recognize signs of an to safely eport human taicking, they heaking the cycle ofthis insidious and increasing evime. Its anticipated that it would take 23 years to reach SEPZ's key professionals/taf who at likely to come into contact with human tacking victims Subgoal 3: Implement High Point Drug Intervention Strategy in SFPZ SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page [13 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL the SFPZ is a signiicant problem. “The High Point Deug Intervention Model «community-based restorative model that has been sueessfily implemented in many communities throughout the country, including Sarasota, Florida, wil be implemented within ‘communities throughout the SFPZ. Law enforcement, the ith community, residents, business owners, Al playa key tole. This strategy wil duce the effects oF overt rug dealing on the communities, reduce the ancillary crimes tat are ted to drug dealing and drug use, and build a sease of camaraderie smongt the communities Its estimated tha implementation of the program Within each community will ake at least one to two yeats por community and the programs are cyclical and continuous thereon. SECTION LY-PART BS: IMPROVE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE, ® eas gol of mpovng Community inastacure fot ones tt fs he uy of Hite inh repo nd in some ass he eth and sity oft, Undergo ingle snug ration and mesa ett einen progr folds the dg atviy iene dst previ gl. The Hey Coty Men Hell Cente, wih provides sth progas repre cent asad ojos 150 ptt with athe moth alin pt fra fists. Funding so ede fr bins sche wer watever sees ol improvements, public transit, and recreational facilites. As described in the strategie plan, many ofthese sms are limited or completely lacking in cevain parts of SFPZ. To make this a desirable place to live ‘or resents and wo arc new une da will wat Uc excetives a employees to lve inthe ‘SPPZ communities, funding is needed to fill hese gaps. JON 1 "ART INABILITY AND FIN, FEASIBILITY ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page [14 ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL “The Goals and Activities Template includes information on spect finding commitments nd reeds under each goal, Where posible specific federal programs wer included as potential funding sources. A Promise Zone designation would provide significant benefit as SFPZ partners work to expand current locally funded programs and implement new plan components Millon of private snd public ands have boen spent on developing the Arges Industri Pat, the nmokalee Airport and the Americas Gateway Logistics Cente. VISTA volunteer andthe bility tobe more competitive when applying for funds to market these asses through a Promise Zone designation would stengthen job creation effort. ‘The Small B ss Development Center (SBC) and Immokalee Business Development Center careatly manage programs that provide technical assistance to busneses, access to financing and other tp. The SFPZ is coking to expand these programs end a Promise Zone designation would help inthe pursuit of funding. Adinaly, A VISTA voluntor would be an excellent esourcet coordinate spac, vending and marketing for local fesh food markets tha are curently in th ely planning Sages {A Promise Zone designation would bolster efforts to secur additional funds to expand the stellar _wotk bythe partners, Fr example, the Techllir rant competition provides special consideration for conmmunities designated a Promise Zones and would be perfec fi for expansion of IF and SWEWDE'S programming Below is budget showing the cost for SWFRPC forthe ist ive year ofthe designation to fcilitate implementation of the SPPZ Strategie Plan One sta person will be asigned to manage the program and ill wore 0 hours por week on PZ projets during the first ear, then 20 hours pr week for years 2-5.The budget allows fr occasional sta time rom the Exceutive Director, Deputy Director, and publication stall. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page | 15 eee ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL TESTI ET PROGRAM COORDINATION | Personnel $150,000 in 367,065, Indinec/Oihee ‘$98,295 Trvel $20,000, Supplies $315,000 (foal ~$350.360] SECTION V-SELECTION CRITERIA: CAPACITY AND LOCAL COMMITMENT, SECTION V-PART A: PARTNERSHIP STRUCTURE 'SWERPC will srve a the lea entity for SEPZ and will rpor to USDA on the Promise Zone ‘and its accomplishments, SWFRPC will olet the requted data from the partners, compile it and submit to USDA and all plementation Partners on «quately basis, Additionally, SWERPC will provide a portal on its website that wl provide a convenient, accessible site where SFPZ partners and residents can access information om SEPZ evens, The portal will inlude the USDA quately reports, the SFPZ Strategic Plan and a summary of the achievements made under the Plan. A onal Infomation wil be posted peiodialy, some of which wil inlude news releases, surveys fur esidest, and partner input, and accomplishmens. SWERPC will serve asthe lead for securing resident engagement through the varios ask boss as described below. ‘The Implementation Partners for SEP incude Glades County, Hendry County, and Collier ‘Couny/mokalee Comunity Redevelopment Ageney (CRA). In ation, the Southwest Florida \Worktore Development Boa he Smal Business Development Centr, te Southwest larida Regional Human Trafficking Coalition (which includes 35+ organizations throughout Southwest Florida commited o eration of human tafckng and the Immokale Foundation are commited partes. Cllier County, Glades County and Hendry County signed the preliminary MOU which is included in SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL the Aditional Documents section. ‘Together with SWFRPC, the Implementation Partners wil orm a Stering Commitee for oversight ofthe SFPZ program, “The real work, however, willbe ascomplishe a the taskforce evel. A task fore wl be created around each gol as shown in the diagram below. Bach ask ere will ncude one o more Implementation Partners), the leaden, and ditional partners that provide services, funding, thor soutees related to that goal. Citizens will lso be recruited for participation on each ask force. Each task force will review the activities and related information (timeline, funding needs, data to be collected) listed under their gol(s) and refine them as needed. ‘The tsk force wi hen begin implementation if possible ori funding is needed, begin identi jing potential funding sources. Bach task force will slit community input fr its activities and goals and will be assisted by SWERPC in SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page |17 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL this effort which will usa variety of sources described inthe Resident Engagement Seeton of the “The roles and responsibilities ofthe latent andthe Implementation Partners are described in loti the prelininary MOU, the Goals and Activites Template andthe Letters of Commitment, but are summarized below. SWEPRC will perform the roquited lead entity duties in addition to working wit Implementation Partners to ensue the Stati Plan is implemented, assisting inthe formation of tsk forces around each goa are fr the purpose of gaining adliional partners and resource, compiling he required data on each goal and submiting it to USDA, publishing it on SWERPC'S website, and sssiatng with grant writing fr specific goals as practical ‘SWFRPC andthe Implementation Partners commit to providing staf ime and ther asitance to implement the goals ofthe SZ, Suategie Plan. Specially, the Counties are o assist ther EDCS in marketing thst County for new businesses and proving incentives o thse ‘nusinesies when possible; assist the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board and other pariners when possible to offer workforce taining for residents; work with vendors and interested partis to develop fesh food markets and community gardens and provide public Ind for these programs where feasible; work with the School District o assist them in pursuing funding and developing programs that wil improve the academic and future job skills of students; and work withthe 'SWERPC to pusve funding for community iftastructure. SSFPZ plans to assess the qualifications, interests, and professional expesience of VISTA ‘volunteers to ensure that they are assigned to ativities in which they can be most impactful. Some of the ways in which VISTA volunteers canbe ulized ae included within this section. Under Create Jobs, the Volunteers would assist he EDCs with marketing, including developing marketing materials and preparing information for prospective businesses. Under Enhancing Eeonomic Activity, they would ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page | 18 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL gardens, ‘They ‘work on developing fresh food markets, the Farm to Schoo! programs and comm ‘would help locate landspace forthe markets and gardens, identify interested vendors and participants, develop a food Hub, and connect it with schools and other purchasers. Under the eco-tourism subgoa, ‘they would inventory eco-tourism atactions and their marketing efforts, develop a comprehensive ‘marketing plan, create marketing materials, and conduct tour opecatrs and others to showcase the area's atractons SECTION V-PART B: CAPACITY OF LEAD APPLICANT. 'SWERPC has buen in existence since 1973 and has taken on many leadership roles forthe 23 locel governments within its boundaries. As a Federal Economie Development District, the SWERPC is responsible for preparing and implementing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region In the last ten yeas, the SWFRPC along with ts parners, have leveraged over $110, million dollars in public and pivat investment in the egion based on the vital projects listed inthe CCEDS document. In the last thre years alone, additional long range projects have included the development ofthe I-75 Medical Manufacturing Corridor State, the Our Creative Economy program {orenhancing and promoting the arts, preparation ofa Business Plan for a regional eeonomie development entity, a Vision and Implementation Plan for Hendry County Education Improvement ‘Task Force, A Regional Coordination Study on Transportation Access for Veterans and Their Families, ‘Broadband Plan for Southwest Florida, an Energy Resiliency Plan for Southwest Florida, Hendry County Fatm Tous, end climate resiliency plans for various local governments, The slogan ofthe 'SWERPC is" Big Issues - Real So and the sta ha passion for ensuring thatthe quality of Hie {nthe Southwest Florida Region is protected and enfanced by staying inthe forefont ofthe major issues impacting the region and developing solutions with the RPC's stakeholers, experts, citizens, and policymakers, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page | 39 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL on issues elated ince its inception, the SWFRPC has been known as the convener of there to growth management. The technical expertise ofthe staT along withthe ability o collaborate with agencies, staleholders and esients have resulted inthe uceesfl negotiation of approximately 200 ‘major development plans known as Developments of Regional Impact (DR, ‘The eration ofthese new evelopment had to comprehensively consider the impacts onthe region and included deliberation on ‘water and sewers lines, oads and transportation networks, Schools and reretiona sites, affontable housing, conservation areas, natural resources and habitats along with commercial ites for services and india sites for jobs. Due wo the diligence and oversight of the SWERPC, along wi the collaboration ‘of many stakeholders this region is home to some ofthe premier developments in Florida ‘The SWPRPC is primarily funded trough an interloel agreement between the sx counties that comprise the Southwest Florida Region, Special projects and ntatives are funded through a robust. ran program, Over the course ofits existence the SWFRPC bas managed hundred of grants fom {der sate, local an private funders, SWFRPC has managed and soccessfilly completed many sats, Recent highlight include the Southes Florida Regional Coordination Study on Transportation Aces for Veterans and Thei Families ($1.3 milion), Plorida Broadband Planning Project ($424,171) and Energy Resiliency ($113,000. The fllowing charts ists the 1S grants currently awarded and underway. The SWFRPC plays an active role collaborating with lea! governments, agencies and nonprofit identify needs inthe region, develop programs and secure funding for implementtion ‘All audits of SWFRPC have fund no significant deficiencies, material weaknesses or instances of material noncompliance related to nancial statements Furthermore here have been no audit findings related o federal aad require tobe reported by OMB Ccular A133, Seton 104). Al elverables have ben completed a ine and on budget. Recent purchase of new software allows the beet staff to monitor closely each erant projet and provide the project managers with detailed budget reports on a monthly basis, thereby improving project management. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page |20 ‘One example of project andthe approach taken to ientfy nd manage partners towards sucess project completion ithe Southwest Florida Regional Coordination Stay on Transportation ‘Access for Veterans and heir Familie, This was a grant provide to Lee County Transit though the Fodetal Veterans Transporation and Community Living Inttve, In order to beter evaluate veterans’ teansportion needs inthe Southwest Florida region, Lee Couny partnered with the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council This study examined the tensportation network, regional cordinaton and ‘opportunities for Le, Hendry, Glades Collier, Charlot and Sarasota counties to develop aconeinated ‘egonal transportation syst for veterans and their families. Through outreach fo non-governmental vie and fstemal organizations suchas Moose Lodges, American Leglons, Disabled American ‘Veterans, Veterans of Frsign Wars, Vocational Rehab Services, AmVets, soup kitchens and homeless steles in adton to tational community organizations such as VA Oks, Churches, Chambers of Comers, Libraties, MPOs, the Transportation Disadvantaged program, and National Miliary Fanilis Associaton the SWERPC gathered input rom existing clients as wel s potential clients of the regional VA ficites. The SWFRPC uted social medi; provided inks on organizational _wcbsites to onne survey; solicited partition at community events that ar known to be Requented ty the target audience suchas ike nights and veteran stand downs; provided presentations with iad theouteach interactive surveys; and conducted one-on-one interviews, This approach ms ‘our veterans, transportation and human service providers. ‘The planning study further defines the needs ofthe region, denies baer, and recommends solutions to addres the barriers. Th study maps existing services, networks and resources, and the six tifes transportation gaps and needs. The study also Focuses on regional coordination with ‘counties between transportation networks and human service providers. t documents efforts to coordinate these systems, identifies baters to coordination, and recommends opportunities to create SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page [21 ‘SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL _greiter regional coordination. Funding is now being identified to implement the solutions recommended in this study SECTION V-PART C:_ CAPACITY OF IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS beoh ofthe tres counts serving a he Impomentation Parner, has extensive experience handing federal and state grants. For instance, the Immokalee CRA of Collier County has succesfully completed the follwing grants: $3.5 milion CDBG grant in 2009 fr stom water improvements, $495,000 USDA grant in 2010 fr construction af a warehouse for tenant a the airprt, and $995,000 (CDBG grant for public plza improvements in 2014. Recent Immokalee CRA grants include $2.9 nillion in CDBG and DRE grants in 2014/2015 for drinage and sidewalks, $517,000 CDBG grant in 2015 for addtional drainage and sidewalks, and $120,000 FDOT grants for road improvements. The Immokalee CRA bas completed each ofthe above grants svecesfilly ands on rack withthe current rants. Other Collier County departments are also Familie with handling grants. Por the ast t¥0 year, they have received approximately $2. milion annually in CDBG and HOME funds diet fom HUD. ‘Additionally, they will received approximately $1.4 million last year in Flr State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding from the State of Ford for affordable housing. SHIP funding is derived fiom the documentary stamp fx on eal estate tansactions and is distributed among Florida counties based on ther populate Glades and Hendy cach receive $350,000 in SHIP finding annually. ach community ha sscesflly manage its SHIP allncation Henry County als as extensive experience n obuining and managing rans, Recent Hendry ‘County grants include: $951,500 from US Dept of Eneray fra io Diesel Cellulose Ethanol Research Projet, $700,000 fom Ford Department of BavionmentlPeotetin forthe Hendry County Stormwater Master Plan It and Implementation Phase I, $600,000 ftom Florida Department of SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Page | 22 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Environmental Protection fr Hendry County Airport Seats MSBU Storivater Improvements vo ‘rats fom oid Department of Economie Opportunity, Ezonomie Development Transporation Fund fon Tur Lane Projects of CR 83 ($490,873 on behalf of Southeast Renewable Fuels and $848, 42 on behalfoFBioNitrogen Corporation), $30,000 from Florida Bureau of Historie Preservation for the Old Hendry County Courthouse Rehabilitation, (wo Florida Department of Economie Opportunity grants (635,000 Technical Assistance Gran for developing/updating an economic development sttezy: {$5,000 Technical Assistance Grant to crates case story that details the community's economic ‘development story, Juding sucess and challenges), and $25,000 from Florida Deparment of ‘Boonomic Opportunity, Commeniy Planning technica assistance grant to update the Hendry County Comprehensive Plan. “he Immokalee Foundation has 28 years of commitment as direc sevice provider for more tan 1,000 students per yar and patecship with individuals and corporations to rete today's lamers ad tomorow silled workforce, 100% ofthe students served curently graduate fom high schoo and {97% go onto colegevocationaltrining within 6 months of graduating high school “The Southwest Florida Regional Human Tefficking Coalition is coalition of more than 35 committed organizations within SW Flori, including churches and eith-bese organizations aw enforcement, healthcare, mena health service provider, education syslems, government, shelters and legal services. The SWFLEITC hasbeen an essential partner of lw enforcement in investigating and rosecitng cares of human taficking in Southwest Florida, TD: DATA AD ION CAPACITY For this effon, SWFIEPC will gather the data fom its parners and compe into quaierly reports which will be submitted to USDA and posted on SWERPC’ website. Each ask fore along with the steering committee wll review the data quarterly for the specifi gols and identify needed changes if goals are not boing met SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RURAL PROMISE ZONE APPLICATION Poge | 23 y SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL “The SWFRPC has extensive experince in this area and aes regional information

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