The Florida Senate

1004.50  Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce.--

(1)  There is created the Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce as a Type I Institute at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to improve the quality of life in urban communities through research, teaching, and outreach activities.

(2)  The major purposes of the institute are to pursue basic and applied research on urban policy issues confronting the inner-city areas and neighborhoods in the state; to influence the equitable allocation and stewardship of federal, state, and local financial resources; to train a new generation of civic leaders and university students interested in approaches to community planning and design; to assist with the planning, development, and capacity building of urban area nonprofit organizations and government agencies; to develop and maintain a database relating to inner-city areas; and to support the community development efforts of inner-city areas, neighborhood-based organizations, and municipal agencies.

(3)  The institute shall research and recommend strategies concerning critical issues facing the underserved population in urban communities, including, but not limited to, transportation and physical infrastructure; affordable housing; tourism and commerce; environmental restoration; job development and retention; child care; public health; lifelong learning; family intervention; public safety; and community relations.

(4)  The institute may establish regional urban centers to be located in the inner cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Daytona Beach, and Pensacola to assist urban communities on critical economic, social, and educational problems affecting the underserved population.

(5)  Before January 1 of each year, the institute shall submit a report of its critical findings and recommendations for the prior year to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate committees of the Legislature. The report shall be titled "The State of Unmet Needs in Florida's Urban Communities" and shall include, but is not limited to, a recommended list of resources that could be made available for revitalizing urban communities; significant accomplishments and activities of the institute; and recommendations concerning the expansion, improvement, or termination of the institute.

(6)  The Governor shall submit an annual report to the Legislature on the unmet needs in the state's urban communities.

History.--s. 197, ch. 2002-387.