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• What: Planning Matters is a 14 month-long public education workshop series aimed at building a shared understanding of local planning, development, and infrastructure processes among City advisory board members, staff, and the public.
• When: The third Wednesday of each month, 5:00PM beginning January 21, 2026.
• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes per workshop.
• Where: City Hall (Building A), Dawn Reid Room (across from the Welcome Desk).

The "Planning Matters" Workshop Series is a 14 month-long public education initiative designed to build a shared understanding of local planning, development, and infrastructure processes among City advisory board members, staff, and the public.

• Planning Matters Workshop Series Syllabus

Through monthly sessions led by subject matter experts across City departments, the series explores the laws, tools, and strategies that guide how our community grows and functions.

PLEASE NOTE: Members of the City Council and members of the City boards and committees may be in attendance at the informational workshops.

Key Goals:

• Educate and Empower
  • Provide advisory board members, and community members with clear, accessible information about planning processes, legal frameworks, and development review procedures.

• Promote Transparency and Trust
  • Invite the public into the planning process to better understand how decisions are made, what factors are considered, and how they can effectively participate.

• Clarify Roles and Responsibilities
  • Help participants distinguish between legislative and quasi-judicial roles, ethical obligations, and legal limitations on decision-making.

• Support Informed Participation
  • Equip attendees with knowledge about zoning, infrastructure planning, impact fees, economic development, and public input processes so they can engage meaningfully in civic life.

• Encourage Interdepartmental and Community Collaboration
  • Bring together City departments, advisory boards, and residents to foster dialogue and long-term alignment on planning and growth priorities.

• Celebrate Civic Learning and Service
  • Recognize the contributions of engaged citizens and board members through a wrap-up session that includes case studies, Q&A, and certificate awards.

Planning Matters Workshop Series PowerPoint Presentations

• Orientation - What is Planning & Why It Matters

Workshop Reference Materials:

• City of Palm Bay’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan: City of Palm Bay 2045 Comprehensive Plan
• City of Palm Bay’s Code of Ordinances: Palm Bay, FL Laws
• City of Palm Bay’s Public Works Manual: Public Works Manual
• Live Local Act: Live Local Act Projects | City of Palm Bay, FL
•  State Bill 180: Senate Bill 180 (2025) - The Florida Senate