MJA's planning team, Michael Joachim, Tracy Mullins and Jon Adams attended the Florida chapter of the American Planning Association, FAPA conference this year. For the first time we shared a joint table with the Florida Biofuels Association. The conference centered on ecology and change. MJA and the Biofuels Association were the only ones promoting Biofuels and Carbon Credits. There was a significant amount of interest for private and public entities. MJA Consulting has been requested to work with the Florida Department of Community Affairs and FAPA to create a course on Sustainable Design and Energy Transition Planning featuring Biofuels and Carbon Markets. The time of sustainable alternate energy is not just the way of the future, it is important now. MJA Consulting and Florida Biofuels will meet with various local governments that are considering alternate fuels and the possibility of creating there own.

The City of Lakeland just announced the conversion of its buildings to Solar Electricity. The will be enough electricity produced so that they may sell back power to the grid.

Legal Briefs

On June 17, 2008 Florida Governor Crist signed a new law that, among other things, requires local governments to address climate change in comprehensive plans with green-house gas reduction strategies, energy-efficient development patterns, and factors to increase energy conservation in housing design and construction and in other contexts. The new law took effect on July 1, 2008

Education

MJA Business Analyst Natasha Paul is taking Advanced Accounting at USF this term. Natasha is pursuing her CPA designation.

Megan Matlock our Administrative Assistant is taking Math and English courses this term in pursuit of her Psychology Degree.

On Assignment

Cristina Adams, wife of GIS Director Jon Adams has been escorting and translating for representatives from Balti Moldova, Lakeland Florida 's Sister City at numerous public and private affairs throughout the region.