Policy Change Through Policy Design: Florida Concurrency, 1985–2010

Abstract

This study analyzed policy change through policy design across three phases of Florida concurrency policy. Six policy design elements were used: problem, goal, intervention strategy, planning tool, implementation tool and implementation process. Policy change links by specific elements were delineated from one phase to the next. They demonstrated changes in legislation, regulation and enforcement. Across the phases, policy problems, goals and intervention strategies appeared compatible with planning tools. The main design deficiency was the linkage between flexible implementation tools and bottom-up implementation processes. This decentralized state–local implementation process, reinforced by fiscal hardships and economic conditions, resulted in multiple compliance variations in communities. Statewide policy direction was lost and led to policy breakdown in 2011.

Keywords::

• policy change
• policy design
• growth management
• concurrency
• Florida