On Thursday, June 13, Lambda Alpha International (LAI) FL Suncoast Chapter underdevelopment hosted their third official meeting at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) offices. Thanks to the GCCF's generous sponsorship, the event was open to LAI members and prospective members at no charge. The meeting ended with a lovely reception that was much appreciated by the attendees.
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| Inducted LAI FL Suncoast members Pictured from left to right: Jon, Ray, Katie, and Kevin Photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
Prior to the program, four new LAI FL Suncoast members – Jon , Stantec Project Manager, Planning Katie LaBarr, MSC Commercial Real Estate Advisor Kevin McQuaid, and Wetland Extend Landward Owner Ray Goldsby – were inducted by LAI members Holly Elmore, Elemental Impact (Ei) Founder & CEO, and John McCarthy, Selby Gardens VP for Regional History.
About LAI
LAI is the honorary global network for thought leaders
in all fields related to the preservation and sustainable development of land.
LAI is a growing network of chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Each chapter offers a wide variety of programs with industry leaders, discussion forums, community service projects and networking events.
Membership is highly selective through a nomination process initiated by an LAI member. Nominees for LAI membership must demonstrate ten or more years of experience in their fields, professional distinction, and outstanding contributions to the community in their field of endeavor.
LAI is committed to excellence and high professional standards to make a difference. A value to members is knowing you are someone who helped make that difference.
LAI FL Suncoast History
When she returned to her hometown Sarasota, FL in 2021, then a LAI Executive Committee-member and former LAI Atlanta Chapter Board member Holly immediately began nominating local environmental leadership as LAI At-Large members. A prestigious group of LAI At-Large members formed.
LAI invested in developing a LAI FL Suncoast Chapter in late 2023 and hosted an impressive inaugural meeting in November at the Nathan Benderson Park Finish Tower. The IMPACT article, The Power of LAI Comes to Florida!, showcases the excellent event where 13 LAI Suncoast members were inducted. LAI President Kathy King traveled from Los Angeles and LAI Past President, LAI Fellow, and New Chapter Development Chair Steven R Gragg from El Paso, Texas to support the underdevelopment chapter.
On April 25, LAI FL Suncoast hosted a second successful meeting at Grove Restaurant located in Lakewood Ranch (LRW) where LWR SVP Laura Cole gave a superb, intriguing presentation. Four new LAI FL Suncoast members were inducted by LAI VP Craig Binning who traveled from Toronto for the event. The IMPACT article, Shining Stars: Lakewood Ranch and LAI FL Suncoast!, gives an overview of the empowering meeting.
Affordable Housing
With animated remarks and anecdotes, John introduced his long-time colleague and friend Jon for his Affordable Housing presentation at the June 13 LAI FL Suncoast meeting.
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| Jon speaking Photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
It is important to view the crisis from a supply-and-demand perspective. The local marketplace is strong at the higher-income brackets due to balanced supply and demand. Yet severe market-driven consequences exist due to the demand exceeding the supply in lower-income housing.
As a member of the Sarasota County Affordable Housing Advisory Council (AHAC,) Jon reviewed the fifteen AHAC recommendations. Some of the recommendations include expedite permitting, modify impact fees, allow for flexible densities, locate housing near transportation hubs and major employment centers, and access to available land.
Jon suggested that large, dormant shopping centers could segue into AH options. For potential funding sources, Jon recommended the creation of an AH Trust Fund and/or an extra penny surtax.
As a popular tourist and retirement destination, the Suncoast community boasts a thriving hospitality community, including an impressive array of restaurants, lodging options, cultural venues, and retail outlets. Additionally, the community is home to medical facilities, police and fire departments, and other support services. Many of the associated employees are hourly labor that rely on public transportation to arrive at work and are burdened by high housing costs.
Housing is a necessity, not a luxury.
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| Mark speaking Photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images |
Reduced building costs are derived mainly from volume discounts; reduced maintenance costs are often via an investment in start-up costs for tenant-owned service providers. As part of the investment agreement, the business must provide OSP with 10 - 15% discounted services in perpetuity.
It was unanimously decided to forego the formal Q&A session and segue into the awaiting reception where discussions continued in an informal setting.
The Holly Elmore Images photo-gallery, 06-13-24 LAI FL Suncoast Meeting, gives a pictorial recap of the well-attended meeting.
Next Horizons
With the June 13 LAI-member inductions, LAI FL Suncoast met the threshold of a minimum-20 members to pursue a chapter charter. Under the guidance of LAI New Chapter Development Chair Steve Gragg, the LAI FL Suncoast leadership team will pursue the necessary steps to secure a chapter charter over the summer
If approved, the LAI FL Suncoast Chapter will receive its charter at the Annual LAI Gathering this October in Phoenix. The synergies and support are strong within the Sarasota-Bradenton community and with LAI Global leadership. Thus, the prospect of a LAI FL Suncoast Chapter is promising.