Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Alcock, Frank

Keywords

Residential Community Associations, Sarasota, FL, Land-Use

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Planned Unit Developments and Common Interest Developments are the most common form of development in the United States. These developments are often accompanied by the creation of a Residential Community Association that oversees maintenance and the provision of services within a community. While such associations are legally a corporation, in many ways they behave as a government, and can have implications for local-level policy decisions. This study examines the role of RCAs in affecting the development and implementation of three land-use policies in Sarasota, Florida. Policies developed at the city, county, and state level are represented. Interviews were conducted with Sarasota residents on their perceptions of the role of these associations. The study finds that recognition of the role of RCAs, developing extensive education initiatives, framing the environment as a collective interest, early engagement with RCAs, and creating voluntary participation with non-punitive enforcement mechanisms were beneficial tools for environmental activists looking to incorporate RCAs into their policy development.

Download

Share

COinS