Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham has received 1000 Friends of Florida’s Bill Sadowski Award, which is presented annually to a public servant at the regional or state level whose work exemplifies the strong sense of vision for which the former DCA Secretary was known. The award was presented at the Florida Chamber’s 26th Annual Growth Management, Climate Change and the Environment Short Course, held at the Wyndham Resort in Orlando on February 23, 2010.
1000 Friends President Charles Pattison explains that Pelham received the award for his decades of visionary leadership promoting growth management, sustainable development, and protected rural and natural lands in Florida. “Tom has been a truly extraordinary advocate for effective growth management,” says Pattison. “He has provided strong and steady leadership during a period of major economic downturn, reduced DCA staffing and funding, and an astonishing level of development projects seeking approval.”
Nathaniel Reed, Chairman Emeritus and founder of 1000 Friends, notes that Pelham has played an instrumental role in guiding the state’s growth management process. “Secretary Pelham always has Florida’s best interests at heart,” explains Reed. “He consistently stands up for promoting sustainable development in appropriate areas and keeping rural lands rural.” Reed goes on to explain that in these most difficult times, Secretary Tom Pelham and staff should “enjoy unqualified support from every forward-thinking, concerned Floridian who does not want a return of the 'go-go years'."
Pelham has served two terms as Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs. He was appointed Secretary by Governor Crist in January of 2007 to serve his second term. Under Crist, Pelham has fought hard to protect the integrity of Florida’s growth management process. Under his leadership, the Florida Governor and Cabinet have upheld three landmark cases that confirm the right of communities to establish and maintain strong urban service boundaries. He has played a leading role in protecting the state’s rural and natural lands, including improving Florida’s Rural Land Stewardship Program. Pelham is also being recognized for his leadership on implementing significant state growth management legislation, including Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 697 relating to climate change.
Previously, Pelham served as Secretary from 1987 to 1991, during the Governor Bob Martinez administration. During that time, he played a central role overseeing the initial implementation of Florida’s 1985 Growth Management Act.
A member of the Florida Bar and American Institute of Certified Planners, Pelham has more than thirty years of experience in the fields of planning, growth management, and environmental protection. He has run a private practice, served on the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission, taught, and written extensively. He also served as past President of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association and served on its executive board for a decade. A Florida native, Pelham was born in Holmes County and currently lives in Tallahassee.
Pelham’s award is an original watercolor by Quincy, Florida artist Dawn McMillan. It depicts an aerial view of Florida with Lady Justice, symbolizing Pelham’s balanced and impartial implementation of the state’s growth management system.
A statewide nonprofit organization, 1000 Friends was founded in 1986 to serve as Florida’s growth management watchdog. It has been presenting awards for innovative growth management efforts since 1990.
