November is quickly approaching which means it will soon be time to head to the polls and vote on several amendments. Here is what we recently learned about Amendment 4 from the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce:

What is Amendment 4?

• Amendment 4 is a proposed change to the Florida constitution that will require a public vote before local governments can adopt or amend comprehensive land-use plans

What makes Amendment 4 so complicated?

• There were nearly 6,500 changes to local comprehensive plans in fiscal year 2006-2007
• The result: Thousands of minor, technical plan amendments would appear on the ballot individually and voters will be deluged with highly technical background materials that are often puzzling for expert engineers and attorneys

I have heard the “Yes on 4” Campaign referred to as Hometown Democracy. What’s wrong with that?

• Under Amendment 4, residents who are most impacted by planned changes are also the least empowered
• The proposed change to the constitution will require residents living an hour from your home to vote on whether or not to put gas stations, hospitals, schools, fire stations or parks in your backyard

Who is against Amendment 4?

• Nearly 300 business, civic, labor and environmental organizations joined together to oppose Amendment 4

Where can I find more information on Amendment 4?

• Access Article 
• Abel Harding’s Florida Times-Union column
• Jacksonville Business Journal Editorial
• Florida Times-Union Editorial                                       
• Ballot Language                                  

Keep checking back and we will share information on the proposed amendments as we learn more!