Understanding policy learning and change through policy beliefs: Florida smart growth

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study analyzed policy learning and change in Florida 2007–2017 smart growth policy. Content analysis of legislation identified policy learning through three hierarchical policy belief systems, where a broad system constrained the narrower system. Social policy learning through broad deep core beliefs, covering principles of state’s environmental and natural resource protection, resulted in little learning and incremental pace. Legislation favoring protection was hard to change. Social policy learning through policy core beliefs, covering goals and strategies of state’s public health and economic growth facilities, generally lacked evidence of learning and change. Economic growth facilities nonetheless exhibited evidence of extensive and abrupt learning, followed by drastic policy change, due to economic recession conditions. These conditions also affected instrumental policy learning through narrow secondary beliefs, including implementation tools for local plan, local school/transportation facilities, and regional planning. Instrumental learning was extensive and incremental. Policy change supporting discretionary tools also was incremental.