Elizabeth “Betsy” O. Benac, AICP

Vice President, Principal

Betsy Benac lends her expertise to large-scale projects requiring wide-ranging development review and permitting, including Developments of Regional Impact, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Planned Unit Developments, rezoning, and special permits.

Drawing from an extensive background in public sector planning, Betsy is skilled in coordinating and navigating the various zoning and site plan approvals required for both public and private sector developments. She has held principal roles in the planning efforts for several of the area’s largest master planned communities, including assisting high profile developers such as Neal Communities and North American Properties with the development of thousands of acres of land in the high-growth corridor of Southwest Florida. Primarily working in Sarasota and Manatee counties, Betsy has been involved in the planning and entitlement of a wide spectrum of mixed use development -- all together promoting a well-thought-out balance of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Betsy is also an experienced Housing and Community Development Planner and has facilitated extensive public participation efforts. Appointed to two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, and re-appointed by Governor Charlie Christ, she has served on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Basin Board, representing Manatee County for nine years.  As a LEED accredited professional, Betsy is able to address the long term sustainability of new development, and provide planning expertise to local governments as they move toward compliance with mandates for energy efficient land use practices, renewable energy production and multi-modal transportation options.