FIELD Model - Overview

Fiscal Impact Estimates of Land Development (FIELD) Model was developed to analyze the financial feasibility of the comprehensive plans of Hillsborough County and the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace. FIELD is meant to facilitate the policy makers and the planners in the decision making process. In an environment that is evolving rapidly, tools like FIELD present invaluable opportunities to not only analyze the present situation, but also to compare the results of different scenarios for future growth. FIELD model is based on the per capita multiplier approach and the case study method of fiscal impact analysis, as outlined in the “Fiscal Impact Handbook” (Burchell, 1978).

FIELD Model is built around “System Dynamics”, a computer based simulation modeling methodology developed at MIT in the 1950s by Jay W. Forrester. System Dynamics models use time as a variable and simulate the process over a period. These models can be used to assess the response of a system over a period of time. The FIELD model was created using Powersim Studio 2005, a powerful and accessible simulation tool. Powersim and System Dynamics allowed us to incorporate quite a few innovative approaches in the model. FIELD is a multi-jurisdictional model, with which the comprehensive plans of Hillsborough County and its respective municipal jurisdictions can be analyzed for financial feasibility. It also allows the user to dynamically alter the policy options and assess the difference that this makes to the fiscal impact. The assumptions and equations used in the model are easy to comprehend even for a first time user with a reasonable effort.

FIELD Model User Manual is intended for a user to gain an understanding about the functioning of the model, the assumptions used to assess the impact and the relationships (equations) used among the variables. In addition the User Manual explains on how to use the model by running the simulation, analyzing the results and changing the policy options in the model to assess the likely changes in the fiscal impact. This manual describes the operations that a user has to perform in simulating the fiscal impacts for Hillsborough County, Plant City, Tampa, Temple Terrace and for Hillsborough County School Board. The FIELD model uses individual modules for the sub-components of the model explained in detail in the following sections.

Some minor problems with the model are expected, as it is still in the development stage. Any issue that a user comes across, or for further queries, kindly contact us at florap@plancom.org