David B. Singer leads the local government advocacy, land use and zoning practice in Holland & Knight’s Tampa office. Mr. Singer works with clients seeking to do business in the Tampa Bay area and counsels clients on the proper strategies for successful interactions with city and county government agencies and officials. He represents clients before city and county entities on a wide range of issues, including zoning, land use, comprehensive planning, economic incentive eligibility, developments of regional impact, land development and permitting issues and issues relating to Community Development Districts.
In addition, Mr. Singer has a broader practice of assisting clients in securing the necessary government approvals for controversial projects at the federal, state and local levels. Mr. Singer works with clients to better understand their ultimate business and legal objectives, forming strategies that are both efficient and effective. He acts as an advisor during the initial stages of projects and as an implementer during the course of the approval process.
Mr. Singer also works with groups, boards and other agencies with frequent government interaction in areas relating to responding to government issued RFPs, public funding and grants, public finance, media relations and issues related to litigation and dispute resolution.
Notably, in 2010, Mr. Singer advised the pro-transit advocacy group Moving Hillsborough Forward in coordinating business leaders, political leaders and citizens in a cooperative effort to bring a comprehensive, modern transit system to Hillsborough County.
Mr. Singer's other recent projects include:
- assisting a multinational energy corporation in obtaining rezoning approval, variances from local zoning laws, conditional use permit approvals and state environmental permits for the construction of a waste-to-energy facility
- assisting a multistate healthcare system in obtaining rezoning approval for a community hospital, including the coordination of a team of consultants, engineers and planners
- assisting a power company in resolving a dispute regarding the siting and routing of high-powered transmission lines
- redrafting and securing a privately initiated text amendment to the Hillsborough County Land Development Code to allow for a "Mixed-Use Development" designation
- assisting a residential development group in amending a comprehensive plan and siting a new multiresidential community, including the coordination of a team of planners and engineers
- working with an international mining company to assist with the siting and permitting of a new quarry
- working with state and local governments to secure economic incentives for a client's corporate relocation
Mr. Singer works with corporations across the country to ensure compliance with local regulations and customs, and coordinates project teams that give projects their best chance at success. He undertakes representation of corporations in front of local, state and federal bodies, and works with clients to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.