Orange County voters will soon make a historic decision by electing a new Orange County mayor. This is a pivotal moment in Orange County that will determine the trajectory of the Orlando region. The previous three county mayors served a combined 26 years in the position. This election provides an opportunity to build on their accomplishments while also charting a new course to take our community to the next level.
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Much attention from the candidates has been given to key economic issues, particularly job creation, economic diversity, housing affordability, education, workforce training and transportation. As the region’s economic development organization, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is ready to work with the next mayor to advance several policies that will propel our region’s economy forward with focus on key areas including job creation incentives, fast-tracked development, the expansion of SunRail, revitalizing Downtown Orlando and committing to regional collaboration.
During the past eight years, both the State of Florida and Orange County reduced the tools used to support job creation, including financial incentives to entice corporate relocations and expansions. As a result, we are less competitive in attracting high-paying jobs. This conflicts with rhetoric from some local elected officials who criticize Orange County’s reliance on the tourism industry. The county spends more than $100 million promoting tourism but very little in supporting the diversification of the economy. The next mayor has an opportunity to invest in job creation and be a leader for the entire state.
With a highly skilled and educated workforce, Orange County is an attractive market for job growth, but bureaucracy often gets in the way. Overregulation and a slow approval process have pushed commercial, industrial and residential development to surrounding counties. Anyone who has driven on I-4 in southwest Orange County has seen the daily traffic congestion caused by trucks and workers from Polk County and beyond driving into our region. For Orange County to be successful in encouraging redevelopment and new development in the urban core, it needs to fast-track site review, permitting and approval of commercial and residential projects within the county.
According to a recent poll conducted by the Orlando Economic Partnership, voters overwhelmingly support the expansion of SunRail, including weekend service and extension to the airport and theme parks, which is known as the Sunshine Corridor. Furthermore, there is broad-based regional consensus among local governments, federal and state transportation agency officials and the private sector to make this happen. The next Orange County mayor must be more vocal in support of SunRail and make it a top policy priority.
A healthy downtown is good for the economy of the entire region. If downtown Orlando is revitalized, Central Florida will be a more appealing place to live, especially for younger workers, and therefore will be a more attractive market for corporate relocation and expansion. A safe, welcoming downtown will also improve the visitor experience for residents and tourists alike who attend sporting events or other entertainment venues in the area, which further adds to our region’s appeal and quality of life. The next Orange County mayor must work closely with the City of Orlando to support efforts to improve downtown.
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The issues that impact Orange County’s economy, including transportation, education and housing, require cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions. The ability to work well with other elected leaders across the region and government officials at the local, state, and federal levels is essential. While being mayor of Orange County is arguably the most powerful elected position in the region, he or she cannot succeed alone. Establishing strong working relationships throughout the region should be a primary objective both during the campaign and in the first few months of office.
The policy initiatives and recommendations listed above will help attract high-paying jobs to Orange County, encourage smart growth in the right places, reduce the cost of housing, improve transportation and access to job locations, and make Central Florida a better place to live. At the OEP, we define these economic goals as “building a global, creative capital,” the type of place that attracts high-paying jobs, encourages investment, and retains our best and brightest talent.
The new Orange County mayor can lead the way and make this happen, and we stand ready to help.
Tim Giuliani is the president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, the Orlando region’s champion for economic development.
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