MAINSTREETS
Since its inception in 2008, the Orlando Main Streets program has become one of the city’s most successful economic development initiatives. What began with five districts has now grown to 12, as we enter the program’s 18th year. While the full impact of Main Streets is immeasurable, the results we do have are remarkable:
- More than $2.4 billion in economic impact and neighborhood improvements
- Nearly 3,000 new businesses
- Close to 15,000 jobs created
- 177,000 volunteer hours
- Over 30 Michelin Guide–recognized restaurants
- More than 300 annual events
Our Main Streets are a key reason Orlando consistently ranks among the best cities to start a business. If any of our district executive directors are here today, please stand to be recognized for the vital role you play in making our Main Streets the best places to dine, shop, and experience Orlando.
HOUSING “CHOICE” OPTIONS ON THE AGENDA
Through our Orlando Unlocked initiative, we are exploring every opportunity to make it easier for developers to deliver a variety of housing options across our city.
On today’s agenda are a couple of initiatives that will bring more housing to our city:
- The city is conveying land that will bring 60 new multifamily units for low to moderate income households on Roberto Clemente Road.
- Then partners at Creative Village are moving forward with the next new development, a seven-story mixed use development that includes 112 units of multifamily housing.
- That coupled with the 115 affordable multifamily units under construction at The Beacon will bring 227 new units to Creative Village by the end of 2027.
Every single unit of housing matters as we seek to increase our inventory of housing to meet the growth of our city.
ECS
We will soon be welcoming nearly 80 new employees to downtown Orlando with the relocation of Engineering Consulting Services’ regional headquarters to the Central Business District. We are excited about ECS’ decision to relocate and expand right here in the heart of DTO.
Elisabeth Dang, City Planning Division Manager
Before we move on to the Council agenda, I also want to recognize the City’s Planning Division Manager, Elisabeth Dang who is retiring after more than 22 years of dedicated service. Rising quickly through the ranks, she earned the McNamara Employee of the Year award in 2007 and went on to lead transformative initiatives, including streamlining regulatory processes, digitizing planning workflows, and consolidating review boards into a single Development Review Committee, efforts that greatly reduced costs and improved efficiency.
Known for her servant-leadership style, Elisabeth prioritized her team’s growth and well-being, creating a culture of collaboration and inclusion.
The city extends its deepest gratitude for her many contributions and wishes her the very best in her next chapter.