Before hundreds of residents, business owners and community leaders, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his annual State of the City address on Thursday at City Hall, telling the gathering that no other city is better placed than Orlando to come out of the recession. Dyer said Orlando leads every major City in Florida in terms of projected job creation and personal income growth.
“Because of the hard work of so many people, the state of the City remains strong,” Dyer said. “No City in America is better positioned to come out of the recession faster and stronger.”
During his speech, Dyer reflected on several of the City’s accomplishments including, the Medical City, Strengthen Orlando, Community Venues and Buy Local Orlando program, making clear that unprecedented partnership and a shared vision underpinned their success.
In looking ahead, Dyer said, while there is disappointment over Gov. Rick Scott’s rejection of high speed rail, the City was focused on breaking ground on Central Florida’s first commuter rail line, SunRail, later this year.
Noting that the Amway Center construction had put 3,000 people to work and helped an additional 940 get non-construction jobs, Dyer said it was no secret the recession had hurt plans to refurbish the Citrus Bowl and build a performing arts center. But while he did not give a time line for breaking ground on the project, Dyer referenced the recent shared plan worked out with Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs to move ahead with the facility, “within budget and with the highest degree of transparency and oversight.”
Dyer said the City’s priorities would continue to be creating the environment for private sector growth and job creation, safety and security for its residents and efficient government. Several measures aimed at encouraging small business development, including the suspension of transportation impact fees, were announced.
Following his State of the City address, Dyer for the first time, responded to questions from Orlando’s residents and business owners. Announced several weeks ago, Dyer said the question and answer session provided an opportunity for him to seek opinions and receive feedback on how the community can work together to overcome the challenges of the recession and keep Orlando on track for a better tomorrow.
The question most frequently asked was “What’s the biggest challenge facing our City?”
“The biggest challenge we’re facing is always changing,” Dyer said. “But the key to overcoming all of these challenges is constant. That is partnership. Collaboration is the driving force behind every success we’ve had in the last few years.”
