City Council Highlights – April 24, 2023

Last updated on April 24, 2023

City Council Update 4.24.23 

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP - Live Local Act 

We have been committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of economic status, has access to quality housing they can afford.  

As part of that effort, we continue to implement short and long-term strategies to expand the city's housing inventory for residents at all income levels. 

A new piece of legislation – known as the Live Local Act – was recently signed by the Governor and will take effect on July 1 of this year.  

The Live Local Act is meant to encourage and expedite the delivery of affordable housing in the state.  

We can all agree, we need more affordable housing inventory here in Orlando to ensure that anyone who wants to call our city home can afford to do so. Increasing housing inventory is also critical to solving the issue of homelessness. Now, more than ever, families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet with rising rents and lack of affordable housing is compounding this issue. 

While we are still learning about this new legislation, with it going into effect July 1, we’ve asked staff to do a deeper dive into what we do know about the Live Local Act and how it might impact the city.  

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 

ITEMS OF NOTE 

B#11 - City Beautiful Cafe 

On today’s agenda is an item many city employees will be happy about, it is a lease agreement to bring the City Beautiful Café to the first floor of City Hall. The cafe will be operated by the owners of Bem Bom, a popular restaurant in our Audubon Park Garden District Main Street. We want to thank owner A.J., who is here today, and his team for their partnership. 

We know this restaurant won’t only be used by staff at City Hall, but will also enhance our downtown offerings and provide a new breakfast and lunch destination for those who work, visit and live in downtown.  

D#3 – New Lake Nona Park 

Today we will also approve grant funding to help develop a new 4.2-acre park in Lake Nona. The park will include basketball and pickleball courts, picnic areas, a playground, walking trails, a teen area, splash pad, bike trail, and much more. This new green space will add to our nearly 150 beautiful parks, gardens, neighborhood centers and playgrounds and play a role in our resident’s quality of life by offering another community gathering space for recreation and relaxation.