City Council Highlights – October 10, 2022

Last updated on October 10, 2022

MAYOR'S UPDATE

GENERAL ITEMS

Moment of Silence for Virginia Beach

The last few weeks have been incredibly challenging for our community. Hurricane Ian brought historic rainfall and unprecedented flooding to Orlando.

We’re working to get residents who experienced flooding safely back into their homes. If your home has been impacted by flooding, visit orlando.gov/ian to request a power restoration inspection and to apply for assistance through FEMA and Heart of Florida United Way.

This storm caused devastating impacts for so many in our city. We want to remind those residents that they are not alone. Our community is here for them.

Commissioners, we want to thank you for your leadership in our response efforts. We know that you’ll join us in thanking our City of Orlando staff – from our first responders to employees from every department – who've worked tirelessly on storm preparation, response and recovery. Once again our team is helping those in need and ensuring that our community can move forward.

Hispanic Heritage Month 

During preparations for Hurricane Ian we rescheduled a number of events, including our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Commissioner Ortiz and the Mayor will now join the community this Thursday evening, October 13 ,starting at 5 p.m. at Camping World Stadium to enjoy traditional food, dancing and much more to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of our Hispanic and Latin community. We look forward to you joining us.

ITEMS OF NOTE 

Mayor #2 – Sustainability Policy  
Food waste collection, is just one of the our initiatives underway as we continue our efforts to be the most sustainable city in the southeast. Part of this endeavor is a commitment by the city to lead by example in this effort.

Today, we vote on a proposed internal policy that would eliminate the sale or disbursement of food-related single-use produces such as polystyrene, plastic straws and plastic bags on city-owned property.

Through leading by example, with this policy we aim to reduce the use of non-biodegradable products and further prevent these detrimental products from getting into our surrounding ecosystems and landfills.

Mayor #1 – 3 – Funding to CSO, Arts & Cultural Orgs, CIP

Also on today's agenda, we will vote on $1.2 million in grant awards to support five local non-profits and arts and cultural organizations. Included are funding to support:

  • Additional services for the Homeless Services Network and Central Florida Commission on Homelessness
  • New arts and cultural experiences through United Arts of Central Florida and the Orlando Science Center
  • And affordable veterinary services through the Pet Alliance of greater Orlando

We would also like to recognize the 45 non-profit organizations who were awarded $2.5 million in grant funds through this year's Community Investment Program. These organizations’ mission is to focus on homelessness support, family sustainability, domestic violence, senior services and hunger relief. The city is proud to invest in these grants that improve the quality of life for our Orlando residents.