City Council Highlights – January 22, 2018
Last updated on January 22, 2018
WORKSHOP
Watch the City Council Workshop online.
Homelessness
The issue of homelessness has been one of the City’s top priorities, and over the past few years our region has advanced the Housing First strategy. This strategy breaks the cycle of homelessness by providing permanent housing with an array of tailored supportive services. It is the national model for successfully housing the most vulnerable and difficult-to-house homeless individuals.
Lori Harris, senior advisor on homelessness and social service, introduced our partners who have been instrumental in helping us achieve these nationally recognized results. Our partners shared the highlights of how the plan is working and also the challenges our community still face with this complex issue.
OUC
OUC gave a presentation on Hurricane Irma’s impact and restoration efforts. OUC provided an overview of their storm preparation, planning, operations, communications and logistics associated with the hurricane.
CITY COUNCIL
Watch the City Council meeting online.
New Business # 1 – Real Estate Donation
The City of Orlando strives to incorporate the arts into everything we do as a community as well as increase arts and cultural opportunities.
City Council accepted a donation agreement for the historic Rogers Building to the City of Orlando, continuing to use the space as a cultural facility.
In 1999, property owner, Ford Kiene, bought this property and historically restored it. His efforts in the community extend beyond this beautiful building and have made a lasting impression on our city.
Mayor Buddy Dyer thanked Mr. Kiene on behalf of the City of Orlando for his countless contributions he has made to the downtown community and for entrusting the city with the Rogers Building.
General Items
Pro Bowl
One of the many great things about downtown Orlando are the multitude of events that help to support a healthy economy.
The 2018 NFL Pro Bowl returns to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium in just a few days. Leading up to the game, the NFL is hosting a series of Pro Bowl Week events, including free interactive fan experiences, youth and high school football competitions, and a series of community events with nonprofit organizations and military personnel to positively impact thousands of local residents, children, and their families.
The week-long celebration will culminate with the Pro Bowl game, featuring 88 of the NFL’s best players, on Sunday, January 28, and tickets are still available.
Neighborhood and Community Summit
Join Mayor Buddy Dyer for his annual Neighborhood and Community Summit on Saturday, February 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
For thirteen years, our residents and community leaders have come together to learn, share and network and this year will be no exception. This year’s summit will feature workshops designed to build strong communities and organizations, plus the opportunity to gather resources from more than 50 exhibitors.
To keep the event fresh and insightful, we’ve added some new elements. Our keynote speaker, Bob Kodzis, will reignite your passion for serving by leading us on a journey of fun and creativity. You’ll also meet our city’s first poet laureate, Susan Lilley and help me recognize our 2018 Neighborhood Champion and Community Builder Award recipients.
To register or learn more, visit cityoforlando.net/summit. The registration deadline is February 7.
Items of Note:
Solar Grant – Mayor #1
As part of our continued sustainability efforts, last year we committed to utilize 100 percent renewable energy for municipal operations by 2030 and citywide by 2050. Council voted on an agreement with the Solar Energy Innovation Network for a grant that will help the City develop a roadmap that allows our community to transition to a future powered by 100 percent clean and renewable energy for all.
The grant will allow our Green Works Orlando team to work with OUC, the GreenLink Group and UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center to analyze OUC’s power generation portfolio and identify the potential for solar energy at City of Orlando facilities and other locations.
MOU Holocaust Center – Mayor #2
Council voted on an agreement with the Holocaust Center to build a cultural destination in Downtown Orlando. But this will be more than just a destination; it will be a perfect fit for our community.
The mission of the Holocaust Center aligns with our efforts to be an inclusive city that embraces diversity and promotes equality and respect for everyone.
Orlando will continue to send a powerful message to the world that we will continue to honor history and ignite hope.
Orlando Urban Trail Gap – B #5 & J #1
Council votedon an item that will further our efforts to ensure we provide transportation opportunities for everyone and expand our residents and visitors’ connection to jobs, opportunity and recreation.
Thanks to FDOT, we’re receiving grant funding to move forward design of two biking and pedestrian projects that are key pieces to our network of “urban trails.”
These two projects will help to extend Gertrude’s walk to the south and further the completion of our Downtown beltway by closing the current trail gap in our North Quarter area from the Colonial Overpass to our existing Dinky Line Trail at Magnolia.
Together with our other planned projects, these will one day be a part of a trail system that connects our Downtown to the region’s trail system in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.