CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Annual Update
Good morning, Commissioners. Last week marked a milestone for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Our world-class performing arts center celebrated its 10th anniversary.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since the Dr. Phillips Center opened. But during that time, we believe that the performing arts center has helped shape a more vibrant community by ensuring that arts and culture are accessible for residents and visitors.
Today we are joined by Dr. Phillips Center president and CEO Kathy Ramsberger, along with members of the board and team, who will provide an update on the performing arts center’s current fiscal year and what is planned for the future.
CITY COUNCIL
Invocation and Pledge Call on Commissioner Sheehan to lead the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL ITEMS
Veterans Day
Today is Veterans Day... and we want to thank the thousands of veterans in our community. We’re incredibly grateful for your service, sacrifice and commitment.
Each day we are working to make Orlando the most veteran-friendly city in the nation. And one of the ways we do that is by hosting events to honor our community’s veterans. Our 25th annual Veterans Day Parade was this past Saturday. We want to thank our city staff and the members of our Veterans Advisory Council for organizing the event in downtown Orlando.
Valencia Student Government Visiting
We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge that we have some Valencia College Student Government Association representatives with us today.
Today is the inaugural Valencia SGA Day at City Hall and in addition to being here for City Council, these students are learning from staff about our local government and ways to get engaged.
We appreciate you choosing to spend the day with us, ESPECIALLY on your day off from classes. Go Pumas!
Orlando City/Pride Playoffs
There is no better place to be in the entire nation than Orlando right now if you’re a soccer fan. Both the Pride – who've had a historic, record-breaking season – and Orlando City are moving on to the next round of their respective playoffs. And they’ll both play again soon at home.
So let’s pack Inter and Co. Stadium on Sunday for the Pride’s NWSL semifinal match against Kansas City. And on November 24, let’s be there to cheer on the Lions against Atlanta in the conference semifinals.
Commissioner Jim Gray Birthday
Speaking of celebrations, this is our last meeting before the holidays, and last week was Commissioner Gray’s birthday. So as is our custom, let’s all join in to sing Happy Birthday.
ITEMS OF NOTE
A#1 - Community Investment Program grants
Moving on to items of note, on today's agenda, we will be approving almost $3 million in grant awards to 56 human service organizations to provide critical services to our residents. We are proud to invest in these efforts that help solve community challenges and improve the quality of life in our city.
Would representatives from these organizations and any grant review panel members who are in attendance please stand to be recognized?
A#2 – Partnership Agreement for Environmental Community Change Grant
As part of our Green Works Orlando initiative to create a cooler, greener city for future generations, we’re pursuing a grant from the federal government to help us build upon our sustainability and resilience efforts. We’re partnering with Alianza for Progress as we apply for this EPA Community Change grant.
Marcos Villar and Father Jose Rodriguez from Alianza are here as we look to approve a partnership agreement today. We want to thank them both for their leadership and collaboration.
B#13 - 25Main Street District Agreements
Today, we are proud to renew our Orlando Main Streets agreements, a program that, over the past 17 years, has grown into 12 vibrant districts where small businesses thrive, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of unforgettable experiences. From authentic cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants to exploring unique arts and cultural offerings, our districts provide one-of-a-kind retail and culinary experiences that highlight the best of Orlando.
Since the program’s inception, our Main Streets districts have created 14,000 full and part-time jobs, supported the launch of 3,000 new businesses, and contributed nearly 174,000 volunteer hours.
We're especially grateful to the Executive Directors of our districts who are with us today. On behalf of this council, we want to extend my deepest thanks for your efforts and the continued success of the Orlando Main Streets program.
New Business #1 and #2 – Interlocal Agreement for Camping World and Kia
Also on today’s agenda are the interlocal agreements to use Tourist Development Tax revenues to advance improvements to Camping World Stadium and Kia Center.
Our venues are not just places where memories are made, they are a huge economic driver for our entire region.
Just this weekend alone, our venues welcomed nearly half a million people Downtown between events ranging from the EDC Music Festival to a Justin Timberlake concert and an Orlando Magic game.
And, the Kia Center had its biggest year ever in 2024 with more than 250 diverse events. From Bad Bunny to Monster Truck to Jelly Roll, to community events like graduations and job fairs, there is something for everyone in our community.
Camping World Stadium hosted more than a dozen major events this past year from the Rolling Stones to international soccer matches and Pink later this month.
Looking ahead, we’ll once again host the Pro Bowl in February the FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World next summer and NCAA men’s March Madness games at Kia Center in 2028.
Investing in these venues will ensure we remain the number one destination in the country for attracting and hosting events.
We'd like to once again thank our partners - Mayor Demings and the Orange County Commission for their continued investment in our venues.