City Council Highlights – September 25, 2023

Last updated on September 25, 2023

City Council Update 9.25.23 

GENERAL ITEMS

Yom Kippur

Today is the holiest day of the Jewish year – Yom Kippur. We want to wish those recognizing the holiday in our community a day of atonement filled with kindness and blessings.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

We would love for everyone to join us this upcoming Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. for the 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Amway Center. There will be plenty of traditional Hispanic dishes, Latin music and entertainment for us to celebrate the traditions, achievements, contributions and rich history of the diverse Hispanic and Latino residents in our community.

State of Downtown

Also this Wednesday is also our State of Downtown Address. While the Downtown Orlando Partnership's fundraiser is sold out, those who are not able to attend will be able to view the live and encore presentations at orlando.gov/downtown.

ITEMS OF NOTE

B#3 - First Step Staffing Contract Renewal

Moving on to items of note, as a community we continue to respond to the complex challenge of homelessness in many ways, including helping those in need find employment. Since 2021, the City of Orlando has partnered with First Step Staffing to provide more than 250 individuals who are homeless, precariously housed or have other barriers to employment find work with city departments.

This includes Calvin Thomas, who just a few years ago was living on the streets when he learned about First Step while visiting the Christian Service Center, where the nonprofit has an office. He found a position on our Streets and Stormwater team, collecting debris on streets and sidewalks. A few months ago, Mayor Dyer had the chance to work a shift with Calvin. We are happy to share that he is now thriving with an apartment of his own and just weeks ago, he was hired as a full-time City of Orlando employee.

On today’s agenda is an item to renew our contract with First Step for another year so we can continue to help those experiencing homelessness get back on their feet through employment.