FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Laura Bornfreund (407) 246-3423

MAYOR BUDDY DYER REPORTS EFFORTS
TO BUILD ON ORLANDO’S SUCCESS

ORLANDO, FL (February 22, 2006)—Today, Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered his 2006 State of the City address highlighting Orlando’s success with downtown redevelopment and diversifying the economy. In addition, he outlined plans to bring new job opportunities to the City, as well as to bring attainable housing options and small business assistance to Orlando citizens.

“Through the toil and the triumphs of the past three years, I am proud to be here today, not to ask you to envision Orlando as the great City it can be, but to celebrate the great City Orlando has become,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer.

This year, Orlando City Council dedicated more than $1.7 million of new funding for cutting-edge technology to help respond to 9-1-1 calls, defuse hostage situations, and reduce the potential for officer fatalities. The City also opened 12 newly constructed or renovated park and recreation facilities citywide. And, there are more than 7,000 residential units, over 2 million square feet of office space, and almost 1 million square feet of retail space – proposed or underway – elevating downtown’s role as the economic catalyst to the City and region.

“The naysayers have been silenced …our blighted blocks have been resurrected into the building blocks of our City’s economic engine,” stated Mayor Dyer. “Orlando, because of our world-class convention center, hotels, theme parks and attractions, has competed globally for years as a tourist destination, but now with a booming downtown and the potential for world-class community facilities, we can compete globally for corporate headquarters, high-tech, high-value jobs and diverse economic opportunities.”

Mayor Dyer announced the following projects that will continue to diversify Orlando’s economy as well as provide citizens with better access to quality amenities.

Sodo
· SoDo, a first-of-a-kind project at downtown’s southern gateway, is a joint venture between North American Properties and Kimco Realty Corporation.
· The project will transform an industrial block on South Orange Avenue into a thriving urban activity center, attracting a number of marquee retailers such as Target as well as, upscale dining alternatives.

Mills and Nebraska Multi-Use
· The City is moving forward with the transformation of this area to the north of downtown, which will include 500 residential units – both rental and for sale, 80,000 square feet of commercial space – and almost 300,000 square feet of office space.


City of Orlando Eastside Public Safety Complex
· The complex will be located on Primrose Avenue on the former naval and marine reserve site and will house the Orlando Police Department’s North East Community satellite office and the K-9 group, Fire Department training and Special operations.
· Construction is more than 50% complete and expected to be operational this fall.

Prime Outlets
· Prime Outlets, formally Belz Factory Outlet, will undergo a $100 million renovation and expansion, beginning in Spring 2006.
· There will be several new retailers at the outlets resulting in more than 5,000 new job opportunities.
Mayor Dyer also announced the following new business development initiatives, which are targeted to bring new high-value jobs to Orlando as well as provide small business assistance to citizens. Each of the economic initiatives below must receive City Council approval before moving forward.
Orlando’s Minority & Women Business Initiative
· Assistance program, which will be piloted in the Parramore Community is aimed at retaining existing women and minority-owned businesses and attracting new minority-owned businesses to blighted communities in the City of Orlando.
· Provides businesses a combination of both technical and financial assistance for business retention/relocation expenses, purchase of capital equipment, marketing and business start-up expenses.
· Advisory board will be created where qualified businesses can apply for financial assistance up to a determined amount

Neighborhood Commercial Enhancement Program
· Targets commercial corridors to revitalize blighted business corridors and provides commercial property and business owners assistance with costs related to physical improvements. Retail and restaurants will be included as eligible businesses.
· The program will help offset the costs of façade improvements, building permit fees, sewer benefit fees, transportation impact fees, permitting fees and streetscaping.

High-Value Job Creation Program
· Job creation bonus will be provided to qualified companies that locate high-value, high-wage jobs to a Downtown Orlando location within the CRA.
· These jobs will pay a minimum of $60,000/year which exceeds the per job minimum requirements for the QTI program by 35%. The City will guarantee its full local match for the State incentive programs such as the Qualified Targeted Industry Program (which is only 115%)

Orlando Business Enterprise Center
· City is working in partnership with the University of Central Florida to develop an Enterprise Center that will grow new businesses, providing start-up space and assistance to a minimum of 10 companies each year.
· The program will first launch in Commissioner Wyman’s District 2, and then adapted throughout the City to meet the needs of small businesses and serve as a resource hub for entrepreneurial success.


The State of the City address is attached and posted on the City of Orlando website at www.cityoforlando.net and will be rebroadcast on Orange TV at 7:00 p.m. on February 22nd and at 2:00 p.m. on February 26th.

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