Assignment 5 - Identifying Local Opportunities

When pondering exactly what problem I should utilize for this assignment, the first thought that came to mind is an opportunity in my own backyard. At least, the backyard of my office. And hopefully, Lord willing, my actual backyard in the coming months. Let me explain.

I have worked for the municipality that governs the city in which I grew up for more than a decade. I was incredibly fortunate to land a part time job just before Thanksgiving 2006, was promoted to full time less than a year later and never looked back. I held two different positions within the same department over eleven-and-a-half years. This spring, I took a leap and made the transition to work for our Fire Chief after we had some thoughtful discussions and I decided I was ready for a change.

Though there will always be a soft spot in my heart for Ocoee, the current fastest growing city in Orange and Seminole counties is not without a disreputable past. Some of the below-mentioned articles will delve into those details. Additionally, it is important to note that historically, there has always been a little "beef" between Ocoee and neighboring Winter Garden. Some friendly competition, if you will. Putting it bluntly, Winter Garden is and has been the winner for the past several years. This is evidenced by their bursting-at-the-seams downtown and skyrocketing (honestly, ridiculous) property values. A plan was set for their future infrastructure and development about twenty years ago, and those staff members and consultants must have had a crystal ball. Logically, Ocoee and other suburbs of Orlando seek to replicate their success, but this venture is not without complications or difficulties.

Ocoee hires state rep as consultant in no-bid contract 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ocoee-randolph-bracy-consulting-contract-20150226-story.html 

Ocoee awarded a $20,000 contract to a State Rep (who is now a Senator) for consulting services to help plan for new businesses at three highway interchanges. Representative Bracy helped the City be awarded $100,000 of State funding, and was given assurance by the Florida House of Representatives General Counsel that this was legal, despite the fact that there was no competitive bidding process.

The problem with this to me, really is appearances. Although the City doesn't require a bid for services less than $25,000, the manner in which the process and results took place may have looked suspect, especially as the Representative's office was located within the City Hall annex.

In this case, the City of Ocoee has the problem of appearing as though this agreement was not done "by the book".

Fast-growing Ocoee tries to balance small-town past with progress

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-fastest-growing-florida-cities-ocoee-20160701-story.html

Ocoee has a not-so-pleasant past, but substantial growth over the last two decades in total and minority population is helping the town separate itself from its history. Now it has to balance the small town feel and local small businesses with the rapid growth and planned development over the coming years. 

To me, the problem here is the difficulty of getting long-time residents and businesses on board with the coming progress and changes. If growth, development, and resulting prosperity are going to be possible, everybody has to be in on the plan. Things are very different now from when citrus was the primary industry. In fact, you rarely see an orange tree, let alone a grove anymore. One of the major groves has in recent years converted to a successful blueberry farm and business. Otherwise, the acreage would likely have sat lonely and dilapidated. 

The City of Ocoee has the problem here as well, with getting their community and constituents engaged in the process and participating in decision making. 

Ocoee sets $43.5M list of projects to revamp downtown

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-ocoee-downtown-redevelopment-20161005-story.html

After holding several public meetings to discuss plans and get public input, Ocoee elected officials voted to approve $43.5 million in funding for projects to redevelop downtown, including seeking funding for $25 million (Note: this was later accomplished via bond issue with an A+ credit rating). 

There's not much of a problem here, save for several wished for projects that had to be left out of the plan. Assuming $25 million in debt is a big risk, but hopefully will not be without reward.

The City of Ocoee has the "problem" here.

Apopka, Ocoee seek downtown success like Winter Garden

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-building-downtowns-west-orange-20170504-story.html

Ocoee and Orange County's second largest city, Apopka, are trying to replicate the booming downtown that Winter Garden has accomplished. Ocoee plans to bring potentially $400 million in development and relocate City Hall, which has major foundational issues that are too costly to repair. 

The problem here is some in the community see the project as too costly and don't understand why City Hall needs to be relocated (despite its structural issues). Some don't have a concept of spending money to make money.

Ocoee has the problem here, as not all of its community is onboard with the massive redevelopment plan.

Winter Garden, Ocoee work together on SR 429 corridor, new gateway

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-winter-garden-ocoee-429-corridor-20170619-story.html?

Ocoee and Winter Garden are partnering to improve a six mile stretch along the SR 429 corridor to change the look and feel of the entryways to both cities. The area does not give a positive image of either town. Looking at the history of changes in Winter Garden, this can make a positive impact for the neighboring cities.

Ocoee and Winter Garden both have the problem here, which is that as the entrances to their crown jewels are quite lackluster.