Orlando has consistently led the state in economic indicators over the last decade including low unemployment rates, job creation efforts and revenue/income creation. While Orlando is fortunate to have a strong and diverse economy, the City and the Central Florida region is not immune from the effects of the unprecedented economic crisis. Even the most optimistic forecasts indicate 2009 will be a challenging year for local, regional and national economies.

Mayor Buddy Dyer is launching a comprehensive plan to help Orlando’s families “weather the storm” during this nationwide downturn. The Mayor has tasked City departments and local civic and business institutions with identifying immediate, accomplishable activities to create jobs, provide economic stimulus and ensure Orlando remains on track for a prosperous future.

The result of this effort is Strengthen Orlando, a comprehensive economic action plan to sustain our community and ensure Orlando remains in position for future growth and prosperity.

Strengthen Orlando is more than just an outcropping of the federal economic stimulus plan. It is a uniquely local effort designed to work within and alongside the federal plan.

Further, the Strengthen Orlando plan focuses on enabling residents to better connect with vital information and much-needed resources during tough economic times. The severity and extent of this economic downturn cannot be downplayed. For the first time ever, a number of Americans are finding themselves in the unfamiliar position of having to look for help, information and guidance. Families who have never lived “near the edge” are finding themselves in economic trouble. To help Orlando’s families gain access to critical resources, the Strengthen Orlando plan includes a function that will act as a clearinghouse.
 

Under Strengthen Orlando, the City has established six “pillars” to serve as the operational foundation of the plan:

• Orlando Connects
• Orlando Builds
• Orlando Works
• Buy Local Orlando
• Orlando Partners
• Orlando Cares

Under each of these pillars, the City has defined specific actions it is pursuing now or plans to implement in the immediate future.