Commentary: Envisioning a 21st Century Orlando

In last week’s column I wrote, “On April 5 at 10:30 a.m. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites the Central Florida community to his 2016 State of the City Address. That would be the mayor whose foresight gave us the highest ranked arena in the nation, a big-time renovation of the Citrus Bowl, a giant sculpture walk around Lake Eola, Orlando’s own soccer league, and the crown jewel of a Performing Arts Center so successful that it has served more guests than any predictions foretold – all before being honored nationally for his service to the arts. His Honor’s State of the City Address gives Mayor Dyer the opportunity to share the city’s current and future plans. It gives us a chance to say thank you to the greatest mayor in the world.”

After achieving more than any mayor anywhere, the visionary (and obviously tireless) Mayor Dyer acknowledged those triumphs before hundreds of residents, business owners and community leaders gathered at Orlando City Hall and then put verbal brackets around his refrain, “but there is much left to do.”

“The state of our City, The City Beautiful, is strong and poised for great things," Dyer said in his opener. "To achieve those great things, and be the defining city of the 21st Century, we must become Orlando: The City Connected.”

As I was thinking, “but you already...” Mayor Dyer was on to his favorite theme, describing “Orlando as a 21st Century city that is by everyone and for everyone.”

He talked about investments the City is making in technology and training for our police and fire departments, the world-class sports, arts and concerts that now perform in our world-class venues, expanding parks, building SunRail, helping thousands of businesses to open or grow, advancing our tech and life sciences industries, and nurturing innovation. These are not campaign promises. These are initiatives already begun and which are paying off.

He then reminded us that, “Today, we are (Orlando is) the fastest growing major city in America. Our hard work [is] paying off.”

Thus the applause began … and the smile on the face of his honor got bigger. Dyer believes in Orlando as America’s model city for innovation, transportation, inclusiveness and quality of life. With his unique mix of charm and humility, he said, “Because of you, we can confidently proclaim that Orlando is going to lead America through the 21st Century.”

Let that sink in: Mayor Dyer gave the leadership of the 19th Century to New York City; he gave the leadership of the 20th Century to the technology corridor of California, and then, outlining four key initiatives, he said it again, “Orlando will be the defining City of the 21st Century.”

Using the word ‘connected’ and the metaphor of a ladder, he laid out the four initiatives:

1. Connected to opportunity: He said, “To create the economy that defines the century ahead and provides prosperity for our residents, we must become America’s home for opportunity, education and innovation. To accomplish this, we must create a ladder to the middle class and beyond for every single person who calls our city home.”

This is and will be done with jobs programs, pre-job training and mentorship on a level never before considered.

1. Connected to each other: He said, “To become a city by and for everyone, we must also become America’s new home for ‘inclusiveness’ … seizing the momentum we’ve generated in reducing homelessness and do even more.”

It warmed the heart of this reporter when the Mayor then referred to the rulings happening in Georgia and Mississippi that would – by law – exclude those seen as ‘different.’ With wide-open arms, Mayor Dyer said, “If they don’t want you, we do,” and the applause was universal.

1. Connected to housing options: He said, “Serving our residents means providing access to quality, safe and affordable housing.”

The City is already partnering with non-profits, businesses and private developers to construct affordable housing developments, including transforming vacant sites and foreclosed properties into a mix of affordable and market-rate apartments and home-styles, combating a recent rise in home pricing region-wide. This will grow with enhanced City backing.

And finally …

1. Connected to 21st century, data-driven, cost-effective City services.

Here Mayor Dyer used the example of the new Police Station that will be glass – walled and as much a "neighborhood hub" as a police station. He described the new Special Victims Response Team of officers specially-trained to respond to crimes of sexual assault, child abuse and rape. In a related initiative, the Orlando Police Department will be the only agency in Florida participating in the White House’s Police Data Initiative, which grew out of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The OPD will be among the first agencies in the country to release domestic violence and sexual assault-related data. Further illustrating the point, Mayor Dyer told us that on April 22, Orlando Police Chief John Mina will lead a national discussion at the White House showcasing the ways the OPD is utilizing this data, serving as a national model to better understand these crimes and how to prevent them.

“Thank you for entrusting me with the best job in the world,” was followed by a standing ovation.

It is ironic that in a time when greatness has retired from the stage of national politics, Orlando is being led by a man who will not rest until we all live and work and play together in the Greatest City of the 21st Century. He has built that vision over 13 years in office, consistently achieving for the citizens of Orlando what he has promised. We are able to believe this leader based on a track record of success, and from the inspiring speech he shared with us, we may believe that he will continue to work his magic to build the "ladder of opportunity" he wants to share with every citizen of Orlando.