This year’s theme, “Economic Development in Action,” showcases how strategic economic development drives job creation, investment, and long-term prosperity for the region.
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) celebrates Economic Development Week, May 4–8, 2026, highlighting the people, projects, and policies shaping a stronger regional economy across the Orlando region. This year’s theme, “Economic Development in Action,” showcases how strategic economic development drives job creation, investment, and long-term prosperity for the region.
Designated each year by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week recognizes the essential role economic development plays in building vibrant, resilient communities.
“For the past nine years, economic development efforts in our region have translated into more than 220 projects won, 32,500 new jobs, and capital investment of more than $4.2 billion creating new opportunities for residents.”
Tim Giuliani, OEP President and CEO
“Economic Development Week is an opportunity to pull back the curtain and show how this work happens and why it matters to everyone who lives and works here,” said Tim Giuliani, OEP President and CEO.
Economic Development Week also serves as a platform to highlight what’s next for the region. OEP continues to align its work around long-term competitiveness, ensuring the Orlando region remains a top destination for innovation, talent, and investment.
“Economic development isn’t abstract, it’s visible in the businesses we attract, the partnerships we build, and the future we’re planning together.”
Tim Giuliani, OEP President and CEO
“This week is about celebrating progress while staying focused on what’s ahead,” Giuliani added
Over the past year, OEP has continued to deliver results that show Economic Development in action. Recent efforts have supported the National Science Foundation’s NSF Engines funding award, which provides up to $15 million annually over the next three years to accelerate semiconductor innovation and workforce development across Central Florida.
The region also marked a major headquarters win with Travel + Leisure Co.’s move of its global headquarters to Downtown Orlando, bringing more than 900 associates into Downtown Orlando through a capital investment exceeding $36 million.
In life sciences, Novartis announced a new 35,000-square-foot facility expected to come online by 2029 and create 50 high-quality jobs.
And in financial services, BNY Mellon’s latest announcement highlights continued investment that strengthens Orlando’s growing innovation economy and talent pipeline.
OEP is also investing in the region’s long-term competitiveness through the Development Initiative for Regional Transformation (DIRT), a region-wide site development program powered by OUC—The Reliable One. DIRT strengthens Central Florida’s ability to compete for transformational projects by expanding the pipeline of development-ready commercial and industrial sites, from early-stage parcels to fully shovel-ready opportunities, so the region can respond with speed and certainty when new investments are on the table.
“Economic development is about building opportunity and long-term prosperity, and we’re proud of the impact our work has on Orlando today and for the future.”
Tracy Garcia, OEP Senior Director of Economic Development & Strategic Initiatives
“During Economic Development Week, we’re celebrating the work that helps power the Orlando region’s economy—supporting businesses, creating jobs, and attracting investment that strengthens our communities,” said Tracy Garcia, OEP Senior Director of Economic Development & Strategic Initiatives.
These wins are part of a broader growth story: Orlando continues to lead on the metrics that matter. New data shows the region’s economy reached $233 billion in 2024 and grew faster than the nation for the fourth consecutive year. Orlando also ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing large regions in 2025, adding 37,690 new residents while continuing to lead Florida in job growth to the tune of 8,800 jobs in 2025 despite a challenging national environment.
Throughout Economic Development week, the OEP will share stories of impact, spotlight recent wins, and engage partners across Orange, Osceola, Seminole counties, and the City of Orlando. Visit Orlando.org and follow the Orlando Economic Partnership on social media to join the celebration.
