OUC – The Reliable One is serving as the first sponsor of the Orlando Economic Partnership’s (OEP) new Development Initiative for Regional Transformation (DIRT)
OUC — The Reliable One, Powers Orlando’s New DIRT Initiative to Accelerate Regional Economic Growth
Orlando, Fla. – OUC—The Reliable One is serving as the first sponsor of the Orlando Economic Partnership’s (OEP) new Development Initiative for Regional Transformation (DIRT), underscoring its longstanding commitment to powering the region’s economic growth. As Central Florida’s statutory municipal utility commission, OUC brings essential technical expertise and infrastructure insight that strengthen the foundation of this effort.
DIRT is a region-wide initiative designed to expand the Orlando area’s pipeline of development-ready commercial and industrial sites, from early-stage parcels to fully shovel-ready properties. By evaluating, advancing, and marketing sites at every stage of readiness, the program positions the region to compete for and attract high-impact business investments.
“As a municipal utility, our role extends beyond providing reliable electric and water services – we’re stewards of our community’s long-term prosperity.”
Linda Ferrone, OUC’s Chief Customer & Marketing Officer
“Supporting DIRT reflects this commitment. When the region grows, our customers thrive, and by helping shape sustainable development, we’re building the infrastructure and opportunities that will benefit families and businesses for generations,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC’s Chief Customer & Marketing Officer.
What Is DIRT — And Why It Matters
- Comprehensive site readiness: DIRT will support a full lifecycle, from early-stage site identification and land-use modeling, through due diligence and infrastructure evaluation, to formal marketing of market-ready sites.
- Regional scalability & collaboration: DIRT builds on and aligns with existing state and utility-led site-readiness efforts (such as state grant programs, brownfield incentives, and utility service evaluations), combining them under a unified regional strategy to maximize impact and efficiency.
- Competitive advantage for Orlando: By increasing the number of “investment-ready” sites, DIRT positions the Orlando region to respond with speed and certainty, a key differentiator when companies evaluate relocation or expansion options.
“OUC’s support sends a strong signal to businesses and site selectors nationwide: when investors come to Orlando, they will find sites that meet their needs — and a region ready to deliver”
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP
DIRT first launched in the Spring of 2025 with the OEP convening partners, investors and experts. Assisted by Leotta Location and Design, OEP’s economic development team is looking across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to identify and score properties on more than 150 variables. To date, more than 127 sites have been identified.
“Our goal is to pinpoint five that can move to site development with a focus on zoning, utilities and other early-stage processes,” said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP.
“The Orlando region aims to build a robust pipeline of strategic industrial and commercial sites laying the groundwork for new jobs, capital investment, diversified industries, and long-term economic resilience.”
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP
To learn more about DIRT visit Orlando.org/DIRT or contact Laureen Martinez at 407-242-3982.
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About Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership is the Orlando region’s champion for economic prosperity, bringing together leaders, industries, and ideas to expand opportunities and drive investment. Our vision is to be the next global creative capital. Learn more.
About OUC—The Reliable One
For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to a goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 while supporting the Central Florida community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.
