Welcome to the Orlando Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future.

1) 2026 Regional Leadership Conference advances Orlando 2045 Vision – Last week, nearly 500 regional leaders gathered for the 2026 Regional Leadership Conference, where we also presented the James B. Greene Award honoring Alan E. Keene. The conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the Orlando region’s economic momentum and focus on the future.

Today, the Orlando region is a $233 billion economy, one of the largest in the nation, with four consecutive years of growth outpacing the U.S. average. Innovation is accelerating, our talent pipeline continues to deepen, and momentum is building behind the Orlando 2045 Vision—positioning the region as a leading hub for investment and opportunity. 

I’m grateful to our presenting sponsor and host, Universal Orlando Resort; supporting sponsor FAIRWINDS Credit Union; contributing sponsor Verizon; our Champions for Broad based Prosperity® including AdventHealth, Orlando Magic, OUC – The Reliable One, University of Central Florida, and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Special thanks to our Board Chair, Universal Executive Vice President and CFO Tracey Stockwell for her leadership and partnership. As our keynote speaker Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of Community Growth and Economic Development at Comcast Corporation, reminded us, lasting growth depends on civic leadership and long term stewardship and together, we’re building a future defined not just by growth, but by opportunity and shared prosperity. For a full recap, click here.  

2) Orlando continues to outpace growth trends – Our latest Market Commentary highlights newly released U.S. Census Bureau data that shows the Orlando region remains a national growth leader, even as population growth slows across much of the country. The Orlando MSA grew 1.3% in 2025, outpacing Florida’s overall rate of 0.8% and ranking as the sixth fastest growing large metro in the nation. Between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the region added 37,690 new residents, with international migration once again serving as the primary driver of growth, offsetting a modest domestic outflow. Within Florida, Orlando added almost three times as many new residents as Tampa while Miami lost population. These trends highlight Orlando’s continued global appeal and reinforce the importance of planning for sustained growth as part of the Orlando 2045 vision. Read the full analysis by OEP Vice President of Research and Strategy Neil Hamilton.

3) Orlando at the center of America’s next giant leap – With the successful launch of the Artemis II Central Florida once again stands at the forefront of human spaceflight. This mission shines a spotlight on the strength of our aerospace and defense industry and the work happening across our region that supports NASA’s deep-space ambitions and reflects decades of innovation powered by world-class talent and institutions like the University of Central Florida. Together, these efforts underscore Orlando’s global relevance and reinforce a core Orlando 2045 priority: building an innovation-driven economy that reaches far beyond our atmosphere. Share the news. 

4) NFL football comes to Orlando – The announcement that the Jacksonville Jaguars will play the entire 2027 NFL season at Camping World Stadium is a major moment for the Orlando region. Hosting an NFL franchise for a full season brings national attention, significant economic impact, and new energy to our urban core. This milestone reinforces the importance of Camping World Stadium as a strategic regional asset, one that supports tourism, drives investment, and elevates Orlando’s profile as a premier sports and entertainment destination. Share the news. 

5) 407 Day: Celebrating local, supporting regional – Next week, we celebrate 407 Day, a day rooted in regional pride and named after the Orlando region’s area code. It’s a reminder of why supporting local businesses matters more than ever. From main street storefronts to fast-growing startups, local businesses are the backbone of our economy creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, and fueling the innovation that defines our region. As we work toward the Orlando 2045 Vision, choosing local is about investing in the long-term vitality of the region we all call home. Learn more.

Programs & Events

2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip presented by BakerHostetler & supported by TECO // May 19-21 // REGISTER TODAY (Open to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels ONLY)

ICYMI

Spotlight on Central Florida: A conversation with Scott Cathcart, Florida Regional President at Truist – Orlando Business Journal

Growth in the Cloud – Orlando Business Journal

Produced with Precision, Central Florida’s manufacturing sector isn’t flashy, but it is economically consequential – Orlando Business Journal

Spotlight On: Andria Herr, Commissioner Chairwoman, Seminole County – Capital Analytics 

Duke Energy partners with colleges to train next generation of lineworkers – Press Release

About the Author

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By Tim Giuliani President & CEO

Tim Giuliani is a national leader in growing cities that deliver economic growth. His approach is centered on the powerful concept that making investments to build a place where people want to live and visit will attract the companies where people want to work.  As President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, his leadership has helped attract over 30,000 new jobs, $3.6 billion in capital investment, and $3.3 billion in annual payroll. Tim’s collaborative work with elected, higher education, and private sector leaders led to the investment of $500 million in investment into the Florida semiconductor cluster. Giuliani's work to advance broad-based prosperity is focused on cultivating civic leadership and bringing those leaders together to align around the long-term opportunities and challenges that face metro communities.

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