Welcome to this week’s Regional Perspective, where I share stories that bring the Orlando 2045 Vision to life and highlight the progress shaping our region’s future.
1) 10 years of healing and remembrance – Today the community will gather for the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony in a collective moment of reflection, featuring a candlelight tribute and a reading of the names of the 49 angels who lost their lives 10 years ago. You can still visit the Prayer Ribbons Memorial Exhibition at Orlando City Hall until June 14 and see the “Created in Community: Portraits of Pulse” exhibition on display through August 23. These commemorative events are important as the region honors the victims and reaffirms the commitment to inclusion, unity and building a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Learn more.
2) Invigorating Orlando’s downtown core – The Orlando City Council approved a bold strategy to create a more vibrant, thriving downtown by removing long-standing barriers to investment in its historic core. On first reading, the City Council advanced a three-year suspension of Historic Planning Board reviews, shifting oversight to the more flexible Appearance Review Board. The move targets the Downtown Historic District, which has seen little major private investment in 15 years compared to surrounding areas. Streamlined approvals are expected to reduce costs and timelines, encouraging redevelopment. The city is also proposing tax rebates of 50% to 75% of tax increment to attract developers. Together, these changes aim to unlock reinvestment, support modernization, and preserve historic character while driving economic activity downtown. It was my honor to speak during public comment, joined by OEP Board member Quino Martinez, encouraging the passage. Thoughtful policies like this help ensure we balance preservation with the needs of a growing region as we look toward 2045. The second reading will come on June 22. Read more.
3) Mayor Jerry L. Demings delivers his final State of the County – Highlighting years of economic progress across Orange County, Mayor Demings touched on key wins including job creation, industry diversification, and infrastructure investment during his State of the County titled “Reflecting Back, Looking Forward” last week. We are proud to call Mayor Demings and Orange County partners in strengthening Orlando’s position as a competitive, high-growth region that aligns with the Orlando 2045 vision. We also wish Demings and his family all the best after revealing his recent diagnosis. He has our full support as he concludes his second term with focus on the citizens of our community. I look forward to appearing before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners June 30 to present the latest results of our work and future plans for collaboration. Watch the full speech.
4) Travel + Leisure presenting sponsor for the 2026 Executive Leadership Mission – We’re excited to announce Travel + Leisure Co. as the presenting sponsor of the OEP’s Executive Leadership Mission to Austin. Registration is now open, with early bird pricing available. Space is limited so be sure to secure your spot today to join regional leaders exploring innovation, growth, and best practices from another top-performing market. Register Today.
5) Orlando No. 3 for foreign businesses in the nation – Orlando ranks No. 3 among the best U.S. cities for foreign businesses, according to a report by the national publication, Financial Times. This story reinforces our region’s global appeal highlighting our strong talent, connectivity, and pro-business climate. You can read more about the strength of our foreign direct investment in the 2026 Global Orlando report compiled by our Research and Strategy experts here. Orlando continues to attract international investment, advancing our goal of a globally competitive economy by 2045. Read the full Financial Times story.
6) Florida’s story goes global – SelectFlorida’s new “Why Florida” video campaign highlights the state’s advantages in attracting business and talent worldwide. Take a look and share on your networks:
These tools strengthen Florida’s—and Orlando’s—global positioning as we compete for future investment.
Programs & Events
PLI Political Leaders Track // June 26 Application Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL
Leadership Orlando Class 111 // August 14 Enrollment Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL
LEADForward Roundtables Fall 2026 Cohort // August 14 Application Deadline // LEARN MORE & ENROLL
Leadership Orlando Alumni Association – Stay connected, continue leading, and help shape what’s next for our region // LEARN MORE & JOIN
2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin // Early Bird ends Friday, July 31 or when capacity is reached // REGISTER TODAY // Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Katie.Thomason@orlando.org
ICYMI
Take the Q2 2026 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey
Nvidia bets on AI personal computers with new ‘superchip’ powering Windows laptops – Orlando Sentinel
Orlando’s Arte Museum expected to break ground in August at ICON Park – Orlando Business Journal
Habitat for Humanity wall-raising ceremony planned for $7.2M development – Orlando Business Journal
Space Coast-based aerospace company announces $17.5M investment – Orlando Business Journal
This Florida City Is One Of The Most Underrated Food Destinations In The South – Southern Living
