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) Marco’s Pizza continues to grow its Central Florida footprint – Marco’s Pizza is expanding its presence in the City of Orlando by developing a new Operations Center of Excellence which aims to elevate franchisee training, strengthen operation execution and support the brand’s continued national and international expansion. Our economic development team assisted the company by navigating local incentives opportunities, supporting them with expedited permitting, and making connections to local workforce, utility and government partners. Momentum like this supports our vision of a resilient, diverse economy and creates new opportunities for jobs and innovation across the region. Read more.
2) Orlando ranks among America’s Best Cities – Orlando continues to earn national recognition in Resonance’s latest “America’s Best Cities” report, coming in at No. 15 this year. While that marks a shift from No. 11 in 2025, it also reflects a rapidly expanding and increasingly competitive field, with this year’s rankings evaluating 393 metropolitan areas nationwide. What’s encouraging is that the Orlando region remains firmly positioned among the nation’s top-tier metros, and we are not alone. Miami landed at No. 4 and Tampa at No. 21, giving Florida three regions in the upper tier and reinforcing the state’s growing national prominence. Together, these rankings highlight the continued strength of Florida’s economy, talent pipeline, and quality of place. As competition intensifies across the country, Orlando’s presence in the Top 15 keeps us in a strong position, motivating us to continue building momentum toward our goal of becoming one of the nation’s top places to live, work, and do business. More on the report.
3) OEP earns national recognition with C2ER award – The Orlando Economic Partnership was honored with the 2026 Economic and Workforce Development Applied Research Award in the Data Analytics category from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and the LMI Institute. The award recognizes innovative research that delivers real value to communities, and this year highlighted OEP’s Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool, which helps business leaders and investors evaluate Orlando’s competitiveness across key economic factors. Sara Reynolds, OEP’s director of Research & Strategy, traveled to Memphis to accept the award at the 66th C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference, joined by Neil Hamilton, senior vice president of Research & Strategy, who was also appointed to the C2ER Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning July 2026. Together, these milestones underscore the strength of our innovative approach to economic growth and continued leadership in advancing the Orlando 2045 Vision. Congratulations Sara and Neil! Read more.
4) Bringing Orlando’s story to the national stage – This upcoming Monday morning between 9 and 10 a.m. I will be appearing on NYSE TV, alongside Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, providing an opportunity to showcase Orlando’s economic momentum to a national audience. Elevating our region on platforms like this helps position Orlando as a competitive destination for investment, talent, and innovation. Be sure to tune in!
5) OEP gives back at Give Kids The World Village – Our team recently spent time volunteering with Give Kids The World, an incredible organization that brings joy and hope to children and families facing critical illnesses. Experiences like this remind us that building a strong region goes beyond economic development; it is about community and compassion for one another. We’re proud to support organizations that make such a meaningful impact. See more.
6) Last call: Regional Business Conditions Survey – This is the final week to participate in our market survey, gathering insights from businesses across the Orlando MSA. Your input is critical in helping us understand current conditions, identify trends, and shape strategies that support long-term growth. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to share your perspective and help inform the future of our region. Take the survey.
7) There is still time to register for the Public Leadership Institute – The application deadline for the Public Leadership Institute’s Political Leaders Track has been extended to July 10th. This extension gives interested participants additional time to complete their applications over the summer. Please share this opportunity with anyone interested in pursuing elected office, or with someone you believe has the potential to lead and should consider taking that next step. The Political Leaders Track is a great opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and network needed to begin a path toward public service. Learn more and apply.
8) LEADForward Roundtables strengthens Central Florida’s leadership pipeline – Our LEADForward Roundtables program continues to develop strong women leaders across Central Florida, bringing together executives and rising leaders from organizations across the region for a year of executive-level growth and connection. We’ve seen firsthand how investing in capable leaders strengthens not just individual careers, but the organizations and communities they serve. Applications for our Fall cohort are open now, and we’re proud to keep building a region led by exceptional people. Read more.
Programs & Events
PLI Political Leaders Track // Application Deadline Extended to July 10 // 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
Listening to Leaders: Leading Through Innovation // August 21 // Participation open to Leadership Orlando Graduates ONLY // Questions? Nate.Edmund@orlando.org
2026 Executive Leadership Mission to Austin – Sept. 23-25 // Early Bird ends Friday, July 31 or when capacity is reached // REGISTER TODAY // Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Katie.Thomason@orlando.org
ICYMI
Orlando Health to build full-service hospital at Tupperware Campus – Growthspotter
Truist eyes growth at Orlando care center on Chancellor Drive – Orlando Business Journal
Orlando International Airport MCO upgrades parking technology – Orlando Business Journal
NASA’s $4.3 billion planet-hunting Nancy Grace Roman Space telescope arrives in Florida – Orlando Sentinel
Lake County Commissioners to vote on data center moratorium – Growthspotter
The AI blindspot costing enterprises millions, and how to fix it – Inc.
Expanded partnership to support same day fulfillment across Advance’s stores – Aftermarket Matters
