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) Greetings from Austin – This week, I joined nearly 100 business and community leaders from across Central Florida in Austin, Texas for the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Executive Leadership Mission, presented by Travel + Leisure. It’s an annual experience that gives us an opportunity to step outside our region, learn from another high-performing community, and explore ideas that can help shape Orlando’s future. This year we took a closer look at Austin’s remarkable growth story, from its technology economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem to the partnerships, civic leadership, and policy decisions that helped transform it into one of America’s leading innovation hubs. We heard from local business leaders, elected officials, and innovators who have helped write that story, including a conversation with Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden and a fireside discussion between Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. At the OEP, we believe the best way to prepare for the future is to learn from those who are already navigating it. In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing these new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons that can help advance our Orlando 2045 vision and strengthen our region’s competitiveness for years to come. Onward!

2) Celebrating the expansion of a homegrown success story – Also this week, Universal Orlando CFO and OEP Board Chair Tracey Stockwell joined City of Maitland Mayor John Lowndes along with local leaders and partners to celebrate the expansion of Drummond Carpenter, a homegrown firm that continues to grow its national footprint while keeping its headquarters in Maitland. Founded in Orlando in 2016 before moving to Maitland in late 2025, Drummond Carpenter has more than 45 employees providing services on approximately 450 projects in over 25 states. The company’s 2,500-square-foot expansion at 630 N. Wymore Road will accommodate the addition of 30 high-wage jobs over the next five years. The OEP supported the expansion through regional research and marketing analysis, partner introductions, and announcement planning. Thank you to Orange County, the City of Maitland, UCF Partnerships, and CareerSource Central Florida for their collaboration in supporting the company’s continued growth. Learn more.

3) $20M in Federal funding to scale Orlando innovation nationwide – To become a top 10 innovation hub, our tech ecosystem must simultaneously develop breakthrough technologies while also helping them commercialize into successful businesses. A new $20 million National Science Foundation initiative awarded to UCF will help the Orlando region do just that. The National Commercialization and Translation Institute will build on UCF’s decades of commercialization experience to help promising technologies move from research to market, supporting small businesses across fields including AI, biotechnology and quantum computing. Florida Semiconductor Engine CEO Dr. Ron Piccolo will serve as a co-principal investigator, bringing lessons from the Engine to the broader technology ecosystem. It’s another example of Orlando-developed expertise helping entrepreneurs and emerging companies scale their impact nationwide. Learn more.

4) Orlando climbs the global rankings – The City of Orlando improved its position in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index, jumping to No. 81 from 92. The well-respected annual index assesses the strengths, weaknesses, and future potential of the world’s 1,000 largest cities by ranking them across five different categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance. Orlando’s rise in 2026 was driven by gains in its Economics (+3) and Human Capital (+32) scores, ranking in the top 5 percent of all cities worldwide in the Economics category (No. 42) and in the top 10 percent in the Human Capital category (No. 96). View the full list of rankings.

5) Join the conversation on Amendment 3 next week – There is still time to register for a critical conversation focused on the implications of Amendment 3 and the consequences it could have on our community. Join us Oct. 2 at the Mayor William Beardall Senior Center for On The Ballot: Property Tax Reform, to hear how the proposal could significantly reduce local government revenue, potentially forcing difficult choices about the services and infrastructure our residents and businesses rely on. Keynote speaker Jeff Brandes, president of the Florida Policy Project, and an expert panel representing diverse perspectives will examine these impacts and what voters should know before heading to the ballot box. You don’t want to miss your chance to take part in this important community discussion. Register now.

6) NEW DATE for second Orange County Mayoral Debate – On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the OEP and Eyewitness News 9 will host the second and final televised debate between Orange County mayoral candidates Chris Messina and Tiffany Moore Russell before election day. This live, unedited forum offers a rare and timely opportunity for the candidates to engage directly with one another, discuss their visions for Orange County’s future, and answer questions on the issues that matter most to our region. As one of Central Florida’s premier civic events, this debate serves as a pivotal moment in the campaign and a valuable opportunity for the business community and residents alike to make informed decisions before casting their ballots. I encourage everyone to tune in at 7 p.m. that evening for insight on how Orange County’s next mayor will help shape the future of our region.