Mayor’s Report
Mayor Phil Anderson joined Winter Park Library officials this week to discuss progress of their new facility and ongoing fund-raising efforts prior to its completion. He encouraged the community to “band together to help ensure a fantastic opening” of this exceptional new facility.

Commission members continue to develop their shared priorities in a series of Work Sessions in anticipation of strategic planning. Needs of every kind are being collaboratively evaluated, including the eminent proposal of a new Orange Avenue Overlay district.

Economic Recovery Task Force Final Report
Since August of 2020, 11 representatives of public, private and independent sectors, guided by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, have worked aggressively to vet, rank and implement mitigation strategies to promote Winter Park’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

At yesterday’s Commission meeting, Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) representative Drew Madsen delivered the Task Force’s final report, sharing highlights of their achievements, their shared hope for aggressive long-term mitigation and their gratitude for having been entrusted with these tasks.

Thanks to $500,000 in resources approved by the Winter Park City Commission, the Task Force successfully implemented several short-term strategies:

However, direct, indirect and induced impacts measured by economists at The Balmoral Group last year revealed long-term loss across all business sectors in Winter Park. Citing this data, the Task Force recommended transitioning long-term mitigation efforts to EDAB with at least two deliberate pursuits in mind:

COVID-related changes in behavior have become permanent structural shifts in how commerce is conducted, such as working from home, remote learning and replacing in-person meetings with virtual meetings. Other lasting shifts include:

In their report, the Task Force noted that health safety and consumer optimism are improving, economic activity is rebounding, and Winter Park enjoys a strong financial foundation and reputation. However, Park Avenue vacancies are concerning, major infrastructure projects aren’t moving quickly, and questions remain about what the “new normal” will look like.

An independent Economic Vibrancy Study would ask important, introspective questions, including:

The Task Force offered a study proposal by IDEAS, a local firm specializing in brand and guest experience development, for consideration. Madsen added that whether IDEAS or any others conduct the study, it is an imperative investment in Winter Park’s future and should be crafted to suit Winter Park’s unique needs and Ground Truth.

Madsen cited “Post-pandemic principles of good governance” in The Davos Agenda, January 14, 2021, including the importance of political consensus and continuity, commercial readiness and agility, and a city’s brand or story. On vision and change, the article notes that “delivering change relies on shared ambition about what it wants to become, endorsed by business, citizens and communities.”

Winter Park Chamber President and CEO Betsy Gardner Eckbert, who led the Task Force, closed the presentation by sharing the results of a recent survey on the Curbside To-Go Takeout Zones. This tenth and final mitigation strategy survey revealed nearly equal support for maintaining the program and for concluding it.

Other Meeting Highlights: