Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, District 2
By Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore
The Orlando Economic Partnership invited me to attend their regional conference this past week. A speaker from the Gallup organization spoke on the importance of interdependence in organizations. Secondly, an economic development speaker shared best practices and announced that the Orlando region ranked #11 in the United States.
Related: The end of urban sprawl.
The Gallup speaker stressed using the Clifton StrengthsFinder tool to learn and develop employee and volunteer personal strengths. From there, we must grow interdependent. The grim statistic is that 70% of employees are not engaged in their work, and the percentage of residents who are not engaged in their community is likely higher.
I have found the engagement part vital in my Neighborhood Leaders Program. Those members who develop personal relationships stick with the group. We learn to love and support one another as we routinely attend monthly meetings and clean-ups.
The economic development expert said that tourism districts equal business districts and are a great place to live. Hmm! He said we must engage in destination development. We must look at our communities from the perspective of twenty-year-olds. Where do they want to live, work, recreate, and raise a family? Developing places matters to this group. It matters to me, too. This is why I love working on trails, “third places,” and making the district clean and bright.
Many of you know I have been walking or riding my bike along the West Orange Trail in anticipation of the May 31st Grand Reopening Bridge Event at 9:30 AM. A little shameless plug, I hope all of you attend. We will participate in a drone shoot up on the bridge and a fun run, walk, and bike event.
Last weekend, we painted the “Apopka Pass” to make that section of the West Orange Trail clean and inviting. I’m partnering with Luis Rivera of the Village Barber on an art project and encouraging Melanie Jankun from the Creative Hub with another. As great as these two individuals are and all the work done with people groups and county employees, it isn’t enough. We need more of you. The trail is the key to our revitalization.
Can you walk or ride the trail regularly? Can you pick up trash? Can you volunteer on a project? Are you available to attend the Bridge Grand Reopening? I hope you feel like you matter to me and the city's health, because you do. It is through our interdependent volunteerism that we will make District 2 thrive.
