By Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore
In his book, “The Great Reset,” Richard Florida posits that while many mourn economic downturns, such as the Great Depression and the Great Recession, crises present the opportunity to remake an entire economy and community. He believes that during “resets,” patterns or principles can spur new eras of growth and prosperity while creating a better quality of life for all.
Therefore, we also can learn from these downturns and other cities’ responses to improve our cities in Orange County.
Florida mentions another author, Jane Jacobs, as the first to identify cities’ diverse economic and social structures as the true engines of growth. He claims the southern part of the country has depended too much upon construction as the sole industry. What happens when people stop moving to Florida? And I know most of you want them to stop moving to Florida. Yet, what industries or lines of employment will support the already large population?
Florida mentions our tourism and convention business as our main economic drivers. Please don’t share this tidbit with a certain columnist at the Sentinel. He is always denigrating our convention center. Nevertheless, he is right in one part: we need more diversity of employment.
In Apopka, we needed to consider 30 years ago how the city would be remade after the farms closed.
The Board of County Commissioners has greatly promoted the simulation industry and tech hub around the University of Central Florida. Osceola County is promoting the semiconductor chip and autonomous industries. Orlando was named the best city for sports entertainment in the U.S. These are positive examples of developing new industries in our region. I can tell you many of the businesses in Lockhart are thriving due to the construction of Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe.
Yet, in District 2 – we still need to diversify our economy from construction.
Richard Florida gives many great examples. If we follow these examples, the principles will bring new opportunities and excitement to our communities, he posits.
Innovation is what keeps cities vital and relevant. Author Jacobs states, “When a place gets boring, even the rich people leave."
Without openness, a city will also lack the ability to attract diverse talent. New talent and ideas are needed to replenish energy and capacity. Our city must be able to attract and retain top talent.
Mr. Florida uses Charlotte, North Carolina, to describe its resurgence and success. Here it is—the secret sauce: “The city has built up its downtown, incubated cultural activities, and improved its overall talent base of educated professionals.” In other words, he says, “Put people first.” If we don’t, the talent will move from a community in decline to one that offers better opportunities.
I have heard these cries on social media repeatedly. Yet, cries and frustration do not solve problems. They are the floor to start innovating. A single political leader will never solve systemic societal problems. My next column will share more of Richard Florida’s solutions from regions successfully adapting to changing conditions. I hope you get interested in reading a few of his books. His books have stimulated my thinking and problem-solving skills. I sure could use more help.
