Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Annual State of the City Address

Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Annual State of the City Address

The city of Orlando has a lot to be proud of and much more to look forward to. That’s according to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who highlighted economic development, the region’s record 62 million visitors, transit expansion, and more in his April 29 annual state of the city address.

Mayor Buddy Dyer held his annual State of the City address at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts, and according to him, Orlando is “stronger than ever.” The hall was filled with viewers and there were even 100 people in an overflow area watching the live stream video in a room nearby.

Major talking points noted in Mayor Dyer’s speech included:

  • * Residential crime in the City has dropped by 27%.
  • * The City added 138 officers and firefighters.
  • * The OPD will be increasing the amount of body cameras used by officers in the field.
  • * Resident participation in the City recycling program has increased by 10%.
  • * Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, the City invested $1.76M in energy efficiency improvements in 24 City-owned buildings resulting in a 30% energy savings. That computes to $1.1M in avoided energy costs that can be spent on other programs.
  • * Orlando is the “most sustainable City in the Southeastern United States.”
  • * The City will be launching a One Person, One Tree campaign that will encourage each resident to plant a tree, resulting in an increase of the City’s canopy from 25% to 40% by 2040.
  • * The City will be adding a paddleboard and canoe launch to Lake Ivanhoe.
  • * There will be a new app that will allow residents to report issues, ask questions and get updates directly from the City.
  • * The City will be adding a “pop-up dog park” to Downtown Orlando.
  • * The City will try to end veteran homelessness by the end of the year.

At the end of the Mayor’s State of the City address, he declared that he would again be running for office at the end of his current term. Dyer also said that Orlando is well on its way to becoming a world-class city, thanks in part to venues that can simultaneously host events on the same day.

“Recently, on a single night, more than 80,000 people enjoyed everything downtown has to offer,” Dyer said. This was the March 8 Major League Soccer debut of Orlando City Soccer Club at Orlando Citrus Bowl, which also was the day of an Orlando Magic game at Amway Center and a performance by the Orlando Ballet.

“That night out, the city was alive. And now, that’s the norm,” he said.

For a full breakdown of the City’s accomplishments and key focus areas, and vision for the future, click HERE, or check out the Mayor’s message HERE.

 

Source: “Mayor’s State of the City breakdown,” Bungalower

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