City of Orlando

We're Hiring!

Through the city’s Orlando Unlocked housing initiative, we’re working to remove barriers and open opportunities for diverse housing options across the city. By modernizing zoning, streamlining approvals and offering real incentives like density bonuses, impact fee waivers and permit rebates, staff from our Economic Development and Housing and Community Development departments are making it easier for developers to deliver the residential units our community needs. Ivey Flats, which will be a 137-unit affordable apartment community in the Malibu Groves neighborhood, is a great example of our efforts. Our team has worked with Elmington on this development, including providing expedited permitting and a reduction in impact fee waivers. We're also grateful that Orange County was able to provide support through its affordable housing trust fund. Today Mayor Dyer, Commissioners Rose, Gray and Ortiz took part in the groundbreaking and to showcase our commitment to working together to build more housing for everyone who wants to call our community home.

Congratulations to Katrina, recipient of the City of Orlando’s 2024 Mayor’s Leadership Award! For more than 26 years, Katrina Laudeman has dedicated her career to serving our city, with the last decade as Treasurer. Her dedication, expertise and ability to lead with both strategy and heart make her an incredible asset to our organization and an inspiration to those who work alongside her. Katrina’s impact is seen across some of the city’s most important financial achievements. She helped negotiate the TDT interlocal agreement with Orange County Government, securing funding for improvements at Camping World Stadium and the Kia Center. Most recently, she led her team in issuing $400 million in bonds for the stadium, along with a $60 million line of credit for Kia Center upgrades and $150 million in Water Reclamation bonds. Her leadership extends far beyond investments and bonds. Treasury administers the city’s pension and retirement plans, coordinating board meetings, managing disability hearings and working with more than 40 investment managers. Through it all, Katrina leads a “small but mighty” team of four with a leadership style that empowers and inspires, giving her staff meaningful responsibilities while offering the guidance they need to grow and succeed. Katrina also has a gift for making complex financial topics easy to understand. Whether presenting to the city’s Investment and Finance Committees or teaching the Mayor’s Executive Leadership class, she connects with her audience in a way that makes the numbers clear and relatable. Please join us in celebrating Katrina’s outstanding leadership and this well-deserved recognition!

We celebrate the vibrant culture, stories, and contributions of the Hispanic community that enriches our city every day. From art and innovation to leadership and legacy, this is a time to uplift, connect, and honor our Hispanic neighbors who proudly call Orlando home. ¡Llegó el Mes de la Herencia Hispana! La Ciudad de Orlando honra la energía cultural, las vivencias y los aportes de la comunidad hispana, ya que esto fortalece y enriquece nuestra ciudad todos los días. Desde las expresiones artísticas y la creatividad hasta el liderazgo comunitario y el legado, este es un momento para reconocer, conectar y celebrar a todos nuestros vecinos hispanos que con orgullo han hecho de Orlando su hogar. The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration kicks off at City Hall! Join us Wednesday, September 17, from 5–8 p.m. for the opening reception of our HHM Art Exhibition at the Terrace Gallery. More events are ahead, including our big celebration on October 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center. See details at https://lnkd.in/e8urg936

Celebrating Family, Legacy, and Community! We recently celebrated the opening of the Grandmothers Legacy of Love Butterfly Sculpture Garden at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando with a symbolic butterfly release. The garden honors more than 400 grandchildren including many fifth-generation Orlandoans and the grandmothers who helped make this vision a reality. This project, made possible through a collaboration between the Orlando Land Trust and the Downtown CRA, also refreshed the area around the Sperry Fountain with new seating, pavers, landscaping, and a wider stairway, creating a welcoming space for all to enjoy. More than a garden, this is a tribute to family, transformation, and the power of partnerships in building vibrant, inclusive public spaces that enrich our city.

Welcoming Our City’s Newest First Responders The City of Orlando’s top priority is keeping our community safe. That’s why we continue to make investments in the Orlando Police Department and the Orlando Fire Department to help first responders best serve residents, businesses and visitors. This includes our newest first responders. Both OPD and OFD recently welcomed new members. As they begin their careers in public service, we're committed to providing them with the tools, training and support they need. We're also incredibly grateful for their courage and commitment to serving our community.

For 30 years, the City of Orlando’s Mayor’s Matching Grant (MMG) program has invested in potential, turning community-led initiatives into powerful stories of success. One of those stories belongs to Sheldon Williams, SHRM-CP. In 8th grade, Sheldon’s mother enrolled him in Young Men of Distinction, a local non-profit supported by MMG. There, he built skills in academics, leadership, and communication. The program helped him find his voice and win a speech competition as its youngest contestant. After graduating from Florida State University, Sheldon came full circle. He returned to Orlando, mentoring students at Jones High School and now serving as a dedicated football coach. Today, he is the mentor he once had. Sheldon’s journey is just one example of how MMG empowers residents to grow, lead, and give back. For three decades, the program has supported organizations across Orlando, proving that when we invest in our youth, the entire community thrives.

National Geographic has spotlighted Orlando’s Mills 50 as “the most interesting neighborhood in Florida.” Shaped by resilience and heritage, this Main Street district has grown into a hub of culture, cuisine, and creativity, earning national recognition while continuing to serve as a proud reflection of our city’s diversity. Congratulations to Mills 50 and our Orlando Main Streets! Take a look at the article to discover all the local businesses featured, and if you haven’t yet, be sure to add them to your list soon. https://lnkd.in/d6a2W4NY

We are Hiring!

The 2025 POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony will feature US Army Private First Class Jessica Lynch as guest speaker. At just 19 years old, Jessica became the first successful rescue of an American POW since World War II. Her story of resilience and courage continues to inspire. Join us as we honor U.S. military prisoners of war and those still missing in action, reaffirming our commitment that they will never be forgotten. Click on the event below to RSVP.