Economics

GOAL: Support a robust green-sector economy.

FOCUS AREAS:

• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
• Capital Projects and Sustainability Integration
• Local and Sustainable Businesses
• Education and Training for a Green Economy

Brownfields Program

Through the Brownfields Program, the City leverages federal and state dollars to assess, clean up and reinvest in properties where the presence or potential presence of environmental contaminants hinders redevelopment. In 2024, accomplishments of the program included:

• 35 assessments completed on Brownfield properties throughout the City, made possible through a four-year $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct environmental assessments, cleanup planning and community involvement activities
• $100,000 in additional funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection authorized for the continued assessment and cleanup of the former Rose Printing site

Integrating Sustainability into Our Capital Projects

Increasing the sustainability and resiliency of City-owned facilities is not only a Clean Energy Plan goal but a vital part of being good stewards of our resources. In 2024, the City made significant improvements to City facilities to increase sustainability, ensuring long-term cost savings and allowing it to better serve residents. Some of these projects include:

• LED lighting upgrades to both interior and exterior lights at 20+ City buildings including parks, fire stations, administrative offices and critical facilities, such as the wastewater plant  
• HVAC and mechanical upgrades at four City facilities that incorporated significant energy efficiency improvements
• New energy-efficient windows installed at the Lincoln Center and replacement of the roof system, improving air quality and helping lower HVAC costs

In addition, numerous additional projects are underway including a thermal storage system at City Hall. With expected completion in summer 2025, this new system will reduce energy costs and demand on utility infrastructure during peak usage hours while improving comfort during extreme weather.

Growing Local and Sustainable Businesses

Two Neighborhood First projects gained momentum in the Frenchtown and Griffin Heights neighborhoods. In 2024, the Frenchtown Cultural Center and Museum, located at 507 W. Brevard Street, and the Griffin Heights Healthy Food Market, located at 1309 Alabama Street, were both fully designed and approved. Collaborating with the community to reimagine these areas' futures will foster economic success while preserving their cultural significance for generations to come.