Mayor Jerry L. Demings 2026 State of the County Address
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings
Good morning, and welcome.
Thank you for joining me for my final State of the County Address.
This year marks my 45th year in public service and my final year serving as your Orange County Mayor.
During my two terms, Orange County has experienced remarkable growth, strengthened and diversified its economy, and overcome challenges that tested us all. While our community experienced record tourism, residential growth and commercial investment, we also navigated a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic, Hurricane Ian, housing affordability challenges and growing transportation demands.
Through it all, we remained focused.
Together, we delivered essential services, protected our quality of life and planned not only for today, but for future generations.
This year's theme is reflection — looking back while continuing to look forward.
My journey as Orange County's fifth countywide elected Mayor began in 2017. Before taking office, I convened a 37-member Transition Team to identify the most pressing issues facing our community. Their recommendations, shaped by input from stakeholders throughout Orange County, became the blueprint for my administration.
Many of those recommendations focused on improving customer service, advancing technology and innovation, and promoting smart growth. Today, those priorities continue to guide our work.
In 2018, Orange County was home to 1.4 million residents. Today, our population has grown by nearly 200,000 people to almost 1.6 million residents.
Despite that growth, Orange County has once again earned Fitch's highest Triple-A credit rating, reflecting the strong fiscal stewardship of our Board of County Commissioners and financial leadership team. We also continue to maintain one of the lowest countywide operating tax rates among Florida's 67 counties.
Throughout my administration, five pillars have guided our work:
- Public Safety
- Affordable Housing
- Economic Development
- Transportation
- Community Care
These pillars have served as the foundation for building a stronger, safer and more resilient Orange County.
Public Safety
Public safety is the fundamental responsibility of government.
Last year alone, Orange County invested more than $1 billion in Corrections, Fire Rescue and the Sheriff's Office. These investments have strengthened our ability to respond quickly during emergencies, support first responders and meet the needs of our growing community.
One of the greatest challenges we faced was the COVID-19 pandemic.
Orange County immediately focused on protecting residents and slowing the spread of the virus. We distributed more than six million pieces of personal protective equipment, established testing sites throughout the County and provided nearly 800,000 residents with access to testing in safe drive-through environments.
As vaccines became available, Orange County launched one of Florida's largest vaccination sites at the Orange County Convention Center. By the end of the effort, we had administered 1.7 million vaccine doses while ensuring equitable access for residents throughout our community.
Federal funding through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act helped stabilize businesses, support residents facing financial hardship and strengthen long-term recovery efforts.
Our resilience was tested again in 2022 when Hurricane Ian brought historic flooding to Orange County.
To prepare, Orange County Fire Rescue teams visited mobile home communities and nursing homes, and more than 170,000 sandbags were distributed to residents. Schools were converted into shelters, and the Orange County Convention Center served as a staging area for emergency equipment.
Following the storm, Public Works crews cleared debris from approximately 2,600 miles of roadway while Solid Waste teams collected nearly 22,000 tons of storm-related yard waste.
One of our highest priorities was helping the Orlo Vista community recover. In 2023, Orange County launched a $23 million flood mitigation project that added new pumps and improved stormwater infrastructure to better protect residents during future storms.
Orange County also received more than $219 million in federal disaster recovery funding to address unmet needs resulting from Hurricane Ian. These investments include funding for a new 350-bed Center for Women and Families at the Coalition for the Homeless and expanded services through United Against Poverty.
Supporting first responders has remained a key priority throughout my administration.
Last year, the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to 1.2 million calls for service, while Orange County Fire Rescue responded to more than 142,000 calls.
Since 2019, Orange County has opened six new fire stations and, in 2025, unveiled a state-of-the-art Fire Rescue Training Center to prepare firefighters for the demands of modern emergency response.
Public safety also means addressing the root causes of community challenges.
Since 2019, I have convened task forces focused on issues ranging from domestic violence and gun violence prevention to jail oversight and behavioral health. Their recommendations have helped guide investments in prevention, intervention and community support programs that continue to improve outcomes for residents throughout Orange County.
Affordable Housing
Housing affordability remains one of the most significant challenges facing Orange County, the State of Florida and communities across the nation.
Since taking office in 2018, addressing the affordable housing crisis has been a central pillar of my administration.
In 2019, I convened the Housing for All Task Force, bringing together housing experts, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, developers and residents to develop a comprehensive strategy for creating and preserving affordable and attainable housing throughout Orange County.
The result was a 10-Year Action Plan that continues to guide our work today.
Acting on the task force's recommendations, the Board of County Commissioners established the Housing for All Trust Fund, a locally controlled initiative backed by a $160 million commitment over 10 years. The trust fund was created to support affordable, workforce and missing-middle housing opportunities for residents across our community.
In 2024, Orange County voters overwhelmingly approved a Charter amendment requiring the County to maintain this trust fund in perpetuity.
This represents more than a policy decision. It is a long-term commitment to future generations and a lasting investment in the stability of our community.
Looking ahead, we anticipate creating or preserving more than 10,000 housing units by the end of 2028 through strategic investments and partnerships.
Our success is rooted in collaboration among the public, private and philanthropic sectors.
I want to recognize Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World for their leadership and commitment to helping address housing affordability in Orange County.
In the coming months, we look forward to the opening of the first phase of Universal's Catchlight Crossings development, which will provide approximately 1,000 multifamily housing units for working families.
We also applaud Walt Disney World for its commitment to developing more than 1,300 affordable apartment homes on land donated specifically for housing.
These partnerships demonstrate what can be accomplished when major employers invest directly in the communities where their employees live and work.
While creating new housing opportunities is essential, preserving existing housing remains equally important.
Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, Orange County continues to assist homeowners with critical repairs, including roof replacements and other improvements that help residents remain safely in their homes.
We also launched Ready Set Orange, an award-winning program that provides residents with free, pre-approved accessory dwelling unit plans. By simplifying the permitting process, the program helps homeowners create additional housing options while reducing design and development costs.
Since launching in late 2024, the program has received more than 500 applications.
Additionally, Orange County has donated 32 surplus County-owned lots to qualified nonprofit housing partners, transforming vacant parcels into homes and opportunities for families seeking stability and homeownership.
Affordable housing is about more than buildings and infrastructure. It is about creating pathways to economic opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that residents can continue to build their futures in the community they call home.
Every family deserves access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Orange County remains committed to making that vision a reality.
Economic Development
A strong economy creates opportunity for residents, supports local businesses and provides the resources necessary to invest in our community's future.
Orange County's economy is stronger, more diverse and more resilient today than when I first took office.
As North America's most visited destination, tourism continues to serve as a major economic engine for our region.
In 2025, Central Florida welcomed a record 76.7 million visitors, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs throughout our community.
Those visitation numbers translated into record Tourist Development Tax collections. In 2025 alone, Orange County collected $384 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue, fueled by strong convention attendance, continued growth in leisure travel and major investments throughout our tourism corridor, including the opening of Epic Universe.
These revenues support critical infrastructure, cultural amenities, sports facilities and community investments that benefit both residents and visitors.
In 2023, I convened the Tourist Development Tax Citizens Advisory Task Force to evaluate future opportunities and priorities. Their recommendations helped guide nearly $1.4 billion in infrastructure investments designed to strengthen our economy and enhance our position as a global destination.
This summer, I will reconvene that task force to explore future opportunities for unallocated Tourist Development Tax revenues that align with state guidelines and community priorities.
I also want to recognize the continued investments made by Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
Their multibillion-dollar commitments continue to create jobs, attract visitors and reinforce Orange County's reputation as a world-class destination.
The Orange County Convention Center remains one of our most important economic assets.
This fiscal year, the Convention Center will host approximately 185 events, generating an estimated $5 billion in economic impact and attracting more than 2.3 million attendees.
Since I took office, attendance at the Convention Center has nearly doubled, while overall economic impact has increased by more than 66 percent.
Beyond tourism, Orange County continues to diversify its economy through investments in sports, entertainment, technology, aerospace and innovation.
Recently, the Board of County Commissioners approved a five-year, $25 million Film and Television Incentive Program designed to attract productions, create high-wage jobs and expand Orange County's visibility to audiences around the world.
We have already begun accepting applications and anticipate productions beginning later this year.
Sports tourism has also become a significant contributor to our local economy.
Orange County successfully hosted the NBA and MLS "bubble" competitions during the pandemic and has since welcomed major events including Olympic Marathon Trials, the NFL Pro Bowl and FIFA competitions.
In 2027, the Jacksonville Jaguars will play their home season at Camping World Stadium while renovations are completed in Jacksonville. This opportunity reflects strong partnerships among Orange County, the City of Orlando, Florida Citrus Sports and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
We are also proud to have been selected as one of four global cities to host the Olympic Qualifier Series leading into the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, joining Tokyo, Shanghai and Montreal.
These events generate substantial economic impact while showcasing Orange County on the world stage.
Economic growth also depends on innovation.
Central Florida is now recognized as the largest Modeling, Simulation and Training cluster in the United States, generating approximately $6 billion in economic activity annually.
The Central Florida Research Park and the University of Central Florida continue to drive innovation, workforce development and research in industries critical to our future.
That spirit of innovation extends to space exploration.
This year, NASA's Artemis II mission marked the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. The University of Central Florida played an important role in the mission through research, engineering and workforce development.
Nearly 30 percent of Kennedy Space Center personnel are UCF alumni, underscoring the university's role as a leader in preparing the next generation of innovators.
Small businesses remain the backbone of our economy.
Orange County is home to more than 76,000 small businesses, and they continue to create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen local communities.
To support these entrepreneurs, Orange County recently launched a Business Resource Office to help business owners navigate County processes and connect with valuable resources.
Our commitment to customer service extends through initiatives such as Team 400, which continues to improve efficiency and responsiveness across County government.
In 2025, Orange County issued more than 71,000 building permits representing approximately $2.4 billion in development value.
These investments reflect confidence in Orange County's future and reinforce our position as one of the most dynamic economies in the nation.
Transportation
Transportation is essential to economic opportunity, public safety and quality of life.
As Orange County has grown, so too has the demand for safer roads, expanded transit options and greater connectivity throughout our community.
In 2019, we advanced a Transportation Sales Tax initiative to address these needs. The effort was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic and returned to the ballot in 2022. While the referendum was ultimately unsuccessful, the need for transportation improvements did not disappear.
Our residents still needed safer roads, expanded transit options and improved mobility.
In response, the Board of County Commissioners committed $100 million over five years to create the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, known as ATSP. This investment supplements the approximately $200 million Orange County already spends annually on roadway improvements and maintenance.
The results are already making a difference in communities throughout the County.
Since the program began, Orange County has completed:
- 29 miles of new sidewalks
- 39 miles of new roadway lighting
- 45 miles of roadway safety enhancements
These improvements help protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorists while improving accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities.
Transportation is about more than roads. It is also about providing reliable options for residents who depend on public transit to reach work, school, healthcare and other essential services.
To strengthen regional transit, Orange County invested $55 million through the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program to improve the LYNX system. This investment is in addition to the approximately $100 million Orange County contributes annually toward LYNX operations.
These enhancements have increased service frequency, improved connectivity and reduced wait times for riders.
As a result, LYNX has experienced an increase of approximately 1,500 additional riders per day on improved routes.
The system has also added 52 new bus shelters across Orange County, providing greater comfort and protection from the elements.
In 2024, Orange County celebrated the opening of the Pine Hills Transfer Center, an $18 million investment that serves more than 1,100 riders daily.
Funded through a partnership among the Federal Transit Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation and Orange County, the facility improves access to employment centers and reduces travel times for commuters.
While these improvements represent meaningful progress, we know additional transit investments will be necessary to support our region's continued growth.
That is why Orange County continues to support the Sunshine Corridor Study, which proposes extending SunRail service from Orlando International Airport to International Drive and the Disney Springs area.
This project has the potential to transform regional mobility, strengthen connections among major employment centers and create new transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
Transportation remains one of the most important investments we can make in our future. Safe roads, reliable transit and connected communities help create economic opportunity, improve quality of life and ensure Orange County remains competitive for generations to come.
Community Care
The final pillar of my administration is Community Care.
I have often said that Orange County is the best place to visit, live, work and raise a family.
Maintaining that standard requires more than economic growth. It requires intentional investments in people, neighborhoods, natural resources and the programs that enhance quality of life.
Community care begins with environmental stewardship.
For more than 30 years, Orange County's GreenPLACE Program has protected environmentally sensitive lands while preserving the natural beauty that defines our region.
In 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved an additional $100 million investment in land conservation. As a result, Orange County has now preserved nearly 28,000 acres of environmentally sensitive property, with more than 20,000 acres open to the public for recreation and exploration.
These lands protect wildlife habitats, improve water quality and provide residents with opportunities to connect with nature.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond conservation.
Through our Septic-to-Sewer Program, Orange County is working with state partners to convert thousands of homes in the Wekiva Springs Basin from septic systems to central sewer service by 2030, helping protect one of Florida's most important natural resources.
In 2025, Orange County installed the largest floating solar array in the Southeastern United States at the Southern Regional Water Supply Facility. The system offsets approximately 25 percent of the facility's annual energy consumption and serves as a model for innovative sustainability efforts.
We also launched the Great Solar Giveaway, distributing nearly 6,000 solar panels to residents after replacing panels at the Orange County Convention Center.
These efforts contributed to Orange County earning recognition as a LEED Gold-certified community and receiving national recognition for environmental leadership.
Investments in parks and recreation have also strengthened quality of life throughout the County.
Since 2018, Orange County has expanded and enhanced its parks system, which now includes 114 parks welcoming approximately 16 million visitors each year.
These parks serve as gathering places where families connect, children play and residents enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.
They also support community traditions such as the Mayor's Toy Drive, which recently celebrated its 15th year.
Over the life of the program, more than 100,000 toys have been distributed to local children through the generosity of County employees, community partners and residents.
Supporting children and families has remained a priority throughout my administration.
When I took office, Orange County significantly increased funding for youth and family programs. Since then, we have seen measurable improvements, including reductions in juvenile arrests and teen pregnancies, along with increased high school graduation rates.
Our Community Action Division continues to connect residents with essential services through neighborhood-based programs that strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency.
We are also expanding opportunities for seniors, students and working adults.
This year, Orange County will open major additions at the Multicultural Center in West Orange County, including a new Senior Center and an Innovation Center focused on workforce development, technology and lifelong learning.
These facilities will provide opportunities for residents of all ages to connect, learn and grow together.
Community care also includes supporting arts and culture.
Over the past seven years, Orange County's investment in arts and culture has more than doubled and now exceeds $31 million annually, making it one of the largest local arts investments in the nation.
Today, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates more than $264 million in direct economic activity annually and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.
These organizations enrich our community, celebrate our diversity and contribute significantly to our economy.
Orange County's diversity remains one of our greatest strengths.
Through festivals, cultural celebrations, educational programs and community partnerships, residents from every background have opportunities to share their stories and traditions while building stronger connections with one another.
That spirit of community is reflected in initiatives such as the Mayor's Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, established in 2019 to promote service, mentorship and civic engagement. Since its creation, the initiative has participated in more than 135 events throughout Orange County.
We have also strengthened support for veterans through the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, which continues to honor and serve those who have sacrificed for our nation.
Community engagement remains an important part of local government.
Through the Mayor's Citizens Academy, residents gain firsthand insight into County operations and learn how local government serves the community. More than 170 residents have completed the program, helping build stronger connections between County government and the people we serve.
At the heart of every County service are the employees who make this work possible.
Today, more than 8,000 Orange County employees deliver essential services that impact residents and visitors every day.
Throughout my administration, we have invested in our workforce by implementing a living wage, expanding educational reimbursement opportunities, restoring longevity pay and creating incentives that help attract and retain talented employees.
These investments reflect our belief that supporting employees ultimately strengthens service to residents.
Orange County employees also continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to giving back. Through the Heart of Florida United Way Employee Giving Campaign, County employees have raised more than $1 million annually for the past three years, making it the largest public-sector giving campaign in Florida.
Their generosity reflects the spirit of service that defines Orange County government.
Closing Reflections
As I reflect on nearly eight years as Orange County Mayor, I am proud of what we have accomplished together.
We expanded affordable housing opportunities, strengthened public safety, invested in transportation, supported economic growth and enhanced quality of life throughout our community.
We faced historic challenges, including a global pandemic and major natural disasters, yet emerged stronger, more resilient and more united.
Our success has always been rooted in partnership — among residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, elected officials and County employees.
Together, we have built a foundation that will continue to support Orange County's growth and prosperity for generations to come.
I remain optimistic about the future.
Orange County continues to attract new residents, create new opportunities and demonstrate what is possible when a community works together toward common goals.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Mayor.
I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to help lead this extraordinary community.
The progress we have achieved belongs to all of us.
And as we look toward the future, I remain confident that the best is yet to come.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless Orange County and all who call it home.