“In my generation, we went to
areas because of jobs. Today people go because of cultural offerings.”
— Tony Jenkins, a board member for
United Arts of Central Florida |
A report released this spring titled “Where in the World Are We?” outlines how central Florida’s seven counties, 86 cities and 3.7 million residents stack up on a global scale. The report builds on more than $1 million in research Myregion.org has conducted since its inception in 2001 as a public, private and civic partnership. Here’s how the region stands on:
» Economic leadership — With the 45th-largest economy in the world, the region saw a 22% increase in employment from 2000 to 2007, adding 380,000 jobs and 29,800 businesses, although personal income lags national levels. Traditional industries of agriculture, tourism, aerospace and real estate are making way for life sciences, high-tech and creative arts, sometimes in painful transition.
» Education — One in every four adults has a bachelor’s degree or higher, but that lags the national rate of 30%. Like other parts of the state, the region is struggling to start children earlier in science, technology, engineering and math classes, and to get younger kids enrolled in pre-kindergarten.
» Environment — The region is still behind the nation in protecting natural areas but is making progress in conserving water. The key, leaders say, is in collaborating regionally.
» Quality of life — The Burnham Institute chose Orlando because of its quality of life, and the cultural scene is improving, which is critical for attracting young professionals, says Tony Jenkins, a board member for United Arts of Central Florida.
» Smart, quality growth — The area is moving away from sprawl and toward urban centers but lags other regions nationwide in embracing public transportation. Central Florida hasn’t developed one voice on growth.
Central Florida Snapshot
» 7 counties — Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia
» 14th-most populous region in the nation, 85th in the world
» Population of 3.7 million, similar in size to Tampa Bay, Denver-Boulder, Phoenix, San Diego
» Estimated 2050 population of 7.2 million, similar to the population today of Baltimore-Washington, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth
» 59% below age 35
» 52% have some post-secondary education
Source: Myregion.org |
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