Page 10 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '22

Page 10, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Commissioner’s Update

Strategic Planning To Provide fecal coliform bacteria levels at county beach parks; and, creation of diverse job opportunities, the county’s cross-
departmental team takes advantage of grant opportunities
improved educational signage.
Essential Services To maintain our diverse ecosystems, the county, utilizing and programs at the state and federal levels, with an
a large complement of volunteers, stays on top of eliminating emphasis on business development in distressed census tract
By Commissioner invasive/exotic vegetation coverage in our natural areas, areas, including Opportunity Zones. We are consistently
Maria Marino and continuously advocates for state and federal support evaluating systems to make it easier to do business in Palm
Planning programs and for infrastructure that will reduce harmful discharges Beach County, with expedited permit review in our Building
projects for the highest to the Lake Worth Lagoon, our delicate estuaries, and Division and construction of infrastructure improvements.
and best use of your tax water resources. The Water Utilities Department regularly Further, the county coordinates efforts by stakeholders in
dollars requires cross- inspects private and public facilities for compliance with the Biotech Industry Cluster to develop wet lab space,
collaboration of county wellfield protection and petroleum tank regulations. incubators, and a teaching hospital.
departments. This approach Natural resources, beaches, parks facilities and The county’s Department of Housing and Economic
prevents operating in silos, recreational areas contribute greatly to our health and Development works with businesses to help them leverage
which can undermine the quality of life, and create positive outdoor experiences financing for construction and working capital through
vision of an organization for residents and visitors. The county completed 18 federal low-interest loan programs. They also contract with
and create inefficiencies. improvement projects in targeted revitalization areas, technical assistance providers who offer one-on-one help
Working with County Administration and the Strategic including community gardens, neighborhood parks, to entrepreneurs. The Office of Small Business Assistance
Planning and Performance Management Division of the and traffic calming and pedestrian safety features. The performs outreach to help small businesses become certified,
Office of Financial Management and Budget, the County county’s park acres-to-resident ratio is 1 acre of park and expand their capacity to participate in government
Commission has adopted six strategic priorities for the property to 184 residents. procurement opportunities.
county. These priorities include economic development, To promote sustainable and resilient practices, Supporting economic development also requires
housing and homelessness, environmental protection, the county is incorporating policies in our capital revitalization of neighborhoods through community
infrastructure, public safety, and substance abuse and improvement projects, has established a master plan to improvements. This includes access to parks, road
behavior disorders. Cross-departmental teams over the increase tree canopy in parks, has invested in solar power resurfacing, streetlights and sidewalks.
past two years have tackled each of the six priorities initiatives, and is replacing old ballfield lighting with As the nation’s leader in sugarcane and fresh sweet corn
through establishment of goals and performance LED lights. production, and Florida’s leader in growing sweet peppers,
measurement tracking the completion of projects. Here Efforts will continue to support these goals, develop lettuce, specialty leaf, rice, radishes, cucumbers, celery,
is a recap of progress by two of the priority teams. overall waste reduction strategies, and expand partnerships eggplant, herbs and sod, Palm Beach County supports a
Environmental Protection with local stakeholders. viable and diverse agricultural industry. Through educational
Efforts to sustain our healthy beaches included Economic Development workshops and training events, the county has assisted
replacement of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand; regulatory The environmental amenities and parks in our thousands of farmers, nursery growers, landscapers and
sea turtle nest lighting inspections; the monitoring of county are some of the quality-of-life features that draw residents to preserve and enhance agriculture, encourage
businesses to our community. The top four industries by workforce safety, practice Florida-friendly landscaping, and
employment are professional and business services, trade/ create more community gardens.
Advertise, transportation/utilities, education and health services, Student apprentice programs help meet local needs and
provide our young workforce with valuable experience.
and, leisure and hospitality. Palm Beach County has
Check out our website! earned the title of “Wall Street South,” having drawn Opportunities are available in the departments of Water
Utilities, Youth Services, Parks & Recreation, the Building
more than 30 corporate relocations or expansions during
www.seabreezepublications.com this two-year period. More than 70 percent of those Division, and Fire Rescue.
or call 746-3244 companies are from other states, predominantly New York I hope this gives you some insight on how county
departments work together to give you the “best bang for your
and California. This has resulted in the creation of more
than 2,500 jobs and $150 million of capital investments. buck.” Please contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at
To promote economic revitalization and support the mmarino@pbcgov.org, and let me know how I can help you.
Peace of Mind

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