Page 13 - Talk of Tequesta - February '22

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 13

Commissioner’s uPdaTe

Strategic Planning To Provide Essential Services

By Commissioner Maria Marino

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