{"id":199705,"date":"2026-03-20T21:51:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T21:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/199705\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T21:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T21:51:19","slug":"this-weeks-regional-perspective-march-20-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/199705\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week&#8217;s Regional Perspective | March 20, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"detail\">Welcome to the\u00a0Regional Perspective,\u00a0where I share stories that bring the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/orlando.org\/l\/vision2045\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Orlando 2045 Vision<\/a>\u00a0to life and highlight the progress shaping our region\u2019s future.<\/p>\n<p>1) We\u2019re hiring: Senior Vice President, Economic Development\u00a0\u2013 We are conducting a national search for a Senior Vice President of Economic Development to help lead the next chapter of Orlando\u2019s growth. This role will serve as a key member of our executive leadership team and play a defining role in advancing the Orlando 2045 Vision. The SVP will lead strategies to attract high impact companies, accelerate innovation, and strengthen Orlando\u2019s position as a top tier destination for talent and investment. As our region continues to evolve as a global hub for technology, aerospace, life sciences, and creative industries, this leader will help shape what comes next. If you know a visionary economic development leader ready to drive transformational growth and Broad-Based Prosperity\u00ae, we encourage you to learn more and share this opportunity.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/orlando.org\/l\/careers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2) New Orlando 2045 poll highlights voters\u2019 top priorities\u00a0\u2013 Our latest Orlando 2045 poll results are in, and they offer clear insight into what matters most to Central Florida voters. Housing affordability, transportation, and quality of life emerged as the top concerns shaping how residents view the region\u2019s future. These findings reinforce the urgency of coordinated action and long-term planning to support a growing population and economy. The results also underscore the importance of investing in infrastructure, mobility, and livable communities as we work toward a more competitive and inclusive region.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/blog\/new-orlando-2045-poll-housing-transportation-and-quality-of-life-top-voters-concerns\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/blog\/new-orlando-2045-poll-housing-transportation-and-quality-of-life-top-voters-concerns\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>3) NeoCity lab groundbreaking marks major milestone for Osceola County\u00a0\u2013 Yesterday, partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Osceola County\u2019s new multi-use laboratory facility at NeoCity. Funded through the State of Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, this facility represents a significant investment in research, innovation, and workforce development. The lab will support advanced industries and strengthen the region\u2019s ability to attract and grow high value companies. This project is another example of how targeted public investment can help accelerate long-term economic opportunities across Central Florida.<\/p>\n<p>4) Last chance to register: Regional Leadership Conference\u00a0\u2013 The 2026 Regional Leadership Conference is just one week away, and this is your last chance to register. This year\u2019s conference will bring together leaders from across business, government, and the community to explore ideas and strategies shaping Central Florida\u2019s future. If you have not yet secured your spot, now is the time to join us for this important regional conversation.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/2026-regional-leadership-conference\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/2026-regional-leadership-conference\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Register today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>5) Registration open: Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip\u00a0\u2013 We are now accepting registrations for the 2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip. This annual opportunity allows regional leaders to engage directly with federal policymakers and advocate for priorities critical to Central Florida\u2019s continued growth. Participation is open to Ambassador, Director, and Governor level investors and above. If you have any questions, please contact\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/blog\/this-weeks-regional-perspective-march-20-2026\/mailto:Grace.Thompson@orlando.org?subject=2026%20Washington,%20D.C.%20Advocacy%20Trip%20Questions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grace Thompson<\/a>, Associate Director, Government Affairs.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/2026-washington-d-c-advocacy-trip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Learn more and register today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>6) \u201cThe City Playbook\u201d: New Episode Launches March 26\u00a0\u2013 Our next \u201cThe City Playbook\u201d episode debuts March 26 and takes a closer look at the two-way street conversions coming to downtown Orlando. This redesign represents an important step toward improving walkability, enhancing traffic flow, and supporting a more vibrant urban core. The episode breaks down what to expect as the changes roll out and the long-term impact they are projected to have on downtown. Subscribe to the City Playbook channel to stay up to date on how smart urban design is shaping Orlando\u2019s future.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ORLPartnership\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ORLPartnership\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Subscribe on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>7) Full Sail University Alumni shine at the Academy Awards\u00a0\u2013 More than 60 Full Sail University graduates contributed to Oscar-winning projects at the 98th Annual Academy Awards, highlighting the region\u2019s growing influence in the creative and entertainment industries. From film and animation to sound and visual effects, these alumni are helping bring world class storytelling to life on a global stage. Their success is a powerful reminder of the depth of talent being developed right here in Central Florida and the role our institutions play in supporting creative careers.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fullsail.edu\/press-releases\/2026\/over-60-full-sail-university-graduates-contribute-to-oscar-winning-projects-at-the-98th-annual-academy-awards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>8) Help shape the future of transportation in Central Florida\u00a0\u2013 MetroPlan Orlando is inviting residents and business leaders to participate in the Help the Region Move transportation survey, now open through April 10. This brief survey gives you the opportunity to share how you travel across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties and what improvements matter most to you. Feedback will be shared with regional decision makers and used to inform future transportation planning. Your voice plays an important role in shaping a more connected and efficient region.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ucf.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_51FnbOaXpOA6XJQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Take the survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Programs &amp; Events<\/p>\n<p>Regional Leadership Conference\u00a0presented by Universal Orlando Resort\u00a0\/\/ Mar. 27 \/\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/regional-leadership-conference-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">REGISTER TODAY<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>2026 Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip\u00a0presented by BakerHostetler &amp; supported by TECO\u00a0\/\/ May 19-21 \/\/\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/2026-washington-d-c-advocacy-trip\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/news.orlando.org\/event\/2026-washington-d-c-advocacy-trip\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">REGISTER TODAY<\/a>\u00a0(Open to OEP Investors at the Ambassador, Director, and Governors Council levels ONLY)<\/p>\n<p>ICYMI<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitorlando.com\/blog\/post\/407day-orlando\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.visitorlando.com\/blog\/post\/407day-orlando\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">407 Day 2026: Play Local, Buy Local, Support Local \u2014 and Save<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Visit Orlando<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/orlandoshine.com\/central-florida-breweries-cleaned-up-at-the-2026-best-florida-beer-championships\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/orlandoshine.com\/central-florida-breweries-cleaned-up-at-the-2026-best-florida-beer-championships\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Central Florida breweries cleaned up at the 2026 Best Florida Beer Championships<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Orlando Shine<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/orlandoshine.com\/orlando-squeeze-to-host-major-league-pickleball-season-finale-at-disney-world-this-summer\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/orlandoshine.com\/orlando-squeeze-to-host-major-league-pickleball-season-finale-at-disney-world-this-summer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Orlando Squeeze to host Major League Pickleball Season Finale at Disney World this summer<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Shine<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bizjournals.com\/orlando\/news\/2026\/03\/18\/orlando-stadium-upgrades-lake-lorna-doone-park.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bizjournals.com\/orlando\/news\/2026\/03\/18\/orlando-stadium-upgrades-lake-lorna-doone-park.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Orlando files plans for new center near Camping World Stadium<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Orlando Business Journal<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridatrend.com\/articles\/2026\/03\/18\/data-center-compromise\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.floridatrend.com\/articles\/2026\/03\/18\/data-center-compromise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Data Center Compromise<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Florida Trend<\/p>\n<p>Onward,<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774043479_606_MCPN5Z7OVEYJBDRAXCEKTHBFBQL4.png\" alt=\"Tim-ONLY-sig_100px.png\" title=\"This Week's Regional Perspective | March 20, 2026 3\"\/><br \/>Tim Giuliani<br \/>ORLANDO ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Welcome to the\u00a0Regional Perspective,\u00a0where I share stories that bring the\u00a0Orlando 2045 Vision\u00a0to life and highlight the progress shaping&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":129656,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[139,141,140],"class_list":["post-199705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=199705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/129656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=199705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=199705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=199705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}