With support from the Florida Department of Commerce’s Competitive Florida Partnership Grant Program, the City of Lake Wales partnered with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) to deliver an action-oriented Economic Development Strategy designed to move from ideas to implementation. CFRPC led a focused, results-driven process that combined a review of existing economic development documents with hands-on public participation, outreach, and engagement—ensuring the Strategy reflects local priorities and positions Lake Wales for long-term investment and growth.
CFRPC’s work included a structured methodology: compiling and reviewing local plans and reports, conducting field work and data analysis, and developing a comprehensive community asset inventory and mapping exercise to inform recommendations and an implementation approach.
In an effort to encourage economic development, five strategy recommendations were identified. The strategies provide a framework for the development of initiatives, programs and projects that may be utilized to bring together future resources, assets, and partner organizations to overcome challenges. The goals are designed to guide future public investment and policy decisions.
Encourage Innovation in Land Planning and Site Development.
Formulate Economic Development Strategies that Take Advantage of Existing and Proposed Government Projects and Programs.
Enhance Economic Development by Supporting Existing Businesses and Attracting New Investment.
Leverage the Value of Area Natural Resources and Enhance Pedestrian Access.
Implement Resiliency Strategies to Reduce the Impacts of Climate and Disaster Related Impacts on The Built Environment.