Annual Retreat Agenda
Tallahassee 5-Year Strategic Plan
With the new year comes new goals for the city of Tallahassee, and staff kicked things off by presenting a report card showcasing wins in job development, public safety, and more at the annual City Commission retreat on Jan. 14.
After arriving hours after the meeting began due to a family obligation, Mayor John Dailey got emotional, noting it was his final retreat; he has opted not to seek reelection. Hot topics included the Tallahassee Fire Department, economic development, affordable housing and public safety.
Commissioners maintained a level of cordiality not commonly seen. But divergent priorities highlighted the divide among Commissioners Jack Porter, Jeremy Matlow, Dianne Williams-Cox and Curtis Richardson at the retreat, held in the Parkview Ballroom at Cascades Park.
Williams-Cox and Richardson believe that the city is at the top of its game, coming off All-America City honors and just days after the World Cross Country Championships.
Matlow said the city could target permitting for small businesses, streamlining the process, and there is an opportunity in the new year to restart the conversation on the comprehensive plan. He also highlighted that while housing has popped up around the city, it still remains unaffordable to many.
“I think Tallahassee probably has the best quality of life in the entire state of Florida,” said Matlow, who is running to replace Dailey. “We have a great community, and … I think we can further enhance that.”
Added Porter: “I think all of our goal is to end poverty, not just be a leading community partner that connects residents to resources.”
And Williams-Cox focused on growing businesses: “While we have some opportunities to do things differently and better, our story is what we’ve got to tell to make sure that folks know we are open for business.”
Crime rate going down says TPD
The Tallahassee Police Department, which is celebrating its 200 year anniversary, started the bicentennial with the news that crime is going down by around 9%, according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. The reason: The numerous public safety cameras and license plate readers around town.
Revell pointed out a recent case in which TPD managed to arrest four people thanks to the license plate readers, like the recently acquired Flock cameras, putting an end to a burglary spree targeting Family Dollar stores across North Florida.
Williams-Cox feels the city just needs more officers: “You’re doing a tremendous job, but I wanted to just highlight that while improvements have been made, there’s still room for more. As we continue to grow as a city, we’ve got to keep pace.”
Fire chief optimistic about opportunities to improve service after commission cuts ties with county
The city and county have been locked in a long simmering feud over the fire service agreement. In the end, the city severed their agreement with the county, forcing it to explore creating its own department. But the county and city won’t go separate ways officially until 2028.
TFD is hoping this scaled back service area can lower response time, helping the department reach a “1” on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protections Classifications, which is the highest score.
“We currently have an ISO 3 … we currently respond to over 702 square miles. Due to your action to not renew the interlocal agreement and not provide fire services in the unincorporated areas, our response area reduces to 103 square miles,” TFD Chief Gene Sanders said.
Sanders said that the rating helps establish fair premiums for fire insurance, generally offering lower insurance premiums to homeowners in communities with better protection.
Growth and development highlights
According to staff, the city achieved several economic milestones: Adding 5,200 jobs, with a little over 2,000 of those jobs coming from targeted industries such as manufacturing, applied sciences, and health care.
The airport has been a sore spot, however, following the loss of JetBlue. Still, TLH served nearly 915,000 passengers in the past year and is working towards a $1.25 billion annual economic impact, which staff said will be bolstered by the International Processing Facility.
This news falls on top of promises made by Airport Director David Pollard at an event last September where he promised that the airport would work on bringing more destinations and more airlines to Tallahassee. The city also hosted the Takeoff North America conference from Nov. 4-6.
Also, the city’s southside saw 486 units completed and a total of 2,200 new housing units completed within city limits. One complex is on Lake Bradford Road, which touts 158 new units.