Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orlando public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in roads
Two-way conversion of Orange and Rosalind Avenues
The CRA approved $1.67 million for Kimley-Horn to design the downtown DTO 2.0 street conversion — traffic analysis, concepts and early schematic drawings for turning Orange and Rosalind back into two-way roads from South Street to Colonial Drive.
Econlockhatchee Trail widening
The Dewberry Engineers amendment keeps the Econ Trail expansion project moving into design — a four-lane divided highway with bike lanes, drainage upgrades and Lee Vista Boulevard intersection changes. It's still a few years out.
Transit funding agreement with LYNX
Sunrise Movement Orlando asked the Council to back a county ordinance creating transit corridors with 15-minute-or-better service, funded by TIF districts. Commissioner Ortiz noted the bus rapid transit work already underway on the SR 436/Semoran corridor.
RoseArts transit system
A public-private partnership will build a transit system inside the RoseArts development — the largest in-fill development in Orlando history — connecting it to the Rosemont Lynx SuperStop.
Pavement, sidewalks, and stormwater backlog despite record repaving budget
The city accepted an EPA grant for stormwater management improvements, with Commissioner Rose highlighting benefits for the Harless and Estates neighborhoods and thanking Public Works for flood-prevention work.
School-related infrastructure burdens on the city
Commissioners flagged dangerous crossings near schools — signals too short to cross four-lane roads and medians too small for bikes — pushing kids to dart across traffic. A new 300-unit apartment complex at John Young and Colonial sends students across that busy road to Rock Lake Elementary.
Colonialtown public works project completion
The long-running Colonialtown project — including road closures neighbors endured — is finally done, and the roundabout artwork with hearts is a hit with residents. Sheehan wants the city to look for more chances to pair public works projects with public art.
Edgewater Drive Complete Streets, Segment A
Commissioners flagged dangerous crossings near schools — signals too short to cross four-lane roads and medians too small for bikes — pushing kids to dart across traffic. A new 300-unit apartment complex at John Young and Colonial sends students across that busy road to Rock Lake Elementary.
Corrine Drive Corridor Reconstruction
A FDOT partnership agreement locks in funding to rebuild the 2.6-mile Virginia Drive/Forest Avenue/Corrine Drive corridor.
Church Street Festival Street Rebuild
The city is moving forward with transforming a stretch of Church Street into a flexible, pedestrian-friendly festival street. Jacobs Engineering got the contract to keep designing the project, which implements the downtown CRA plan's vision for safer, more walkable streets.
Sligh Boulevard and Columbia Street improvements
A $21.76 million construction contract with Mercon Construction will fund improvements to Sligh Boulevard and Columbia Street — one of the biggest capital projects on the agenda.