The Orlando City Council held its meeting on September 22, 2025, addressing several key topics relevant to the city’s ongoing development and community engagement.
As Rosh Hashanah began that evening, city officials extended greetings to residents observing the Jewish New Year, wishing them health and happiness.
The council highlighted the continued success of the Orlando Main Streets program. Since its launch in 2008 with five districts, the initiative has expanded to include 12 districts over 18 years. The program is recognized as a significant driver for economic development in Orlando and is credited as one reason why the city is frequently listed among top cities for starting a business. During the meeting, executive directors of these districts were invited to stand for recognition due to their contributions in enhancing dining, shopping, and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.
On housing issues, the council discussed efforts under the Orlando Unlocked initiative aimed at making it easier for developers to offer diverse housing options. Several proposals were included on the agenda intended to expand available housing units in response to ongoing population growth within the city.
Additionally, Engineering Consulting Services (ECS) will relocate its regional headquarters to downtown Orlando’s Central Business District. This move is expected to bring nearly 80 new jobs into downtown and supports further business expansion in the area.
The meeting also marked an acknowledgment of Elisabeth Dang, Planning Division Manager for the City of Orlando. Dang is retiring after more than two decades with the city. She was recognized for her leadership style and achievements such as streamlining regulatory processes, digitizing workflows in planning operations, and consolidating review boards into a single Development Review Committee—efforts that have reduced costs and improved efficiency within city government. “Known for her servant-leadership style, Elisabeth prioritized her team’s growth and well-being, creating a culture of collaboration and inclusion,” according to remarks from city officials. The city expressed gratitude for her service and wished her well in retirement.
