Read the latest articles about topics that are effecting our community.
I recently had the opportunity to go on a benchmarking trip to Charleston organized by the Sarasota Chamber. These trips are organized to learn both best practices and what to avoid in public policy and processes. It is good to get out of the community and learn about the challenges and successes of other areas and how they are dealing with them
Inclusionary housing requires or incentivizes developers to set aside a portion of new housing units for low- or moderate-income residents. In Florida, local governments have explored inclusionary zoning as a way to increase affordable housing availability. It has been a recommendation from the Sarasota County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in the past and was included in their report this year.
The School Board Referendum, the extra millage we pay on our property taxes to support our students and teachers, passed on Nov. 5 with 84.07% of the vote. A record number voted for this referendum – 214,656 people voted “yes.” This vote is symbolic of all that is good in this community and why many of us live and do business here.
The School Board Referendum renewal is on the last page of your ballot this year. This renewal, which is supported and funded by most of the business community and local foundations, is fundamental to our county’s future and our “A” rated school district. This historically widely supported referendum is important for retaining and recruiting our teachers, enhancing workforce training, upgrading our schools with technology and improving school safety and classroom security
