2023 Large Urban County Caucus Symposium

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

With over 59 million visitors a year, Orange County is easily one of the top travel destinations in the world. Tourism accounts for approximately 24% of employment in Orange County and is a $75 billion industry. The Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is funded by a 6% tax for hotel visitors and short-term rentals, and the revenue generated from this tax is used to boost the local economy and invest in county facilities that support the local community. On this mobile tour, LUCC members will have the opportunity to view two facilities that are supported by the Tourist Development Tax, and hear presentations on the TDT and how this tax revenue is reinvested back into the community. Buses will depart from the hotel at 1:00 pm EST.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs. Buses will depart from hotel at 6:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

LUCC symposium attendees will hear opening remarks from LUCC leadership and Orange County leadership.

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Over the past 20 years, natural and manmade disasters have increased in both frequency, severity and cost. On average, 24 percent of counties have experienced at least one disaster in each of the last three years. The past three hurricane and wildfire seasons have included six hurricanes that combined to cost over $330 billion in damages and more than eight wildfires causing over $40 billion in damages. These disasters showcase the need for government officials, particularly county governments, to renew their focus on their planning and response readiness activities. This opening plenary will prepare urban county leaders for disaster events by assessing counties' current state of readiness and identifying gaps.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The LUCC business meeting will feature federal speakers alongside national thought leaders to discuss issues of importance to urban counties such as digital equity, financial security and continued flexibility for the use of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The luncheon will feature a keynote address on the future of urban sustainability and energy efficiency, through the advancement of innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In an increasingly digital world, counties have a unique opportunity to ensure that the benefits of access to technology and internet connectivity are provided to all county residents. Equity remains a big concern for ensuring the benefits of ubiquitous high-speed internet reaches families no matter their income background or living situation. Counties will learn from thought leaders, federal partners, providers and community organizations on how strategies for digital inclusion towards targeted communities can be implemented by the county and through public-private partnerships.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

LUCC will gather for a night of food and drinks at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orlando's main performance venue. Attendees will also have an opportunity to view a cultural peformance by FusionFest, a local nonprofit that celebrates the diverse heritage of Central Florida residents. Buses will depart from the hotel at 5:30 p.m. EDT.

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

LUCC members will learn about local partnerships for serving individuals engaged by local law enforcement who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis through brief presentations at the Orange County Jail and the Belvin Perry Jr. Central Receiving Center, the first acute mental health crisis assessment center in the state of Florida.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The closing luncheon will feature a keynote address on the intersection of space exploration and local economies.