FY 2026 Adopted Budget - Flipbook - Page 50
Strategies
1. Evaluate and implement local actions to encourage business expansion and growth,
including providing infrastructure.
¾
In collaboration with the Economic Development Administration, the City conducted a
business incubator feasibility study to assess the entrepreneurial landscape of Lake County.
The report provides ten recommendations that are being implemented and monitored.
¾ The UCF/Eustis Business Incubator opened in August of 2023 to provide programs and
services to startup and scalable businesses. It is housed in the MEGA Workspace building,
which offers low-cost office space and business amenities, e.g. conference room availability.
¾ Ensure that regulations and processes are business-friendly by analyzing and evaluating the
potential impact existing and proposed regulations, requirements, and ordinances will have
on new and current businesses.
¾ Revisions to the City’s Comprehensive Plan completed in FY 2023/24.
¾ Revisions to the City’s Land Development regulations completed in FY 2023/24.
¾ Improvements of business tax receipt process implemented.
¾ Streamlined the Business Tax Receipt (BTR) renewal payments by moving them to the Water
Customer Service Department.
¾ Streamline development review and business-friendly process.
¾ Development Services brought revisions to the City Commission to upgrade the Land
Development Regulations (LDR’s). This effort is focused on streamlining the approval process
(which will save the developers time and money).
¾ Development Services Department is reviewing and considering streamlining the Eustis
development review/permit process.
¾ Continue to develop and refine the Annexation Incentive Program – waives annexation fees.
2. Ensure that Eustis builds a reputation as a business and industry-friendly environment
where companies choose to locate.
¾ CRA Plan focuses on creating an environment that supports private investment.
¾ Manage CRA Developer Agreements:
x
Lake Investment Ventures
x
North Central Place, LLC
x
Hometown Properties Inc
x
1701 East Orange Avenue, LLC
¾ Business retention program – Approximately 45 visits from business senior managers to
discuss Eustis’ business environment as it relates to company success.
¾ Development Incentives – Continue to evaluate existing incentives and review industry Best
Practice models.
¾ Use of City-owned property for economic activity:
x
City gym / El Marie
x
Development of CR 44 property
x
Continually promote Gateway Corridor Grant Program
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