ARPC and Opportunity Florida benefit from Florida Commerce growth funding

Florida Commerce Awards $1.5 Million to 26 Florida Communities to Foster Local Economic Growth

~ 24 of 26 economic development awards will go to small and rural communities ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, FloridaCommerce announced the award of more than $1.5 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) and Competitive Florida Partnership programs. The fund- ing will support 26 Florida communities—including 24 small and rural communities—in developing and imple- menting plans to drive local economic growth.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce continues to support Floridians in build- ing strong, resilient communities,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Since 2019, FloridaCommerce has awarded more than $7.6 million through the CPTA program to over 110 communities— empowering many of Florida’s small and rural communi- ties to advance strategic economic initiatives and strength- en their local economies for future growth.”

The CPTA grant program seeks to strengthen commu- nities through resilient, long-term economic development strategies and promotes innovative planning solutions to protect Florida’s natural resources. Similarly, the Competitive Florida Partnership program supports com- munities in developing plans to attract new businesses and create workforce opportunities that promote partnerships, community design and a viable economy.

The following communities will receive funding through the CPTA grant program:

Opportunity Florida ($47,575) – to conduct an econom- ic analysis study in the following rural counties: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Wakulla, North Walton and Washington.

Apalachee Regional Planning Council ($74,231.82) – to complete a multi-county Strategic Sites Inventory to pre- pare for industrial reshoring and business recruitment in Calhoun, Gadsden and Liberty Counties.

Gadsden County ($75,000) – to develop a Strategic Sites Inventory to identify and prepare sites for industrial and manufacturing growth.

Town of Sneads ($45,000) – to support the develop- ment of a downtown revitalization and development plan for the Sneads “Old Downtown” area in Jackson County.

The following communities will receive funding through the Competitive Florida Partnership grant program:

Franklin County ($32,930) – to develop a comprehen- sive economic development strategy aimed to strengthen the local economy, reduce retail leakage and increase job creation in the commercial sector.

For more information about the Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant program, click here. For more information about the Competitive Florida Partnership program, please click here.