Latest news with #localleaders
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
Reeves to Announce £86 Billion for Science and Technology in Spending Review
Save Research into drug treatments and longer-lasting batteries will receive new funding as part of an £86 billion package for science and technology set to be announced in next week's spending review. Regions will be handed up to £500 million with local leaders given powers to decide how investment is targeted in their communities, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brevard County axes economic fund, raising fears for space industry future
The Brief The Brevard County Commission voted to end the North Brevard Economic Development zone and move money back to the county's general fund. North Brevard leaders are worried this could hurt future investments, specifically with space companies. Florida is fighting to relocate NASA's HQ to the Sunshine State. Some leaders think this move may hinder those efforts. TITUSVILLE, Fla. - The Brevard County Commission voted to end the North Brevard Economic Development zone and move money back to the county's general fund. What we know At the Brevard County Commission meeting on May 20, in a 3-2 vote, a majority of county commissioners voted to dissolve the North Brevard Economic Development Zone to re-allocate money back to the county's general fund. The zone has been in place for more than a decade to spur economic development in northern Brevard County communities like Titusville, Mims and Port St. John. Officials are worried this will negatively impact one of the region's biggest industries — space companies. For several months, state and local leaders have been talking about relocating NASA headquarters to Florida, but the Mayor of Titusville said this was the state's only tool to bring in some companies. Without the funding, the industry could move somewhere else. What we don't know It's unclear what the county will do with the money it's putting back in the general fund. Some have said it will be used to fund firefighters who are also dealing with a funding crisis. The City of Titusville is trying to figure out how it will make up millions in lost funding. City leaders haven't released any proposals on that yet but will discuss them at Tuesday night's city council meeting. The other side Commissioner Kim Adkinson said during the May 20 meeting that budget proposals showed money in the zone was not going to space anymore, which is why she supported dissolving the fund. What they're saying Local leaders are worried private space companies will look to other states like Texas, Alabama or California to grow their space companies if there's no incentive for them to come to Florida. "The fact that it is now gone has cost an estimate of over $50 million," said Titusville mayor, Andrew Connors. "To be competitive, we must have economic development," said District 5 County Commissioner Thad Altman, who tried to save the fund. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Brevard County Commission, and the City of Titusville.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kirkman Road extension opens ahead of Epic Universe debut
The Brief Kirkman Road extension opens just in time for Epic Universe's debut. The $285M project aims to ease traffic for tourists and residents alike. Local leaders call it a long-term investment in Orlando's tourism future. ORLANDO, Fla. - As Universal's Epic Universe prepares for its grand opening, local leaders and theme park developers are celebrating another major milestone — the completion of a massive infrastructure project designed to connect the resort's two campuses. What we know The Kirkman Road extension, a $285 million infrastructure project, is now open, connecting Universal Orlando Resort to the soon-to-open Epic Universe theme park located two miles south. The road stretches from Carrier Drive to Universal Boulevard and includes new design features like an elevated traffic circle and dedicated bus lanes. It was a coordinated effort between Orange County and Universal to ease congestion and improve transit for both visitors and local workers. What we don't know While officials are confident the road will relieve traffic pressure, it remains to be seen how the new route will handle real-time park crowds, especially on opening day. There is also uncertainty about long-term traffic patterns and whether additional infrastructure updates may be needed as visitation continues to grow. Data on traffic flow improvements and public reaction post-launch has yet to be gathered. The backstory Planning for the Kirkman Road extension began alongside the development of Epic Universe. Recognizing the anticipated surge in visitor numbers, local and Universal officials collaborated early to ensure infrastructure was in place before the park's debut. The road's construction was carefully timed to mirror the pace of theme park development and was considered essential to managing Orlando's growing tourism footprint. What they're saying The road represents more than a connection between two Universal Orlando Resort campuses — it's a symbol of the region's economic growth and the deep ties between public funding and private development in Florida's tourism sector. Local leaders emphasized that the project benefits not just visitors, but also the thousands of area residents who live and work near the parks. "I think it's very important. We know we're on the eve of a national mean and more the national and global grand opening, and I'm sure we're and have a lot more people than normal visiting here to see this new attraction," said Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe. The highlight of the project is an elevated traffic circle — a rare feature in the region — aimed at keeping vehicles moving efficiently through one of Orlando's most congested corridors. "It does look a little intimidating when you drive up onto it for the first time, but it allows cars to navigate that big moving intersection without having to stop at lights," said Seth Kubersky, theme park expert. The road also includes dedicated bus lanes to serve both Universal properties, allowing for more efficient transit options for tourists and employees alike. "They've been able to get those busses off of the main route, which is good for the tourists, but it's also good for those of us who live and work at the area," Kubersky added. Officials say the new stretch will relieve pressure on already-busy routes like International Drive and Universal Boulevard. "We want to make sure that we can get them around easily, but we can get our residents, our workers around just as easy and as swiftly," Uribe said. "So I think the due diligence was very well taken." Why you should care The Kirkman Road extension, a key artery linking Universal Orlando Resort to the new Epic Universe park two miles south, officially opened to traffic in tandem with final preparations at the $7 billion theme park. The improved route stretches from Carrier Drive to Universal Boulevard and includes design features never before used in Central Florida. The public-private project came with a hefty price tag. Orange County contributed $125 million, while Universal added another $160 million to ensure the roadway could handle the expected influx of guests and provide long-term transportation improvements. The timing of the project was no accident. Construction of the road ran parallel with the development of Epic Universe itself, ensuring both would be ready at launch. The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced additional patrols along Kirkman Road, Universal Boulevard and Destination Parkway during this week's grand opening festivities to manage the increased traffic and ensure public safety. Officials say the investment reflects the broader growth of Orlando's tourism industry — and the need to keep infrastructure on pace with demand. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, theme park expert Seth Kubersky, and Universal Orlando Resort.
Washington Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Bears shift focus for new enclosed stadium back to the suburbs from the Chicago lakefront
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears seem to have shifted their attention for a new enclosed stadium back to the suburbs from the city's lakefront, citing 'significant progress' with local leaders to build on a tract of land they own in Arlington Heights. 'Over the last few months, we have made significant progress with the leaders in Arlington Heights, and look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders on making a transformative economic development project for the region a reality,' the team said in a statement on Friday.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fresno voters could face confusing choice between competing tax measures
What's worse than an election with one transportation tax? An election with two transportation tax initiatives vying for voter approval on the same ballot. Fresno County voters next June could potentially face a confusing choice between competing sales tax measures to fund roads, public transit, bike lanes and traffic technology if the opposing sides from the 2022 election dust-up don't soon combine forces. Despite repeated attempts to mend bridges, such a truce has proven elusive. Leaving the county's official Measure C renewal effort led by local electeds and business leaders and the Transportation For All coalition to pursue parallel tracks as both begin their outreach efforts. Opinion Over the last few weeks, county transportation officials named a 23-member Measure C steering committee tasked with drafting an expenditure plan for the new initiative between now and November. The committee held its first meeting Thursday; six more are scheduled. At the same time, staff and consultants began making the rounds at city council meetings. Monday's presentation before the Clovis City Council contained heavy doses of doom and gloom about what would happen if Measure C expires (the official sunset date is June 30, 2027) with no extension in place. Not to be outdone, Transportation For All held its first 'community visioning session' on May 3 in tiny San Joaquin, where more than 200 people turned out. The next such meeting is May 17 at the Reedley Community Center, followed by five more through the end of June. Formed in 2022 to successfully oppose the Measure C renewal during that election cycle, Transportation For All is composed mainly of community groups and environmental justice advocates including Fresno Building Healthy Communities, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, League of Women Voters, Cultiva La Salud and Youth Leadership Institute. With a little more than one year before the June 2026 election, coalition members remain hopeful an agreement will be reached that allows the two sides to join forces. Furthermore, they say that is their goal. 'We're getting closer and closer to the wire here, but we've been trying everything we can to try to make this one merged, coordinated effort,' said Fresno Unified board member Andy Levine, one of a handful of elected officials who opposed Measure C in the last election. 'We need Measure C. We need the best possible version of Measure C.' The other big player in this drama is the Central Valley Community Foundation, the region's largest philanthropic organization helmed by former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, which backed the Transportation For All-led No on C campaign in 2022. Speaking on behalf of the CVCF during last month's Fresno Council of Governments policy board meeting, Alan Pierrot said the organization is willing to foot the $400,000 bill for a signature drive to qualify the measure for the ballot – and lower the required voter threshold to a simple majority – but only if the two sides come together. To assist in bridging the gap between the county's Measure C campaign and the one community groups are unfurling, the CVCF recruited a surprising name: Steve Brandau, the former Fresno County supervisor. Interesting choice to play peacemaker. While Brandau was the only county supervisor to oppose Measure C in 2022, calling 11th-hour maneuverings 'a shitshow,' he employed the equally colorful phrase 'poverty pimps' in 2018 to describe environmental justice advocates who are now key players in Transportation For All. Brandau declined to be interviewed, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing talks. But face-to-face conversations have taken place between Brandau, representing the CVCF, and Fresno BHC CEO Sandra Celedon, both confirm. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during those sessions 'Everyone is playing a multi-billion dollar game of chicken, waiting to see who will blink first,' CVCF board member J.P. Shamshoian told the Fresno COG board during its April 24 meeting. Neither initiative's spending plan – the county's Measure C renewal or Transportation For All's version – has actually been formulated. So any comparison at this point is impossible. The biggest difference between the two sides is how much weight each gives to community engagement early in the process. The county's way of doing things allows the public to have a voice, except with no guarantee anyone listens. The actual decision-making takes place among a group of insiders on the steering committee (mainly hand-picked industry and executives) and during meetings that are noticed and streamed online but offer no way for the public to participate. Craft the measure, then go out and sell it to voters. By contrast, the process favored by Transportation For All begins with a series of public meetings that build upon one another and identify community priorities that inform the spending plan. In addition, a citizen panel would get one final review before it goes before each city council, transportation agency boards and finally the county Board of Supervisors for ballot approval. 'Our process is really inclusive and democratic in that it ensures that residents and taxpayers have both the voice and the power they deserve to shape transportation decisions in Fresno County,' said Celedon, who is running for state Assembly. 'It's a very clear, sequential approach to developing a plan we can all support versus what the COG is doing, which is relying on the same process from the last go-around when the measure failed.' The Measure C steering committee held its first meeting Thursday, during which not a word was uttered about the competing effort until member Gail Miller mentioned it to county consultant Kendall Flint at the very last moment. Miller, who represents Fresno COG's citizens oversight committee, told Flint she had met with members of the Transportation For All coalition and said it would be 'disastrous to the community' if there were two competing tax measures. 'We're working on it,' Flint replied tersely. Better work fast, because two isn't better than one in this case. Only more confusing – and therefore less likely to garner voter trust.
