Sari A. Lindroos-Valimaki

Q. What will be the top issue impacting businesses in the coming year? What role should the County play in addressing it?

The top issue impacting businesses in Manatee County in the coming year will be the ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce. While affordable housing and traffic congestion are significant factors, several other innovative strategies can effectively help address this these issues. The County can play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment for businesses and employees.

Workforce Development and Education Role of the County | Partnerships with Educational Institutions

Collaborative Programs: Partner with local colleges, universities, and technical schools to create programs tailored to the needs of local industries. This can include apprenticeships, internships, and vocational training.

STEM and Trade Skills: Focus on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and trade skills education to meet the demands of high-growth sectors.

Continuing Education and Upskilling: Adult Education: Provide opportunities for adult education and professional development to help existing workers gain new skills and advance in their careers. Online Learning Platforms: Leverage online learning platforms to offer flexible and accessible training programs.

Career Services and Job Placement: Career Centers: Establish career centers that provide job placement services, resume workshops, and interview preparation to connect job seekers with local employers.

Job Fairs: Organize job fairs and networking events to facilitate direct interaction between businesses and potential employees. Technology and Innovation Role of the County: Smart City Initiatives:

Digital Infrastructure: Invest in digital infrastructure to create a “smart city” environment that enhances connectivity and supports remote work.

IoT and Data Analytics: Implement Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics to improve urban planning, resource management, and public services.

Support for Startups and Small Businesses | Innovation Hubs: Establish innovation hubs and co-working spaces to support startups and small businesses with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Grants and Funding: Provide grants, low-interest loans, and other funding opportunities to encourage entrepreneurial ventures and business growth.

E-Government Services: Streamlined Services: Develop e-government services to streamline interactions between businesses and government thereby reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency.

Open Data Initiatives: Promote open data initiatives to increase transparency and enable businesses to leverage public data for innovation.

Quality of Life Enhancements

Role of the County: Healthcare and Wellness: Community Health Programs: Support community health programs that promote wellness, mental health, and preventive care, ensuring a healthy workforce.

Healthcare Access: Work with healthcare providers to improve access to affordable healthcare services for all residents.

Recreational and Cultural Amenities: Parks and Recreation: Invest in parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces to enhance the quality of life and provide employees with places to relax and unwind.

Cultural Events: Support cultural events, festivals, and public art projects to foster a vibrant community atmosphere and attract talent.

Housing and Traffic (Brief Overview addressed more in next question)

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Continue to implement zoning reforms and provide incentives for developers to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Smart Traffic Solutions: Invest in smart traffic systems and expand public transportation options to improve commute times and reduce congestion.

Environmental Sustainability Role of the County

Green Building Practices: Sustainable Development: Promote green building practices and sustainable development to reduce environmental impact and create healthier living spaces.

Renewable Energy: Encourage the use of renewable energy sources in new developments and retrofitting of existing buildings.

Environmental Conservation

Natural Resource Management: Implement policies for the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, protecting the county’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Clean Water Initiatives: Invest in clean water initiatives to ensure the availability of safe drinking water and protect water bodies from pollution.

Climate Resilience: Disaster Preparedness: Enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies to protect businesses and communities from the impacts of climate change.

Energy Efficiency Programs: Promote energy efficiency programs to reduce energy consumption and lower costs for businesses and residents. Conclusion Manatee County must adopt a multi-faceted approach to address the workforce challenges faced by businesses.

By focusing on workforce development, leveraging technology and innovation, enhancing quality of life, and promoting environmental sustainability, the County can create a supportive and attractive environment for both businesses and employees. Leadership in these efforts is essential. A collaborative approach involving public officials, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations will ensure the County remains a vibrant and thriving place to live and work. I am committed to leading these initiatives with transparency, integrity, and dedication to the well-being of all residents.

Q. Manatee County continues to lack a sufficient supply of affordable, workforce housing to support the local workforce. This impacts businesses in terms of attracting and retaining talent as well as the community’s quality of life. What role should the County play in addressing this issue?

Manatee County’s lack of affordable workforce housing is a critical issue not only impacting the ability of local businesses to attract and retain talent, but also as well as the overall quality of life for residents. The County must adopt a multi-faceted approach to address this challenge effectively.

Strategic Zoning and Land Use Policies Role of the County:

1. Innovative Zoning Solutions: Upzoning: Allow higher-density residential development in strategic locations to increase the supply of affordable housing. Inclusionary Zoning: Mandate that a percentage of new residential developments be designated for affordable housing to ensure a balanced housing market.

2. Simplified Approval Processes: Fast-Track Approvals: Create expedited pathways for affordable housing projects to reduce development timelines and costs. Standardization: Develop standardized guidelines and checklists to streamline the approval process, making it more predictable and developer-friendly.

3. Utilization of County-Owned Land: Land Trusts: Establish community land trusts to manage and develop affordable housing on county-owned land. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private developers to leverage public land for mixed-income housing projects.

Financial Incentives and Support for Developers Role of the County:

1. Economic Incentives: Tax Credits: Offer property tax abatements and credits to developers who build affordable housing units. Financing Assistance: Provide low-interest loans, grants, and other financial assistance to lower the barriers for affordable housing development.

2. Regulatory Flexibility: Density Bonuses: Offer bonuses to developers who include affordable housing in their projects, allowing them to build more units than normally permitted. Reduced Fees: Waive or reduce impact fees and other regulatory costs associated with affordable housing projects. Traffic Congestion and Public Transportation Access to affordable housing is closely tied to efficient transportation systems. Improving public transportation and traffic management is essential to support workforce mobility.

Role of the County:

1. Enhanced Public Transit: Transit-Oriented Development: Promote development around transit hubs to create vibrant, connected communities. Expanded Services: Increase the frequency, coverage, and reliability of public transportation services to make commuting easier and more efficient.

2. Traffic Management Solutions: Smart Traffic Systems: Implement smart traffic lights and congestion management systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks. Infrastructure Investments: Invest in road infrastructure to alleviate congestion and improve access to key areas.

3. Promoting Alternative Transportation: Active Transportation Networks: Develop comprehensive networks of bike lanes, walking paths, and other infrastructure to support alternative commuting options. Carpool Incentives: Encourage carpooling through dedicated lanes and incentives for businesses that promote ride-sharing among employees.

Engaging the Community and Planning for the Future Role of the County:

1. Community Participation: Stakeholder Engagement: Involve a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations, in the planning process. Transparency and Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the public, providing regular updates on housing initiatives and soliciting feedback.

2. Long-Term Strategic Planning: Integrated Housing Plans: Develop comprehensive, long-term housing plans that align with economic development and transportation goals. Sustainable Growth: Ensure that housing developments are sustainable, balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

Performance Metrics: Establish clear metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of housing policies and programs.

Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and adjust strategies based on performance data and community feedback.

Conclusion: Addressing the affordable workforce housing crisis in Manatee County requires a coordinated and strategic approach. By implementing innovative zoning policies, providing financial incentives, improving transportation infrastructure, and engaging the community, the County can create a supportive environment for both businesses and residents. This multifaceted approach will help attract and retain talent, enhance the quality of life, and ensure sustainable growth. As a dedicated leader, I am committed to working with all stakeholders to develop and implement these essential strategies, fostering a thriving and inclusive community.

Q. Adequate infrastructure is critical to our County’s economic development and quality of life. What are your top two infrastructure priorities and how would you prioritize funding for them?

Adequate infrastructure is critical to Manatee County’s economic development and quality of life. While traffic congestion is a significant concern, it’s important to also focus on other critical infrastructure issues. My top two priorities [excluding traffic] are hardening Industrial Control Systems (ICS) against cyber threats and modernizing our failing sewage systems. Both priorities are crucial for ensuring the county’s resilience and sustainability.

1. Hardening Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Priority |Cybersecurity and Physical Security Enhancements Role of the County:

Cybersecurity Measures

Enhanced Protections: Implement advanced cybersecurity measures to protect ICS, which control our utilities, from nation-state actors and other cyber threats. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Training and Awareness: Provide ongoing cybersecurity training for utility staff to ensure they are equipped to handle potential cyber incidents.

Physical Security: Infrastructure Hardening: Upgrade physical security measures at key utility sites, including water treatment plants, power stations, and sewage facilities, to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.

Emergency Response Plans: Develop and regularly update emergency response plans to ensure quick and effective actions in the event of a cyber attack or physical disruption.

Funding Prioritization | Federal and State Grants:

The Biden Infrastructure Act includes $1 billion for a state and local cybersecurity grant program, providing crucial funding to enhance cyber defenses and protect critical infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnerships: Partner with private cybersecurity firms to leverage their expertise and resources, reducing the financial burden on the county.

Budget Allocation: Allocate a portion of the county’s budget specifically for ICS security, ensuring consistent funding for necessary upgrades and maintenance.

2. Addressing Failing Sewage Systems Priority: Modernization and Maintenance The current sewage infrastructure in Manatee County is aging and prone to failures leading to sewage backups and environmental hazards. The system’s frequent breakdowns are often due to inadequate investment in maintenance and modernization.

Role of the County: Sewage System Upgrades

Modernization Projects: Undertake comprehensive modernization projects to replace aging sewage lines and treatment facilities, integrating advanced technologies for better management and monitoring.

Technology Integration: Use advanced monitoring technologies to detect issues in real-time, preventing small problems from becoming major failures.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular Inspections: Implement a rigorous schedule of inspections and maintenance to identify and fix vulnerabilities in the sewage system before they cause significant damage.

Community Awareness: Educate the community about the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent blockages and damage to the sewage system.

Funding Prioritization: Infrastructure Bonds: Issue municipal bonds specifically for infrastructure improvements, providing the necessary capital for large-scale sewage system upgrades.

Federal Assistance: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill allocates over $50 billion for clean water initiatives, which includes upgrading water infrastructure and addressing failing sewage systems.

Public Utilities Revenue: Utilize revenue from public utilities to fund ongoing maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring a sustainable funding source.

Conclusion: Addressing the vulnerabilities in our ICS and modernizing our failing sewage systems are paramount for Manatee County’s future. By securing funding through grants, partnerships, and strategic budget allocations, we can ensure these essential infrastructure components are robust and reliable. These infrastructure improvements will not only protect our utilities from potential threats, but also enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. As a committed leader, I will prioritize these critical infrastructure projects, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for Manatee County.

Q. The Manatee Chamber serves as the voice of business. What challenges or opportunities would you like to see greater business involvement in to move our County forward?

The Manatee Chamber serves as the voice of business, and there are several key challenges and opportunities where greater business involvement can significantly impact the county’s progress. Here are some innovative suggestions, along with the potential public relations (PR) benefits for participating businesses:

1. Workforce Development and Education Challenge | Skills Gap and Workforce Readiness Opportunity for Involvement

Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Businesses can collaborate with local colleges, universities, and vocational schools to develop tailored training programs that meet the specific needs of local industries. This includes offering internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities to students.

Continuing Education Programs: Support continuing education and professional development initiatives to help existing employees upskill and stay competitive in the job market. Businesses can sponsor courses or provide access to online learning platforms.

Mentorship and Career Guidance: Establish mentorship programs where experienced professionals guide and mentor students and young professionals, helping them navigate career paths and build necessary skills.

PR Benefits: Positive Branding: Being seen as a champion for education and workforce development can enhance a business’s reputation as a community leader.

Attracting Talent: Businesses that invest in workforce development are more likely to attract and retain top talent, particularly younger employees who value professional growth opportunities.

2. Infrastructure Improvement Challenge | Aging Infrastructure and Traffic Congestion Opportunity for Involvement

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Businesses can collaborate with the county to fund and implement infrastructure projects. This includes upgrading transportation networks, improving public transit systems, and modernizing utilities.

Advocacy for Funding: The business community can advocate for state and federal funding, such as the grants available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to support local infrastructure projects.

Adoption of Smart Technologies: Promote the use of smart technologies in infrastructure projects to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Businesses can pilot new technologies and provide feedback to the county on their effectiveness.

PR Benefits: Community Engagement: Active involvement in infrastructure improvement projects demonstrates a commitment to the community’s well-being, boosting the business’s public image.

Operational Efficiency: Improved infrastructure can lead to better operational efficiency and lower transportation costs for businesses.

3. Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship Challenge | Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience Opportunity for Involvement

Green Building Initiatives: Encourage businesses to adopt green building practices and invest in sustainable development projects. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient systems, and supporting green spaces.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Promote CSR initiatives that focus on environmental stewardship. Businesses can sponsor local clean-up events, tree planting campaigns, and conservation projects.

Innovation in Sustainability: Support startups and businesses that are developing innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. This can include investments in clean technology, waste reduction programs, and water conservation efforts.

PR Benefits: Competitive Advantage: Being environmentally conscious can set a business apart from competitors, attracting eco-conscious customers, particularly younger demographics who prioritize sustainability. Positive Image: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability enhances the business’s image and fosters customer loyalty.

4. Community Engagement and Social Impact Challenge | Social Equity and Community Well-being Opportunity for Involvement

Community Investment: Encourage businesses to invest in local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and support for local non-profits. This can include funding for community centers, educational programs, and healthcare initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within the business community by implementing equitable hiring practices, supporting minority-owned businesses, and creating inclusive work environments.

Public Health Partnerships: Collaborate with local health organizations to support public health initiatives, including mental health programs, wellness campaigns, and access to healthcare services.

PR Benefits: Innovation and Creativity: Embracing diversity brings innovation and creativity into productivity in any field, enhancing overall business performance.

Brand Loyalty: Businesses that actively engage with their communities and promote social equity are more likely to build strong brand loyalty and a positive public perception.

5. Digital Transformation and Innovation Challenge | Digital Divide and Technological Advancement Opportunity for Involvement

Broadband Access: Work with the county to expand broadband infrastructure, ensuring all residents have access to high-speed internet. This is crucial for education, remote work, and economic development.

Support for Tech Startups: Foster a tech-friendly environment by supporting incubators and accelerators that help startups grow. Businesses can provide mentorship, funding, and resources to new tech companies.

Cybersecurity Initiatives: Collaborate with local government to enhance cybersecurity measures for both public and private sectors. Businesses can share best practices, provide training, and participate in joint cybersecurity efforts.

PR Benefits

Tech Leadership: Businesses that lead in digital transformation are seen as innovators, enhancing their reputation in the tech community.

Customer Trust: Strong cybersecurity measures build customer trust, essential for maintaining a positive business reputation.

Conclusion: Greater business involvement in workforce development, infrastructure improvement, sustainable development, community engagement, and digital transformation can significantly propel Manatee County forward. By leveraging partnerships, advocating for funding, and committing to corporate social responsibility, the business community can play a pivotal role in addressing the county’s challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation. Moreover, these initiatives offer substantial PR benefits, enhancing business reputations, attracting new clients, particularly younger demographics, and fostering innovation and creativity through diversity. As a committed leader, I encourage businesses to actively participate in these efforts to ensure a prosperous future for Manatee County.