The City Playbook

What can Orlando learn from Austin — and what can Austin learn from Orlando?Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joins Austin Mayor Kirk Watson for a candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing two of America’s fastest-growing cities. They explore downtown development, affordable housing, transportation and public transit, economic development, higher education, regional growth, professional sports, and the realities of leading major cities through rapid change.Mayor Watson shares how Austin transformed its downtown into a 24/7 destination, the role universities like the University of Texas play in economic growth, Austin’s approach to housing affordability and land-use reform, and why better transit will be critical to the city’s future.The conversation also offers lessons for Central Florida as Orlando continues investing in its downtown, expanding regional transportation, addressing housing affordability, and managing unprecedented growth.If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic PartnershipLearn more: https://orlando.org

In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Fadi Ghantous, U.S. leader at Siemens Energy, to discuss the future of energy and the company’s next chapter in Orlando.Siemens Energy has been part of Central Florida for roughly 40 years and is now preparing to move its U.S. headquarters and Americas hub to Lake Nona in 2027.Fadi shares why Orlando continues to be an important market for the company, from its partnership with UCF and access to engineering talent to the region’s growing international business presence.Tim and Fadi also explore the rapid rise in energy demand being driven by AI, data centers, population growth and technology. They discuss the future of nuclear and renewable energy, grid modernization, advanced manufacturing and the innovation required to support continued economic growth.It’s a timely conversation about the infrastructure powering the next generation of technology and why Orlando is positioned to be part of that future.If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

How can Orlando transform education while creating greater economic opportunity for entire neighborhoods?On The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani speaks with Lift Orlando President Eddie Moriton and Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez about the creation of Orange Center STEAM Academy and the broader transformation underway in Orlando’s West Lakes community.They explore the new school model, Orange Center’s expansion to K–8, early childhood education, college scholarships for Jones High School students, teacher support, community investment, and the role education can play in long-term economic mobility.The conversation also examines how Lift Orlando and OCPS are working together to create a “laboratory of innovation” where successful ideas can support schools beyond Orange Center.From kindergarten readiness to college access, this episode looks at what can happen when education, community development, philanthropy, and economic opportunity are treated as part of the same strategy.Subscribe to The City Playbook for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of Orlando and Central Florida.The conversation also examines the measurable impact already happening across West Lakes, including:-Childhood poverty falling from approximately 57% to 20%-Household incomes increasing-Kindergarten readiness reaching approximately 95% at the West Lakes-Early Learning Center-Orange Center enrollment growing from roughly 293 students to around 500-New college scholarship pathways for Jones High School students-An 86% increase in college-bound graduates connected to scholarship opportunities-Major public and private investment in education and neighborhood infrastructureTim, Eddy and Dr. Vazquez also discuss why education is an economic development strategy, how concentrated poverty affects an entire regional economy and why investing in children today can strengthen Orlando’s workforce, neighborhoods and long-term competitiveness.If you care about the future of Orlando, Central Florida, public education, economic development, school choice, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, educational innovation or community investment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what can happen when a city chooses to build differently.If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando?Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

What could the future of public education in Orlando look like?In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani speaks with Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin and Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez about the transformation happening in Orlando’s West Lakes community and the creation of Orange Center STEAM Academy.The episode explores how education, neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility and public-private partnerships can work together to create lasting change.Lift Orlando began with a simple realization: many of the challenges affecting student success begin long before a child enters the classroom. Housing instability, access to healthcare, early childhood education, transportation and economic opportunity all play a role in educational outcomes.That insight led Lift Orlando to develop a place-based community development model centered on West Lakes, creating an ecosystem where families can access mixed-income housing, early learning, healthcare, education, workforce resources and economic opportunity within the same neighborhood.Now, that work is entering a new chapter through Orange Center STEAM Academy.  Dr. Maria Vazquez explains how school choice in Florida, charter schools, homeschooling, vouchers, microschools and changing family expectations are forcing traditional public school systems to innovate. She also shares how OCPS is responding with new programs, including microschools, expanded academies and plans for an AI-focused high school.Eddy Moratin explains how Orange Center STEAM Academy was designed as a laboratory for education innovation, combining the independence and flexibility often associated with charter schools with the infrastructure and accountability of one of the largest public school districts in the country.The conversation also examines the measurable impact already happening across West Lakes, including:Childhood poverty falling from approximately 57% to 20%Household incomes increasingKindergarten readiness reaching approximately 95% at the West Lakes Early Learning CenterOrange Center enrollment growing from roughly 293 students to around 500New college scholarship pathways for Jones High School studentsAn 86% increase in college-bound graduates connected to scholarship opportunitiesMajor public and private investment in education and neighborhood infrastructureTim, Eddy and Dr. Vazquez also discuss why education is an economic development strategy, how concentrated poverty affects an entire regional economy and why investing in children today can strengthen Orlando’s workforce, neighborhoods and long-term competitiveness.If you care about the future of Orlando, Central Florida, public education, economic development, school choice, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, educational innovation or community investment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what can happen when a city chooses to build differently.If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

Why did one of the world's largest professional services firms choose Orlando for one of its most important investments?In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani interviews Isaac Juarez, Managing Partner of KPMG Orlando, about the company's decision to build its flagship KPMG Lakehouse in Lake Nona and how that investment has transformed into something far greater than a corporate training center.Isaac shares how Orlando competed against other major U.S. cities, why Central Florida's talent pipeline, business climate, and location made it the ideal choice, and how KPMG has expanded its footprint from a regional office into nearly 1,000 employees serving clients nationwide.The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping professional services, why continuous learning matters more than ever, and how corporate leaders can invest in their communities through education, workforce development, innovation, and nonprofit partnerships.If you're interested in economic development, business growth, AI, workforce development, leadership, Orlando's future, or corporate innovation, this episode provides an inside look at how major companies evaluate cities and why Orlando continues to emerge as one of America's fastest-growing business destinations.In this episode:Why KPMG chose Orlando over competing citiesInside KPMG Lakehouse in Lake NonaThe importance of workforce developmentHow AI is changing professional servicesOrlando's growing business ecosystemCorporate culture and employee developmentCommunity investment and economic developmentBuilding partnerships that strengthen Central FloridaLeadership lessons from Isaac JuarezWhy small daily improvements create lasting impactIf you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------Connect with our Guest Isaac at:LinkedIn: @isaac-juarezWhat do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org------------------------------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

How Orlando Is Building NASA's Future | Lockheed Martin, Artemis & The Orion SpacecraftWhat does it take to build the spacecraft that will return humans to the Moon?In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Barry Bohnsack, Production Planner for Lockheed Martin's Orion spacecraft program, to explore why Central Florida has become one of the nation's most important aerospace and space exploration hubs.Barry takes us behind the scenes of the Artemis Program, explaining how the Orion spacecraft is designed, assembled, and prepared for missions beyond Earth orbit. He also shares his personal journey from Central Florida public schools and robotics competitions to helping build NASA's next generation of spacecraft.In this episode, you'll learn:• How Orlando became a global aerospace powerhouse• The role Lockheed Martin plays in the Artemis missions• How the Orion spacecraft differs from Apollo• Why Central Florida is essential to America's future in space• The importance of STEM education and robotics competitions• Career opportunities in aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades• How UCF, Valencia College, and local schools create one of the strongest aerospace talent pipelines in the countryIf you're interested in NASA, Artemis, Orion, Lockheed Martin, aerospace engineering, Florida's Space Coast, workforce development, STEM education, or the future of innovation, this episode is for you.Connect with Barry and get information at:X (formerly Twitter): @bonzackIf you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------CircumstanceWhat do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.orgProduced by Hi Hello Labs: hihellolabs.com

How did Orlando become one of the most exciting food cities in America?In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, placemaking, restaurant culture, and the future of Orlando.Jason shares the incredible journey from working in the dish pit at his family’s sushi restaurant to building some of Orlando’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Osprey, Reyes Mezcaleria, Sparrow, The Monroe, and Osteria Esther. Along the way, he opens up about immigrant family values, burnout, risk-taking, leadership, James Beard recognition, and why restaurants are critical to economic development and community identity.This episode explores:How restaurants shape neighborhoods and citiesOrlando’s rise as a nationally recognized culinary destinationThe connection between hospitality and economic developmentWhy talent chooses cities based on culture and quality of lifeThe realities of building a restaurant groupThe importance of density, walkability, and placemakingLeadership lessons from hospitalityHow Orlando is evolving beyond tourismWhether you’re an entrepreneur, restaurateur, city builder, foodie, business owner, developer, or someone passionate about Orlando’s growth, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build culture through hospitality.Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.Connect with Jason at:Website: https://www.goodsaltgrp.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anml_chin/If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

How do you transform a downtown into a place people actually want to spend time in?In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with James Lima, founder of JLPD, a national urban design and planning firm, to explore how Downtown Orlando is being reimagined through people-first design and strategic placemaking.As Orlando undergoes a major shift—converting one-way streets into two-way, slowing traffic, and reconnecting key districts—this conversation breaks down the real impact of urban design on economic growth, small businesses, and quality of life.This episode covers:Why walkability and “placemaking” are essential to thriving citiesThe economic impact of two-way streets vs. one-way traffic systemsHow urban design influences small business success and real estate valueWhat makes cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Boston so desirableThe shift from “central business districts” to “social districts”How Orlando can attract and retain talent through better urban experiencesThe role of connectivity between cultural districts, restaurants, and entertainmentFrom trails and mixed-use development to street-level experiences and community activation, this episode reveals how intentional design creates cities people choose—not just pass through.If you’re interested in urban planning, economic development, real estate, or the future of Orlando, this episode is a must-watch.Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.Connect with Jason at:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jlpdIf you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

What is civic leadership—and why does it matter more than ever in today’s cities?In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast, to explore how civic leadership shapes the future of cities like Orlando and communities across the United States.Drawing from decades of experience working across more than 6,000 cities and towns, Bret shares powerful insights on civic responsibility, community engagement, and the importance of building strong civic infrastructure.This episode covers:What civic leadership actually means in today’s worldWhy thriving cities require collaboration between business, government, and community leadersThe role of “civic infrastructure” and how systems within a city work togetherWhy local engagement matters more than ever in a global economyThe impact of digital connectivity, the digital divide, and workforce developmentHow individuals—not just institutions—drive meaningful changeFrom the legacy of America’s founding principles to modern challenges like digital access and economic mobility, this conversation offers a blueprint for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.If you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about the future of your city, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into it.Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.Connect with Brett at:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-perkins-3647582/If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org

Welcome to The City Playbook, a podcast brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership, where we go behind the ideas, initiatives, and leadership shaping the future of Central Florida.In this episode, host Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.Kathy shares the remarkable story of how the Dr. Phillips Center came to life, from early vision and alignment challenges to philanthropy, government partnership, and building a world-class cultural institution in the heart of Orlando. This conversation explores what it takes to build a lasting civic asset, how arts and culture drive economic development, and why alignment between leadership, philanthropy, and business is essential to building a thriving city.You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on:• The long road from idea to execution• The role of philanthropy and public-private partnership• Operating a major arts institution as a high-performing business• The Dr. Phillips Center’s economic and cultural impact• What’s next for downtown Orlando and the future of arts, wellness, and communityWhether you’re a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident curious about how cities are built with intention, this episode offers a powerful look at one of Orlando’s most transformational stories.Connect with Kathy and get information on the Dr. Phillips Center at:Instagram: @drphillipsctrWebsite: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.------------------------------------------------------What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.Connect with our host Tim at:Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/Website: https://timgiuliani.com/Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org