Osceola Legislative Delegation & Housing First Take Center Stage at Osceola Update

On June 2nd the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce held our annual Osceola Update at Reunion Resort.  The event was originally scheduled for March 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Osceola Update combines our Legislative Update and Economic Development Summit into one major, highly informative event.

As always, this event featured updates from, and a panel comprised of, our Osceola legislative delegation: Representative Kristen Arrington, Representative Josie Tomkow, Representative Fred Hawkins, and Senator Victor Torres.  The legislative delegation panel was moderated by Leticia Adams with presenting sponsor Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

In keeping with its roots in economic development, the Osceola Update always includes a theme relevant to economic impact in the County.  The theme of our 2021 Osceola Update was housing first as our community continues to face an affordable housing deficit.  This year’s event included a panel on Central Florida affordable housing issues that featured Hope Partnership CEO Mary Downey, Magic Development CEO (and former West 192 Development Authority Director and Chairman) Hector Lizasuain, and Steinhauer Group founder Lee Steinhauer.  Two keynote speakers were also featured in the program:  national consultant on housing first Matthew Doherty, and Florida Realtors’ Chief Economist Brad O’Conner.

Please take the time to view the full program below courtesy of Access Osceola.  In additional to Disney, we must thank sponsors Kissimmee Utility Authority and Osceola Regional Medical Center for their support of this event. and reunion for being gracious hosts and accommodating all pandemic-related obstacles.