Guest Author
Think about it.
Florida is already the third largest state in America and we’re growing by over 1,000 new residents every day. We have 21 million residents and we’ll grow by 5 million more by 2030.
By then, we’ll have 3 million more drivers on our roads, 50 million more visitors and we’ll need 20 percent more water.
The good news is that Florida’s business leaders have a plan and it’s getting traction. This is good for Florida, good for job creation and it’s a great way to Secure Florida’s Future.
While we’re growing, Florida is also becoming more diverse. Aging Baby Boomers will continue to swell Florida’s elder population and at the same time, the Millennial and GenX generations are growing as a share of Florida’s total population.
As Florida’s population changes, it is important that our infrastructure systems respond to their changing needs. Creating long-term investments in Florida’s transportation, energy, water, telecommunications and agriculture infrastructure is essential.
Our infrastructure needs to support growing demand as well as a wide range of options — from sustainable water solutions to autonomous transportation systems.
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s ‘Florida 2030’ research outlines where Florida needs to be by 2030 to remain globally competitive.
To secure Florida’s future, we must consider the water and energy needs for nearly 5 million more residents, be ready for the hard and soft infrastructure needs like broader telecommunications, improved roadways and railways, air, space and seaports, ensure Floridians can connect to job opportunities, education, health care options, each other and the world, as well as support continued economic growth while preserving Florida’s essential environment and community assets.
So, how do we make sure Florida is prepared for smarter growth?
The Florida Chamber’s Infrastructure Coalition, chaired by former Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad, is focused on creating long-term investments in Florida’s energy, water, transportation, telecommunications and agriculture infrastructure.
With Washington, D.C.’s likely focus on infrastructure, the Florida Chamber’s Infrastructure Coalition aims to maximize Florida’s economic growth opportunities. And, here at the state level, double down on efforts to prepare for Florida’s growing population through infrastructure investments.
As part of the Florida Chamber’s continuing efforts, we are working closely with state leaders like Senate President Bill Galvano to enact smarter growth policies that meet Florida’s long-term needs and will, this week, present recommendations the Florida Chamber’s Infrastructure Coalition has prepared for Florida’s elected officials to consider.
The Florida Chamber understands the importance innovation and technology play in Florida’s future- specifically as they relate to Florida’s infrastructure future. Florida 2030 research estimates that by 2030, more than 25 percent of all miles driven (including freight) could be by autonomous vehicles. With guidance and leadership from state leaders like Sen. Jeff Brandes, Syd Kitson of Babcock Ranch and Grayson Brulte of Brulte & Company, the Florida Chamber created Autonomous Florida, a statewide initiative that works to ensure Florida continues leading the way in autonomous transportation. Our vision? To make Florida the autonomous capital of “all things autonomous” in North America.
I believe Florida will continue to grow and we can remain competitive if we plan better for the next 5 million residents than we did for the last 5 million.
This week, leaders from around Florida and the nation will gather at American’s first solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2018 Growth & Infrastructure Summit, to discuss the future of Florida’s transportation and infrastructure systems, as well as outline the strategies needed to grow smarter.
Governor-elect Ron DeSantis, Senate President Galvano and House Speaker Jose Oliva have all signaled an interest in keeping innovation and infrastructure at the core of Florida’s economic development future.
This is great news as we fight to Secure Florida’s Future.
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Mark Wilson is president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
