East Central Florida Regional Planning Council

A healthy, happy population is crucial for any community. Our ECF Diamond Awards winners are leading the way in health and equity. From the groundbreaking community center that we honored in 2023 to the dynamic leadership network that took the stage this year, the Excellence in Health & Equity category always sees diverse approaches making a real difference in the health and well-being of our residents and visitors alike. Make sure to submit your project, program, and plan and help keep the momentum going. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/etMnHV7C

Good news, everyone! Due to numerous requests for an extension, we will extend the application window for the 2025 East Central Florida Diamond Awards by an additional two weeks. The window will now close on Friday, November 15th. We hope this extra time allows those with other commitments the time needed to apply for the 2025 awards. To apply -> https://lnkd.in/etMnHV7C To learn more about the awards and past winners -> https://lnkd.in/e2mYZ2j3

For over 62 years, the ECFRPC has been a beacon of innovation in our region. From its inception during the exhilarating space race to the growth spurred by the vacation kingdom, and the flourishing retirement communities in our western counties have transformed our area into one of the fastest-growing economic hubs in the nation. This spirit of innovation continues to drive our region forward. The Excellence in Innovative Places category at the ECF Diamond Awards honors the unique and commendable innovative approaches communities across our region are employing. Make sure to submit your project, program, or plan today and help us celebrate the power of innovative places to uplift and transform lives.

Prosperity is a crucial driver of our mission at the ECFRPC. We’re dedicated to fostering economic growth that benefits our communities. Our region is rich with opportunities, and the ECF Diamond Awards' Regional Prosperity category highlights the innovative ways groups across our region are creating a brighter future. From the transformative business and commerce park that won in 2023 to the inspiring college scholarship program we honored earlier this year, this diverse category celebrates initiatives that make a meaningful impact on our local economy and workforce. Let us know how you’re enhancing our workforce and economic outlook by applying for the ECF Diamond Award for Excellence in Regional Prosperity. https://lnkd.in/eT5WrE9S

Happy National Food Day! Today, we focus on healthy and sustainable food choices. It’s crucial to recognize the benefits of locally raised food. In Florida, over 2 million people work in agriculture and food production, contributing more than $100 billion to the state’s economy. Through our East Central Florida dashboard, one can better understand the region's crucial agriculture and food industries. Thanks to our food systems tools, we are now one of only five organizations to be featured in the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) microsite, https://lnkd.in/eKk6-_6f

In 2023, we received many impressive technology-focused submissions. We introduced a Technology & Big Data category to better showcase these unique projects and programs. The 2024 award was won by Arkly, a flood map dashboard. Could you be the 2025 winner? Submit your application today. Applications close soon! https://lnkd.in/etMnHV7C

We are thrilled to start this new phase of our Brownfields program! In the first three years, we completed nearly two dozen site assessments. With the latest round of funding, we will be able to bring the program to new communities and build upon our initial success. We are eager to continue this important work across our region.

At the ECF Diamond Awards, the most competitive category remains Conservation & Countryside. From the urban farming initiatives of Infinite Zion in 2023 to the soaring wildlife bridges of the Wekiva Parkway earlier this year, Conservation & Countryside exemplifies the diverse ways our region is tackling conservation. Let us know how you've worked to improve the region's conservation and countryside by applying for the 2025 awards. More info at https://lnkd.in/eT5WrE9S

Don't let missed opportunities haunt you this Halloween! The ECF Diamond Awards application deadline is next week. As the region's only awards of its type, the ECF Diamond Awards are a great way to showcase your work and engage with decision-makers from across the region. Don't be scared to apply! https://lnkd.in/eT5WrE9S

You don't want to miss this webinar with our Director of Economic Development sharing insights into our nationally recognized food systems audit and analysis tools, along with lots of other great lessons learned from similar programs, including North Carolina's Piedmont Triade region.