Economic Development & Disaster Preparedness Plan

The LaBelle City Commission has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Department of Economic Opportunity to create the City’s first Economic Development & Disaster Preparedness Plan.

The City was one of five local governments awarded this grant for fiscal year 2019-2020. In partnership with Competitive Florida Staff from Tallahassee, the City will create an asset-based, community-driven economic development strategy funded by the state legislature. The plan will not only set forth the community’s vision for a diverse economic base, quality job creation, and tax base enhancement, but also address disaster preparedness and community resiliency planning measures.

The plan will be prepared by City Staff with support from the Department of Economic Opportunity and other state agencies, as well as the Hendry County Economic Development Council. The final Economic Development and Disaster Preparedness will be completed by June 2020 and will serve as a foundation for seeking out state and federal funding opportunities facilitated by DEO.

The City Commission is hosting a kick-off meeting to gather community input on the City’s economic assets on Saturday, February 8th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon the LaBelle Civic Center. For more information please email acrespo@citylabelle.com.