Residents of Polk County are invited to engage with local governance during a Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for January 20, 2024. This gathering will begin at 9 a.m. in the Board Conference Room of the Polk County Administration Building. The meeting aims to review essential infrastructure and housing initiatives impacting the community.
Chair Commissioner Martha Santiago will lead the session, which will provide an overview of the anticipated agenda for the forthcoming meeting. Attendees can expect updates from both the County Manager and County Attorney, along with a special recognition of Chris Oswalt, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. This acknowledgment will be presented by Bill Beasley, County Manager, and Nicole Walker, who oversees Polk’s Cooperative Extension Services Division.
Infrastructure Developments on the Agenda
A key focus of the meeting will be the Central Polk Parkway, with Project Manager Jazlyn Georges from Atkins Realis providing the latest updates on the project’s progress. As a consultant for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Georges’s presentation is expected to offer valuable insights into the future developments of this significant infrastructure project.
Addressing Housing Affordability Challenges
Housing affordability remains a pressing concern for many residents in Polk County. Jennifer Cooper, the Housing and Neighborhood Development Manager, will discuss the advantages of Polk’s Affordable Housing Programs. She will also evaluate the potential benefits of establishing Community Land Trusts, an innovative approach aimed at addressing ongoing housing issues.
The proceedings of the meeting will be accessible to the public, allowing those unable to attend in person to watch the session live on PGTV or through the county’s official website. As the Board concludes its discussions, the decisions made are anticipated to have a lasting influence on the community and its future development.
This meeting represents an important opportunity for residents to understand and engage with the local government’s strategies addressing infrastructure and housing challenges in Polk County.
