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Sustainability and Civic Engagement

Through outreach and engagement opportunities, we will create communities with more actively involved residents, improved employment opportunities, higher participation in government and increased volunteerism.

A large group of 20 or more people standing in the woods for a photo

Progress on our goals & strategies

Goal 33: Job Training Is Community-Based

  Strategy Time Frame Strategy Progress Information for 2019 Progress
1. Promote existing programs and services provided by nonprofits, vocational schools, and government agencies Medium Orange County strives to strengthen and leverage family and social services programs through partnerships. On-going effort.
2. Develop and promote internship and apprenticeship opportunities Long Task complete. Through CareerSource Central Florida board activities, we have developed target industries to provide paid internship opportunities to various companies.
3. Incentivize funding for training of target groups (hard to employ, such as ex-offenders, seniors, homeless, youth) Long Some programs have been established. Pursuing grants to fund additional efforts. Continue to discuss how to provide programs for targeted groups. On-going effort.
Table legend: Short time frame: 0 to 2 years, Medium time frame: 2 to 5 years, Long time frame: 5 years or more.

Goal 34: Residents Actively Participate In Government

Goal 35: Residents Are Aware Of Support Available From NCFS And Community Centers

Goal 36: The Number Of Registered Neighborhood Organizations Is Increasing

Goal 37: Our Residents Volunteer In Their Community

Our Target Measurements

Civic Engagement Indicators Baseline Last Reported Current Assessment Target 2020
Unemployment Rate 2010
10.8%
2017
3.6%
2018
3.3%
(as of August)
Good
Progress
decrease
Voter Participation 2010
non-presidential: 44%
2012
presidential: 68%
2014
non-presidential: 44%
2016
presidential: 73%
2018
non-presidential: 60%
Good
Progress
increase
Percentage of families living at or below poverty level 2010
10% of all families

14.5% of families w/related children < 18 years

17.2% of children < 18
2016
12.8% of all families

18.3% of families w/related children < 18 years

22.7% of children < 18
2017
10.3% of all families

17.1% of families w/related children < 18 years

17.5% of children < 18
Good
Progress
decrease
Number of registered neighborhood organizations 2011
1,600
2017
1,822
2018
1,856
Good
Progress
increase 5 per year
Active Partnerships
(nonprofits, businesses, state agencies, neighborhood groups)
2011
600
2017
630
2018
630
No Progress maintain or increase
Number of Volunteer Hours
(annually)
2010
1,066,716
2016
824,817
2018
832,434
Good
Progress
increase

Want to get involved?

We want to inspire our citizens to collaborate with local governments and businesses and work together for the long-term prosperity and livability of their communities.

Join the Neighborhood Sustainability Challenge


Illustration of awards given to winners of the Mayor's neighborhood challenge

Enter your neighborhood/HOA in the challenge and tell us about the green, healthy and involved practices in your community. It begins each year in March and continues through June. Awards are presented at the Orange County Community Conference in July.

Learn How Orange County Works For You

Orange County Experience Logo

Each year, Orange County encourages citizens to enroll in a program called “Orange County Experience”. In a 12-week series of classes you will meet staff, take tours, visit advisory boards and see your County in action. It’s a great stepping stone to finding your place in County government and using your skills to help the County shine! Visit Orange County Experience to see when the next class series begins.

Volunteering

OCFL Serves logoVolunteer coordinator Carrie Mohana standing in a wooded area

Visit OCFL Serves to view the many volunteer opportunities around the County. Watch the video to see one way you can make a difference in the Environmental Volunteer and Internship Program (eVIP).

Adopt A Fire Station

Children hugging a firefighter in front of a fire truck

Each year around the holidays, residents are encouraged to show their appreciation to the firefighters in their community by providing meals and volunteering their time at local fire stations. Consider helping your fire station any time of the year.

Read more about the initiative and get inspired.

Our Home For Life logo, takes you back to Sustainability homepage