Submitted By: Endira Madraveren
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Presentation By: Jeff Shrum
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2026-XX to adopt Vision 2050.
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence, Fiscally Sustainable, Economic Hub, Engaged Workforce
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Ocala Gazette - April 3, 2026
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BACKGROUND:
The Vision 2050 process was initiated to refine how the community wants the City to look and function in the future, building upon the successes of the Ocala 2035 Vision. City staff under the direction of City Council solicited consulting services, of which Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was awarded. City staff convened a focus group (Focus 2050) to help facilitate and guide public engagement for Vision 2050. A sub-consultant, Urban 3 which specializes in land value-based economics, was also engaged to conduct an analysis of properties within the City to guide conversations and initiatives of Vision 2050.
City staff, consultant, and Focus 2050 facilitated four citywide summits and 23 community workshops. In addition, two online surveys were conducted: a pulse survey and a map-based survey gathering broad public input.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The Vision 2050 plan builds on the foundation of the Ocala 2035 Vision and will serve as an updated roadmap for the City’s future. Its initiatives and action items will guide key projects, including the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), EAR-based Comprehensive Plan amendments, Land Development Code updates, sub-area redevelopment plans, Recreation and Parks Master Plan, Urban Form and Design Guidelines and Codes, and other studies that further refine Vision 2050.
Through a collaborative visioning process, residents, employees, and stakeholders came together to shape a shared vision for the future, defining what they aspire the City of Ocala to become by 2050.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This resolution will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
RESOLUTION 2026-XX
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING OCALA VISION 2050 AS AN UPDATE OF THE OCALA 2035 VISION
Whereas, on October 19, 2010, City Council adopted the Ocala 2035 Vision; and
Whereas, in November 2023, City Council approved the contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for professional planning services related to the preparation of an update to the Ocala 2035 Vision (Ocala Vision 2050); and
Whereas, in November 2023, a citizen “Focus 2050” was formed to guide Kimley-Horn and Associates and City staff to create a vision for the future of Ocala based on the community’s desires; and
Whereas, the Focus 2050 Group, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., and City staff have organized, facilitated and participated in a variety of public workshops and surveys designed to seek input from all city residents on their aspirations for Ocala’s future; and
Whereas, City staff have provided Vision meeting schedules and summaries, education, demographic and historical information and opportunities for additional public input through the creation of a website page dedicated to the Vision 2050; and
Whereas, in February 2026, City staff presented the document with findings, maps and initiatives of the Vision 2050 at a Planning & Zoning Commission hearing; and
Whereas, in February 2026, City staff presented the document with findings, maps and initiatives of the Vision 2050 at a City Council workshop; and
Whereas, the Vision 2050 will serve as the foundation for the City’s Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), EAR-based Amendments, sub-area plans and amendments to the Land Development Regulations.
Whereas, on April 13, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended _________ of the applicant’s request by a X-X vote.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, in regular session duly assembled that Vision 2050 is hereby adopted.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2026.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire J. Bethea Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney