Submitted By: Endira Madraveren
presenter
Presentation By: Jeff Shrum
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2026-24 to adopt Vision 2050
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence, Engaged Workforce, Fiscally Sustainable, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
Ocala Gazette - April 3, 2026
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BACKGROUND:
Vision 2050 was initiated to refine how the City will look and function in the future, building on the successes of the Ocala 2035 Vision. A solicitation for consulting services was issued, and the City Council selected Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the project. City staff convened Focus 2050, a focus group, to 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 under Vision 2050.
With input from Focus 2050, City staff and the consultant 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. The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council held workshops in February 2026 to review the initial draft of Vision 2050.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Vision 2050 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 master 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, including the strategies and action items to help define the City of Ocala in 2050.
Since the Council workshop, staff made the following edits based upon comments received:
• Corrections to dates for key Accomplishments on Page 6.
• Rewording of Action Item 4.2 on page 21 to expand the inclusion of community cultural heritage and natural resources.
• Rewording of Action Item 4.3 to add connectivity north and south of State Road 40 in the downtown area.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval, five to zero, of the final Vision 2050 draft, including the edits from staff, with the following change:
• Amend Action Item under 2.5: Complete Streets and Pedestrian Safety to include the High Priority icon for the following:
“Coordinate with Marion County Public Schools to establish a Safe Routes to School program to identify and facilitate safety improvements around schools.”
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 2026-24
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 public involvement efforts of 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, Ocala 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 approval of the request by a 5-0 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