2024 State of the City Highlights Achievements and Future Vision
Published on March 01, 2024
More than 175 people attended the City of Dunedin’s 2024 State of the City, Thursday evening February 29, at the new City Hall.
Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski and City Manager Jennifer K. Bramley highlighted 2023 initiatives and outlined the City’s strategic vision and areas of focus for the future aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses and those who visit Dunedin.
“We are excited to present to you important updates in our strategic areas of focus as well as an overview of our financial position,” said Bramley. “We hope you leave here today informed, inspired and confident in our future.”
“As you can see the State of our City is strong and we are very proud of the work we do,” said Bujalski. “But, what we are most proud of is you – our community of residents, businesses, city employees, and visitors. And together we will imagine what is next.”
Some important announcements and updates include:
- A new online Permit Portal recently launched creating efficiencies and convenience by allowing applicants to manage permits, licensing, inspection online.
- Bramley presented the “strongest financial position the City of Dunedin has been in for a very long time,” citing significant revenue growth the past two years (9%), while lower than budgeted expenditures. And S&P Global credits ratings is AA+ - strong and stable.
- The 2024 Citizen Survey will be available to residents in late March. The survey is important to measure quality of life and priorities for citizen.
- Plans for a new Aquatic Complex, restoration of the Dunedin Golf Club, a Marina Master Plan, new downtown park at the site of the old City Hall and Phase 2 for the Gladys Douglas Preserve were presented.
- Alternative modes of transportation, investments in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, the economic impact of tourism, which saw a 5.5% growth in Dunedin during 2023.
- Resiliency plans/opportunities and environmental challenges from sea level rise, tidal flooding, storm surge and stronger hurricanes to our area creating coastal flooding is a priority area of future focus.
- The purchase of an Ultimate Bagger – Sand Bag Machine which will be used to support residents in preparation for future storms, and will be available at the City’s Hurricane Expo on May 23 at City Hall.
Mayor Bujalski made a special Key to the City presentation to former Mayor Manny Koutsourais. Koutsourais served as mayor from March 1988 – March 1994.
Mayor Bujalski said this State of the City marks Dunedin’s 125th anniversary which will be celebrated in June, and her last as Dunedin’s Mayor. Bujalski has served as Mayor for 18 years as her term ends this November.