“Greenacres has always been known as a bedroom community, a place where people pass through to get somewhere else,” explains Andrea McCue, City Manager. “Over the last 10 years, the city has made a concerted effort to set ourselves apart and create a destination. We want to be a community where people can live, learn, work, and play.” McCue’s vision aligns with broader efforts to transform Greenacres from a pass-through commuter town into an economically self-sustaining hub where residents no longer need to leave daily for employment or entertainment. The upcoming centennial celebration, launched in December, serves as both commemoration and catalyst. The year-long festivities will unveil a new brand identity and logo designed to intimate the city’s transformation. For a municipality that has earned Tree City USA designation for 31 consecutive years and the City has been recognized for five years, most recently in 2012, as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” in the nation by America’s Promise-The Alliance for Youth, the nation’s largest alliance dedicated to children and youth STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS SUPPORT Greenacres operates under a comprehensive plan that guides its redevelopment initiatives across multiple sectors. Dr. Philip C. Harris, Director of Economic Development, oversees strategies designed to attract investment while supporting the city’s existing business base of over 700 small and medium-sized enterprises.The strategy includes both upgrading infrastructure and helping local business owners with specific programs. Dr. Harris explains that they are establishing a fast track permitting system to entice companies to participate in redevelopment. “We’re trying to save them money and help them get to do what they do best.” This streamlined approach has yielded measurable results. Juici Patties, a new franchise opened in the city, reported that Greenacres delivered the fastest build-out among their 14 United States locations. This efficiency stems from deliberate municipal reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays that typically slow commercial construction. 223 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 GREENACRES, FL
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