Advocacy & Policy

As part of our journey to Make Housing Happen, we’ve been looking more closely at all the players who need to come together:  Continue Reading

Last time, we shared three simple ideas to agree on when it comes to making housing happen in Southwest Florida. Over the next several weeks, let’s take a look at all the players who need to come together to Make Housing Happen. In no particular order, they are... Continue Reading

You’ve probably noticed this in your own life, but it seems like we disagree more than we agree these days. But based on our conversations with people like you, we’d like to propose three simple ideas we all can agree on, no matter what role you play in the housing landscape. Continue Reading

The region will face many tough decisions surrounding infrastructure development, funding, and other post-storm related activities. As SWFL focuses on rebuilding and reopening, policymakers and key stakeholders must remember the importance of coastal resiliency and preserving our water quality. Continue Reading

Before the storm, Southwest Florida was already suffering from an existing workforce housing shortage. Hurricane Ian has now exasperated it. As our local governments focus their efforts on rebuilding our communities, there is an opportunity for counties and municipalities to try something different. Continue Reading

Last week, SWFL Inc. hosted our first public policy event: State of the Region. Two hundred community leaders, business owners and elected officials filled the venue to discuss our region’s greatest needs: water quality, workforce housing and talent development. Continue Reading

According to a recent report published by FAU, human fecal bacteria has been found in Lee County Waters. The study found evidence that septic systems are contributing to Southwest Florida’s declining water quality. Continue Reading

SWFL Inc. has announced Dane Eagle, secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, will be a keynote speaker at State of the Region on Wednesday, August 31. Secretary Eagle will be discussing the state’s workforce development initiatives. Continue Reading

Have you ever wanted to get involved with local politics but didn't know where to begin? Do you have a desire to help your community and have a say in the issues that matter most to you? We’ve been there too at SWFL Inc., that's just one of the reasons we decided to launch State of the Region. Continue Reading

There were thousands of bills filed last legislative session, and many of them have a direct impact on our lives here in Southwest Florida. It’s imperative to educate ourselves on how these bills might influence our region, and you can do so at SWFL Inc.’s President’s Club Roundtable on June 28th. Continue Reading

Through the work of our local leaders, business community and other keys stakeholders, the region has become an attractive choice for business owners looking to expand or open up shop. This is great for the economic development, but one question is unanswered: Where will our workforce live? Continue Reading

Workforce Signing Day is entering its second year and looking forward to celebrating this year’s graduating class of seniors that are entering the workforce, and is cohosted by SWFL Inc., The Lee County School District, Lee County Economic Development Office, MY Shower Door and D3 Glass. Continue Reading