TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Division of Community Development is currently accepting proposals from communities interested in participating in the Competitive Florida Partnership Program. Competitive Florida is a targeted technical assistance program that helps communities map their strengths and identify what makes them unique, then identify opportunities and improvements that fit within their character for greater economic and community development. Understanding the power of collaboration, this program builds an active network of passionate community leaders who share ideas, establish best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences. 

Over the past year, the Competitive Florida Partnership Program has been piloted in the City of Port St. Joe, Town of White Springs, City of Newberry, and DeSoto County. Asset mapping, market analyses, community branding, and economic development training are among several resources offered through the program. Lessons learned from pilot communities will be incorporated into the upcoming round of technical assistance. Pilot community final reports will be available in the coming weeks.

Eligible communities include municipal and county local governments, with an emphasis on rural areas. Rural areas may include rural municipalities within urban counties. Communities that are selected can receive both staff support from DEO and partnering agencies through the Rural Economic Development Initiative and grant funding.

Eligible communities should prepare a proposal that details what makes them a good fit for Competitive Florida Partnership Program and what they hope the program will do for their community.  All proposals are due to DEO by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27. For more information on this opportunity and how to submit a proposal, please see the announcement posted on the DEO website.