Orange County Commission to Vote on Firefighter Mental Health and Youth Career Funding

Orange County Leaders Convene for Key Policy Votes

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to meet today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the County Administrative Center in downtown Orlando. The session, led by Mayor Jerry Demings, features a robust agenda focused on public safety wellness, workforce development for the region's youth, and long-term disaster resilience funding for local nonprofits.

Expansion of Mental Health Services for Fire Rescue

A primary item on today’s agenda is the proposed selection of a firm to provide comprehensive behavioral health evaluations for Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR). The commission is expected to authorize a $644,000 contract with Central Florida Psychological Counseling, Inc. to establish a baseline for mental health among first responders. The program is designed to assess work-related stress and provide necessary resources to support the mental wellness of firefighters through the end of the 2026 fiscal year.

Major Investment in Youth Workforce Programs

The Board will also vote on a combined $1.25 million increase in funding for existing partnerships aimed at youth career exploration. Under the proposal, CareerSource Central Florida would receive an additional $800,000, while the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools would be allocated $450,000. These funds are intended to support paid internships and immersive career training, providing young residents with direct exposure to professional industries aligned with their academic interests.

Disaster Resilience and Community Support

In addition to workforce and safety initiatives, the commissioners are reviewing the allocation of $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. This funding is slated for approximately 20 local nonprofit agencies that provide essential services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The focus of these grants is to bolster job placement, housing stability, and homelessness prevention as part of the county’s broader disaster resilience strategy.

City of Orlando Advisory and Zoning Sessions

While the County Commission handles regional funding, the City of Orlando is also hosting several administrative and advisory sessions today. Key activities include:

• Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA): A hybrid meeting to review local land use and variance requests.
• Advisory Committee for RFP26-0046: A committee meeting regarding municipal procurement and contract evaluations.
• Proclamations: Official recognition of Poverty Awareness Month and preliminary announcements for upcoming Black History Month celebrations in February.

Public comment for the County Commission meeting is available both in person and via virtual platforms, as the board continues its focus on infrastructure and community quality of life for 2026.