Orange County Commissioners Hold Special Session Today to Discuss 2026 Infrastructure Surtax
Commissioners Review Public Sentiment on Proposed 2026 Ballot Measure
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners is convening for a high-stakes special meeting today, Monday, March 2, 2026, to discuss the potential implementation of a Local Government Infrastructure Surtax. The session is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando. This meeting follows a directive from Mayor Jerry L. Demings earlier this year to explore community priorities and the feasibility of a new funding stream for regional improvements.
A central component of today’s session is a presentation from the Trust for Public Land (TPL). The organization was commissioned to conduct extensive research and public opinion surveys to gauge how residents feel about a surtax and which projects they would most likely support. The findings presented today will be instrumental in helping the board decide whether to officially move forward with placing the surtax on the November 2026 General Election ballot.
Key Investment Areas Under Consideration
County staff and commissioners will evaluate several categories for potential funding generated by the surtax. According to the meeting agenda, the proposed revenue could be allocated toward a wide range of municipal and county-wide needs, including:
- Environment and Land Acquisition: Purchasing and protecting environmentally sensitive lands to mitigate urban sprawl.
- Parks and Recreation: Expanding the county's network of trails, parks, and outdoor recreation facilities.
- Affordable Housing: Acquiring land specifically designated for affordable housing developments to combat rising living costs.
- Water Quality: Significant investments in stormwater management and water quality improvements.
- Transportation: Enhancing regional transportation infrastructure and public facilities to keep pace with Central Florida's growth.
Additional Government Activity in Orlando
While the Orange County special session serves as the day's primary political event, the City of Orlando is also conducting specialized government business today. At City Hall, the Consultants' Qualification Board is scheduled to meet to review ongoing procurement requests, and the 6th Advisory Committee for RFP26-0046 will hold an in-person session to discuss contract selections. Although the Orlando City Council is not in a full voting session today—with its next regular meeting slated for March 16—these advisory and qualification boards continue the administrative work of the city.
Residents interested in the outcome of the infrastructure surtax discussion can attend the 1:00 p.m. meeting in person at the Commission Chambers or watch the proceedings live via the county’s official communication channels. The feedback provided by commissioners during today’s discussion will set the stage for formal legislative action in the coming months.