2018 Orange County Community Conference
Join Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, County Commissioners and Government Staff to learn more about how you can enhance your neighborhood. Some of the highlights include:
- Fun and informative workshops with exciting door prizes
- Community Champions & Community Organization Awards
- Exhibitors with all types of programs and service
The Community Conference is a great opportunity to come together as neighborhood and community leaders to share ideas, enhance our communities, and celebrate Orange County's neighborhoods.
Only credit card payments accepted online. Other forms of payment must be mailed or dropped off at the Neighborhood Preservation Office.
Community Organization Awards
There are six different categories:
- Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership
- Excellence in Innovative Newsletter Production
- Excellence in Community Building Projects
- Excellence in Neighborly Service
- Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives
- Up & Coming Community Organization
- Clean and Attractive Neighborhood
Schedule At A Glance
7:30am - 8:00am KICK OFF: Registration Opens
8:00am - 8:45am OPENING SESSION: Keynote Address
9:00am - 10:00am SESSION A Workshops
10:15am - 11:15am SESSION B Workshops
11:15am - 11:30am NETWORKING BREAK
11:30am - 12:30pm SESSION C Workshops
12:45pm - 2:00pm AWARDS LUNCHEON
Workshop Sessions
SESSION A - 9:00am to 10:00am
Help Is On The Way: What’s the 3-1-1?
Did you know that 311 is Orange County Government’s main customer service and information line? Don’t get bogged down with government bureaucracy. Attend this workshop to learn all about how you can use 311 to make your local government work for you!
Legislative Updates
What you don’t know can hurt you. Find out about the latest laws that have been passed by the County and the State and how these changes may affect your Homeowners Association.
Orange County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Would you know what to do in the event of an emergency? Do you know what CERT is and what they do? If you answered no to any of these questions, please attend this informative workshop and learn how to join CERT and how to be prepared for the next hurricane season.
Engaging Volunteers: Let’s Stay Together
Volunteers are our neighborhoods’ single most important assets, but it’s a resource that many groups struggle to tap into. Don’t do it all on your own! Come learn fun new ways to engage your volunteers and keep them coming back.
Simple Crime Prevention Techniques to Keep your Home and Neighborhood Safe
We all want to feel safe in our home and our community. Public and individual safety should be a top concern for most community leaders. This workshop will provide simple and inexpensive techniques you and your neighbors can do to reduce the threat of crime in your neighborhood.
SESSION B - 10:15am to 11:15am
Planning 101
Change is happening all around you. Be empowered to have a say in that change. Representatives from the Orange County Planning Division will explain the planning process so that you will learn how to track nearby development, how it could impact your community, and how you can voice your concern or approval early enough to influence development decisions.
Orange County Cooperative Extension
The Orange County Cooperative Extension has developed a broad range of educational programs, including urban agriculture, family and consumer sciences, Florida-friendly gardening, business development, homeowner training, and more. You’ll need to attend this workshop to find out everything Cooperative Extension can do for you!
Code Enforcement 101
Learn how you can work with Code Enforcement to clean up your neighborhood! This workshop will tell you what rules Code Enforcement can enforce, how they pursue violations and how they collaborate with residents on an ongoing basis to solve a broad range of problems.
Orange County Community Action & Community Centers
Community Action! It is exactly what it sounds like. Do you need support but don’t know where to turn? Do you want to learn skills that will improve your life and the lives of those around you? Do you need a place for your children to thrive? Be sure to attend this workshop to find out everything your community center offers. Learn how you can take advantage and take action!
Citizens on Patrol: Taking it to the Streets
Citizens on Patrol is a program that safely empowers residents when they feel overwhelmed with crime in their neighborhoods. The program is comprised of homeowners who have chosen to volunteer their time and act as the eyes and ears for law enforcement. Learn how you can organize your neighbors to undergo training, collaborate with law enforcement and take ownership of your community.
SESSION C - 11:30am to 12:30pm
Ask A Lawyer
The law can be confusing. Here is your opportunity to speak to lawyers familiar with common issues that neighborhood organizations encounter. Make it your business to attend this workshop to ensure your group is complying with Florida Statutes now, before you have a problem later.
Opioid Crisis
Opioid addiction not only affects individuals and families, it’s starting to impact local communities. Many neighborhoods have concerns about nearby “pill mills”, who serve addicted patients. Other neighborhoods have seen how addicted friends and relatives can sow chaos throughout the community as they battle their disease. Representatives from OC’s Drug Free Office will discuss the severity of the problem and will offer information to help safeguard your community from its influences.
Property Appraisal 101
Join us as representatives of Orange County Property Appraiser describe all the innovative things happening at this office. This workshop will focus on issues that affect homeowners and their property taxes. You will also learn how to navigate the Property Appraiser’s website and other useful tools that community leaders can use to benefit their community.
Sustainability in Orange County: Our Home for Life
Haven’t you heard? Orange County is going green! In this workshop, experts will tell you about Orange County’s long-range vision and goals through their Sustainability Plan. This workshop will have a special focus on how basic sustainability concepts are being applied today to address our long-term water, waste management and energy needs. You can also learn about how to receive grant funding for your specific community sustainability project.
Neighborhood Beautification
How does your neighborhood currently look? Can it use some curb appeal or an entryway sign? Maybe your community could use just a good neighborly Saturday morning community cleanup? Do you have some ideas, but need some help getting started? We can help! This workshop will tell you about small but creative projects that can make a big difference in your neighborhood.