Strategic growth management and resilient infrastructure that protects the environment and quality of life, supports the unique characteristics of distinct communities, enhances education opportunities, and promotes sustainable economic development.
Growth management is a planning strategy used by local governments to regulate the pace, location, and character of community development. Polk Vision’s work often focuses on ensuring that fundamental infrastructure—such as roads, lighting, sidewalks, and schools—keeps pace with new development.
of Polk County households that have one or more computing devices.
(U.S. Census)
of households have an internet subscription
(U.S. Census)
Polk County’s population growth from 2020 to 2024 (Central Florida Development Council)
of Polk County’s land is currently in conservation (Florida Natural Areas Inventory)
Several high-level strategies have been prioritized to guide stakeholder decisions and advance the community’s Vision for Growth Management & Infrastructure. Polk Vision supports a variety of initiatives in this Area of Focus, with its work primarily centered on broadband and transportation safety.
Director of Information Technology
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Smart Communities Team
The Polk Vision Smart Communities Team provides a shared space for local partners to work together on connectivity, technology, and community readiness. Through our role as the Local Technology Planning Team for the State of Florida, we are able to connect local needs with state-level broadband, digital literacy, and technology planning efforts, helping Polk County be seen, heard, and prepared for what comes next.
I am grateful to play a small part alongside a much larger team whose work strengthens the foundation that so many other efforts depend on, from public safety and education to economic opportunity and access to essential services, all of which ultimately impact the quality of life for those who experience Polk County. The work starts here at home, but its impact connects Polk County to important conversations happening across Florida and the nation.
Director of Information Technology
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Smart Communities Team Chair
The Polk Vision Smart Communities LEADS Team plays a vital role in positioning Polk County for long-term success by advancing connectivity, innovation, and economic opportunity across the region. Through collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit partners, the team works to expand equitable access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet, helping to close the digital divide and ensure all residents can participate fully in today’s digital world.
Recognizing that broadband access is essential for education, healthcare, public safety, workforce development, small business growth, and overall quality of life, the team is committed to strengthening the county’s digital infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of a modern economy. These efforts support stronger communities, a more competitive workforce, and sustainable prosperity for Polk County now and into the future.
The Smart Communities LEADS Team serves as Polk County’s designated Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT) through the Florida Office of Broadband. In this role, the team leads cross-sector efforts to expand connectivity, with a strong focus on reaching unserved and underserved communities.
As part of its LTPT designation, the team focuses on:
Through strategic planning, partnerships, and proactive pursuit of funding opportunities, Polk County has made significant progress in expanding broadband infrastructure.
To date, these efforts have resulted in:
The Smart Communities LEADS Team continues to play a vital role in positioning Polk County for long-term success by closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to reliable, high-speed internet. These efforts support stronger communities, a more competitive economy, and improved quality of life for all residents.