By Jim Carchidi
August 14, 2026
Mayor Buddy Dyer had the mic but city workers took the spotlight during the 2026 State of the City address. Most of the speech focused on achievements, but also included commentary on the upcoming property tax vote.
Staff spotlights
The annual event is aimed at summarizing a year’s worth of advancement and growth. Throughout the address, Dyer made a point of applauding the 3,500 public servants who made it possible.
“You should know what your local government is doing, what services are being provided, and how your tax dollars are being spent,” he said at the start. “But just as importantly, you should know who is providing those services.”
A select number of staff were singled out for the contributions, including the following:
Officer Nikole Terenzi: Served on the OPD tactical anti-crime unit and is among those strategically deployed to stop violent crime. She proactively works to confiscate illegal guns and drugs from criminals, combining persistence and patience to make a difference.
Arthur Zachary: After 27 years as an Orlando Fire Department first responder, Zachary rejoined postretirement to work in the department’s logistics division. He’s spent the last 25 years managing and cleaning gear to help reduce staff exposure to harmful substances, prevent injuries, and allow firefighters to respond quickly and with confidence.
Josh Reyes, Norris Salmon, Lance Bing, Nick Gonzalez: All four help manage the city wastewater system, which includes 1,000 miles of pipes carrying 15 billion gallons of waste. The system moves treated wastewater to Orlando Wetlands Park: a 1,600 acre, advanced treatment site that has naturally cleaned wastewater since the 1980s. The park is also home to more than 200 species of birds and attracts visitors from around the world. A fact to which Dyer couldn’t hold back comment.
“We are the only city in America that has turned your number two into a number one tourist attraction.”
Milestones
A list of achievements featured a 19% citywide reduction in crime, which includes the country’s largest decrease in homicides. “The 10 homicides were the fewest that we've had in the city of Orlando in 50 years,” Dyer said.
He also noted the start of the Drones as First Responders program, which is dispatched from the OPD crime center to gather information on emergency situations prior to officers' arrival.
Additional achievements include a 40% drop in deadly and serious injury traffic-related crashes as a result of the Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic deaths in serious injuries by 2040. Dyer announced the upcoming addition of high visibility crosswalks on Mills Avenue and separated bike lanes in the Rosemont neighborhood.
In an effort to lower the cost of housing and raise inventory, the city launched the Orlando Unlocked initiative to find new opportunities for development through modernized zoning and incentives.
“Our staff is thinking outside the box,” Dyer said, “including transforming vacant, underutilized city-owned lots into housing.” Ne cited the Piedmont Yard Apartments in Holden Heights, which will turn a former city storage lot into 75 apartments for low income residents. And a senior housing plan slated for a former city property on Roberto Clemente Boulevard.
Amendment 3
Toward the end of the presentation, Dyer commented on Property Tax Amendment 3. The measure, up for vote in the November election, requires 60% voter approval and would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 next year with an increase to $250,000 by 2028.
Dyer echoed the concerns of local governments, stating the cuts would impact revenue used to fund city services including police, fire and rescue, streets and infrastructure. He said Orlando could potentially lose $30 million in 2028, $50 billion in 2029, and $80 million each year thereafter if the homestead exemption is entirely eliminated.
“Whatever your view, it's important to understand what property taxes pay for today. And how changes to the funding could affect local services in the future.”
Ending on a high note
Dyer ended with another shoutout to the people behind the scenes and on the front lines.
“I have so much gratitude for the members of our city of Orlando team, including those we recognize today. I often say that I am the happiest mayor in America. And our city employees are a big reason why I can make that statement. They are part of our community. They love our community. They work each day to help the residents of our community. They make the state of our city strong.”
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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