By Jim Carchidi and Ken Pozek
Kelly Cohen is on a first-name basis with Orlando.
As a lobbyist, strategist, and fund raiser for The Southern Group, she builds relationships that foster growth and has witnessed over 20 years of change throughout Central Florida. Cohen spoke with The Orlando Real’s Ken Pozek about what the region doing right and what’s necessary to bring Orlando to its next level of economic growth.
Call her Kelly
Originally from South Florida, her local tenure began in 2002 as the statewide finance director for Buddy Dyer’s 2002 campaign for state attorney general. She later joined his 2003 mayoral campaign, but believed her future success depended on moving to a more established urban center. Her outlook changed as she discovered Orlando’s openness and accessibility.
Neo City, SunRail, and Orlando City Soccer are among the projects with which Kelly Cohen has been involved.
"We have the pains of a younger city, but people enthusiastically welcome new faces and new businesses and new ideas,” she said.
Success through diversification
Cohen has been involved with many of the region’s most impactful projects and decisions. The list ranges from Osceola County’s 500-acre NeoCity tech district and the UCF campus at Creative Village to Orlando City Soccer, Tavistock’s Medical City at Lake Nona, and SunRail. She believes the region’s economic future lies in a mix of diversification and the continued success of Florida’s largest industry.
“Our tourism ecosystem is a backbone of our community that allows for a lot of innovation,” she said. “We have thought leaders, from Disney to Universal to what’s happening with the convention space to what’s going on with the airport."
She also points to Central Florida-based modeling and simulation companies, defense contractors, and the entertainment industry as components that complement one another to create a robust economy. “We’re really well posed to be a (technology) leader from a national perspective."
While she agrees that Orlando’s central business district is facing challenges, she sees the decision by Travel + Leisure Co. to move its global headquarters - and its 800+ employees - from Sea Harbor Drive to 501 W. Church St. as the beginning of a solution. "Younger employees want a vibrant downtown," she said. "Workers want amenities. And how does a place that serves lunch thrive when there's no office workers?"
Getting involved
Cohen knows that growth requires collaboration that crosses political lines. The 2026 midterm elections are a hot national topic, but local races are just as important. Orange County voters will have a slate of choices with the addition of two commission seats, for a total of eight, and term limits facing five commissioners along with Mayor Jerry Demings.
“Its unprecedented,” Cohen said. She advises residents to educate themselves on the candidates who will guide the county’s economic future. “It’s important to show up and vote for candidates who support smart growth. You have to find people who are aligned with your vision and hold them accountable.”
Despite the divisions and toxicity that have defined the political landscape in recent years, Cohen believes Orlando’s need for involvement is equal to Orlando’s ability to foster involvement.
“We’re a young city,” she said. “We don’t have legacy families or pay-to-play or cost of entry. You can come here and get involved.”
For Ken’s full interview with Kelly Cohen, go to the The Orlando Real podcast.
The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Orlando, reach out and we would love to help!
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