Having worked in Bradenton for decades, I’ve long thought that our great small city has incredible potential. I have seen the exciting changes and investments that have made the city more livable for residents and more attractive to businesses. And I have strongly believed that we need to keep the momentum going, to engage in meaningful discussions and support city government in shaping Bradenton’s future as a vibrant, friendly and authentic jewel in a beautiful natural setting.
I’m excited to share that those conversations, along with private and public sector investments in Bradenton over the past five years, have set the stage for the first city-wide action plan. It’s the right time to take a hard look at the whole city, identify areas with immediate and future potential for redevelopment and investment and drill down into how to attract businesses, support the businesses that are here and encourage entrepreneurship, especially in the creative arts sector.
The timing for this effort is right. The City of Bradenton, led by Mayor Gene Brown and the City Council, has made and continues to make substantial targeted investments in public infrastructure and essential services to enhance livability, safety and long-term resiliency…