What could the future of public education in Orlando look like? In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani speaks with Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin and Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez about the transformation happening in Orlando’s West Lakes community and the creation of Orange Center STEAM Academy. The episode explores how education, neighborhood revitalization, economic mobility and public-private partnerships can work together to create lasting change. Lift Orlando began with a simple realization: many of the challenges affecting student success begin long before a child enters the classroom. Housing instability, access to healthcare, early childhood education, transportation and economic opportunity all play a role in educational outcomes. That insight led Lift Orlando to develop a place-based community development model centered on West Lakes, creating an ecosystem where families can access mixed-income housing, early learning, healthcare, education, workforce resources and economic opportunity within the same neighborhood. Now, that work is entering a new chapter through Orange Center STEAM Academy. Dr. Maria Vazquez explains how school choice in Florida, charter schools, homeschooling, vouchers, microschools and changing family expectations are forcing traditional public school systems to innovate. She also shares how OCPS is responding with new programs, including microschools, expanded academies and plans for an AI-focused high school. Eddy Moratin explains how Orange Center STEAM Academy was designed as a laboratory for education innovation, combining the independence and flexibility often associated with charter schools with the infrastructure and accountability of one of the largest public school districts in the country. The conversation also examines the measurable impact already happening across West Lakes, including: Childhood poverty falling from approximately 57% to 20%Household incomes increasingKindergarten readiness reaching approximately 95% at the West Lakes Early Learning CenterOrange Center enrollment growing from roughly 293 students to around 500New college scholarship pathways for Jones High School studentsAn 86% increase in college-bound graduates connected to scholarship opportunitiesMajor public and private investment in education and neighborhood infrastructureTim, Eddy and Dr. Vazquez also discuss why education is an economic development strategy, how concentrated poverty affects an entire regional economy and why investing in children today can strengthen Orlando’s workforce, neighborhoods and long-term competitiveness. If you care about the future of Orlando, Central Florida, public education, economic development, school choice, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, educational innovation or community investment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what can happen when a city chooses to build differently. If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference. Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future. Connect with our host Tim at: Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/ Website: https://timgiuliani.com/ Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
