Frank Martz, Mayor, City of Altamonte Springs
In an interview with Invest:, City of Altamonte Springs Mayor Frank Martz shared their priorities, centered on innovation and learning labs, while highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships for the City’s current and future success. “we anticipate even closer alignment between government and private enterprise, with a philosophy centered on adaptability — ensuring government evolves to meet the needs of its private-sector partners, rather than the reverse,” said Martz.
What milestones influenced your operations in Altamonte Springs over the past year?
Over the past year, the City of Altamonte Springs has advanced a focused, innovation-driven agenda anchored by the launch of the Altamonte Global Innovation Lab (AGīL). This milestone created a dynamic environment where private-sector partners collaborate directly with the government to test and deploy emerging technologies. AGīL is more than a testing ground; it is a strategic platform that enables the City and neighboring governments to implement cost-saving solutions that enhance service delivery while maintaining operational efficiency.
How is the City positioning itself to remain competitive for talent and business relocation?
Complementing our overall effort is a strong emphasis on workforce development aligned with innovation. By integrating hands-on learning opportunities with real-world applications, the City ensures that Central Florida remains competitive in attracting both talent and investment.
To further strengthen our position as a destination for business relocation and skilled professionals, Altamonte Springs has built a comprehensive ecosystem of programs. These include internships, externships, and targeted workforce initiatives in partnership with CareerSource Central Florida. Collaborative efforts also extend to education partners such as Seminole County Public Schools and Seminole State College, ensuring alignment between academic pathways and industry needs.
The City also has two learning labs, the Altamonte Springs Science Incubator and AGīL, which serve as experiential hubs where students gain practical skills. Through partnerships with organizations like the National Entrepreneur Center, students participate in immersive programs, such as building and pitching a business concept in under 90 minutes. Beyond technical skills, these initiatives emphasize professional development, including communication, networking, and workplace etiquette.
How important are public-private partnerships to the success of innovation and workforce initiatives?
Public-private partnerships remain central to Altamonte Springs’ success. The City has earned national and international recognition for fostering collaborative models that deliver innovative, cost-effective outcomes. Looking ahead, we anticipate even closer alignment between government and private enterprise, with a philosophy centered on adaptability — ensuring government evolves to meet the needs of its private-sector partners, rather than the reverse.
