Frank Martz, City Manager, City of Altamonte Springs
In an interview with Invest:, Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz discussed the city’s emphasis on sustainability, social responsibility, and well-being in its development strategies. He also noted how the city is utilizing technology and innovation for sustainable urban development, and why homelessness is not a major issue.
What key initiatives are you most proud of in the last two years and that set the city up for future success amid a growing population?
The city of Altamonte Springs has achieved significant milestones, such as being ranked as the 19th-best city in America for business. Additionally, it stands out as one of only three cities in Florida listed in the Top 50 by Money Magazine for relocation. These accolades stem from our commitment to delivering exceptional city services at a competitive price point. With a debt-free status and a decade without tax increases, we provide stability and reliability to our residents. Our cohesive and forward-thinking team has facilitated groundbreaking initiatives, including a multiyear public-private partnership for autonomous vehicles nationwide, which is the first of its kind and not a pilot project.
Furthermore, we have pioneered innovation programs and recently launched the inaugural AI-powered site plan review, reducing staff time by 30-50%. Our efforts extend to sustainable energy projects, like our one-megawatt floating solar array — one of only three in the country at its inception. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we have expanded our youth, senior, and special needs programs, with the latter serving communities across six counties. Our STEM education facility has hosted over 20,000 middle- and high-school students, while internship and workforce development programs are thriving, with significant private sector investment. Crucially, partnerships with industry leaders like Duke Energy and AdventHealth have elevated our access to knowledge and innovation. Their support has enabled us to push boundaries and set new standards for municipal excellence.
What steps is the city of Altamonte Springs taking toward sustainability, and how is the city utilizing technology and innovation for sustainable urban development?
Sustainability is fundamentally driven by our social responsibility as it’s about prioritizing the well-being of our community today while safeguarding it for tomorrow and the years ahead. Our approach to sustainability revolves around sustaining the current quality of life for residents and businesses, nurturing the economic environment, and ensuring that our city evolves to deliver equally impactful services in the future.
To achieve these goals, we have embraced technology as a key ally. We are actively developing internal applications and harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our services. By leveraging various technological solutions, we streamline operations while maintaining our commitment to excellence.
Moreover, technology plays a crucial role in identifying community needs. Rather than simply implementing infrastructure projects like sidewalks without thorough analysis, we utilize technology to pinpoint where such enhancements are most beneficial, fostering the creation of truly walkable communities.
How is the city addressing the need for affordable housing?
In Florida, the surge in demand is significantly impacting housing prices across the board. What were once categorized as workforce or affordable housing options are now priced beyond what’s considered affordable. This shift is a direct result of the rapid influx of people to the state, surpassing the available housing supply. Addressing the issue of affordable housing in Florida hinges largely on addressing the supply-demand gap. As more individuals move to the state, ensuring an adequate supply of housing becomes increasingly crucial to mitigate the affordability challenges faced by residents.
How does civic engagement influence Altamonte Springs’ development and decision-making, and what strategies ensure effective integration of community input?
In our city, elections occur annually, and I firmly believe that the city commissioners truly represent the interests of our residents. Rather than solely focusing on political ambition, our elected officials are proud members of the community. We prioritize engaging with residents and business owners through various channels, such as homeowners association (HOA) meetings, quarterly magazines, and social media platforms. Our approach to civic engagement is marked by a commitment to accessibility and personal interaction. We maintain a 24/7, 365-day level of attentiveness, ensuring that every email and phone call receives a prompt response.
Building personal relationships is at the core of our civic engagement efforts. Whether it’s attending HOA meetings, local events, or simply being present in the community, we strive to connect with residents on a personal level. This approach fosters trust and allows us to truly understand the needs and concerns of those we serve.
In today’s digital age, civic engagement has evolved to incorporate technology, but we believe in combining technological tools with genuine human interaction. We embrace an ethos of enthusiastic curiosity, actively seeking input from residents. We encourage them to reach out directly by phone, emphasizing the importance of personal connection. This approach fosters a sense of partnership between the city government and its residents, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive decision-making.
How does the city ensure there is not an issue with homelessness in the community?
Our approach to addressing homelessness in our city is rooted in a deep sense of compassion and proactive engagement. We maintain a high level of sensitivity to the issue, with our police officers, park staff, and other frontline employees regularly engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness. In instances where someone is in need of immediate shelter, we have provided hotel accommodations during bad weather to ensure their safety and well-being.
One of the factors contributing to the limited presence of homelessness in Altamonte Springs is the design of our infrastructure. Unlike some areas where underpasses serve as gathering places, our city’s interstate goes beneath our roads, eliminating such spaces. Additionally, we boast a diverse range of housing options, which has helped mitigate homelessness.
While rising housing costs affect many areas in Central Florida, Altamonte Springs’ residents, particularly long-time homeowners, have experienced a lower cost of living. Through programs like Save Our Homes and the paying off of mortgages over time, residents enjoy greater financial stability. This is not to say that homelessness is not a concern in our city, but these factors contribute to a more manageable situation compared to other areas.
What long-term strategic opportunities is Altamonte Springs focusing on, and how do they align with the city’s vision and mission?
In the long term, our focus extends beyond just being a smart city as we aim to cultivate a community that prioritizes health and well-being. As the site of a regional hospital owned by AdventHealth, we are committed to ensuring our residents have meaningful and convenient access to healthcare services and simple health maintenance practices. Our strategic efforts revolve around promoting the overall health of our community members.
Recognizing the challenges faced by busy parents juggling various responsibilities, including providing healthy meals and managing recreational activities for their children, we have partnered with AdventHealth on an initiative called Feeling Whole in Altamonte. Through this partnership, AdventHealth brings healthcare professionals to our recreational programs, offering guidance on topics like diabetes control, CPR, and rehabilitation. This onsite support empowers parents to prioritize their health and well-being without the need for additional appointments or online research. The overwhelmingly positive response from our community underscores our commitment to caring for our residents as we strive to ensure the well-being of every individual in our community.
