All politics is local! In the realm of community development, local governance plays a crucial role, shaping the infrastructure, environment, and property values for our residents. Our Celebration Community Development District (CDD) in Celebration, Florida oversees various aspects of community upkeep, from infrastructure maintenance to common area management.
Â
What is a CDD?Â
A Community Development District (CDD) is a special-purpose government entity created to provide essential services and infrastructure within a designated community or development area. Program services include common area maintenance, including roadway and alley lighting, street sweeping, landscaping, public parks and trails, boardwalks, aquatic weed control, pond, and stormwater retention management, as well as some Osceola County services, such as mosquito control and security. CDDs are authorized under Florida law to levy and collect assessments or fees from property owners within their boundaries to fund these services.
Â
CDDs are formed to address the need for infrastructure development and maintenance in rapidly growing or newly developed areas where traditional local government services may be inadequate or unavailable. They allow for the financing, construction, and ongoing management of essential community facilities and services, thereby promoting orderly growth and development within the designated area.
Â
The CDD is organized like other local governments in Florida, in that, the legislative body is composed of a five-member governing board known as the Board of Supervisors ("Board"). The Board establishes the policies of the District in accordance with Florida law. The Board, by law, must hire a District Manager and District Counsel. Staff members operate utilizing the same formalities as a County Manager and County Attorney. The Board, through review of advertised Requests for Qualifications, ranks, and selects a District Engineer to perform the engineering needs of the District. District Management staff and the District Attorney administer the operations of the District and implement the Board’s policies and contracts.
Â
During the fiscal year, staff monitors the budget to maintain operational efficiency. During the annual budget process, staff reviews what was budgeted against what was spent and recommends increases and decreases in service levels. The Board of Supervisors, with input from the public, reviews staff’s proposals and has the final decision for the budget constraints that will determine the levels of service. The budget process typically begins in the spring and concludes in the summer, after a public hearing to ensure resident participation. Staff actions are directly related to those restrictions placed within the annual operations and maintenance budget for each fiscal year.
In conjunction with the CDD, the Homeowners Association (CROA) contributes to community management and, together, they ensure that the community functions smoothly and remains an attractive place to live.
Â
Why get involved with the CDD and local government? Beyond mere compliance, engagement offers residents a platform to influence decisions that impact their daily lives as well as the longer-term vision for the community. By actively participating in meetings and discussions, individuals can advocate for their interests and hold leaders accountable for their actions, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of community ownership and cohesion.
Â
As a 20-year resident, this represents an opportunity for me to shape the collective future of the community. Please help support this opportunity to contribute, collaborate, and create positive change together!
Kind regards,
Â
Shel