Our Mission
Learn more about North Port through the City’s Economic Development initiatives and key strategies.
Economic Development Division
Promoting sustainable growth, investment, and innovation to strengthen a vibrant, diversified economy. The City of North Port Economic Development Division leads strategic marketing, business attraction, and retention efforts while fostering regional collaboration and advancing opportunities that support Southwest Florida’s long-term prosperity.
WORKFORCE
Support workforce development programs in partnership with federal, state, local, and not-for-profit organizations to influence the workforce pipeline supply.
• Encourage and support the development of local business incubation/acceleration programs.
• Support organizations including CareerSource, CareerEdge, SCORE, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and others.
RETAIL
Attract and develop a diversified retail sector within the City.
• Identify and market neighborhood commercial parcels to well-suited end-users.
• Encourage the construction of walkable mixed-use development.
TARGETED INDUSTRIES
Attract development within our targeted industries.
• Develop incentives including fast-track permitting, financial incentives, fee mitigation and a Business Response Team.
• Support existing incentives including Impact Fee Deferrals and Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption.
ORGANIZATION
Improve organizational structure and processes to increase program efficiency.
• Expand the Economic Development team.
• Stay up-to-date on current trends.
MARKETING
Market the City of North Port as a premiere location to bring business in Southwest Florida, particularly to those within our targeted industries.
• Increase awareness through inbound and outbound initiatives among developers, site selectors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
• Grow online following on channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, and monthly newsletter.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL
Support interdepartmental initiatives that further economic development goals.
• Aid in the procurement of a public-private partner for the development of Warm Mineral Springs.
• Assist in directing infrastructure expansion towards smart growth opportunity areas.
• Market upcoming incentives, including the Fast-Track Permitting program.
• Participate in and utilize master plans for our high-yield major employment centers.
The North Port Advantage
- ï ‡Spanning 104 square miles, North Port offers prime development opportunities along the I-75 corridor.
- A business-friendly climate, leadership team, and local elected body that made Economic Development and Growth Management a pillar within the City’s five-year Strategic Plan.
- Florida ranks #1 in the nation for its economy, driven by pro-business tax policies and a competitive cost of doing business.
- Rare ecotourism assets including Florida’s only mineral hot spring (Warm Mineral Springs), over 80 miles of canals, Florida’s only state forest fully within municipal limits (Myakka State Forest), and a growing regional trail system.
- Incentives including Impact Fee Deferrals and Economic Development Ad-Valorem Tax Exemption, as well as those available through Sarasota County and the State of Florida.
- North Port has Sarasota County’s lowest median age (48.6), supporting a growing, skilled workforce.