There has long been a struggle in our community as economic development proceeded at a breakneck pace west. While we now enjoy the fruit of this development—with an astonishing variety of local and national retailers, restaurants and services—the eastern side of our county has been left behind. Efforts to address this disparity have come and gone, but a recent initiative may just be the spark needed to make real progress.

Spearheaded by Alachua County, Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County is a three-year project aimed at enhancing the quality of life and expanding economic opportunities for the communities of Hawthorne, Micanopy, Waldo and the surrounding unincorporated areas. This project will identify and address critical needs, such as affordable housing, job creation, access to healthcare and environmental sustainability. What is different about this initiative is that the residents of the east side communities are front and center. Community Listening Events are in progress, with sessions already held in Hawthorne, Waldo, Micanopy, Monteocha, Island Grove and Cross Creek, Melrose and Rochelle, Windsor and Grove Park.

And the information collected is not just being documented in a report destined for a dusty bookshelf. In Monteocha, for example, residents shared concerns about building rules on private property, including restrictions on wetlands, minimum lot sizes and limits on how many homes can be built per acre. To help address these concerns, the Forward Focus team put together a helpful resources guide, including information on exceptions to the Family Homestead regulations and guidelines to pulling permits.

Similarly, in Micanopy, residents shared concerns about the mowing of wildflowers along area roadways. In response, the team connected with the Alachua County Public Works Department’s Horticulturist, who oversees the County’s Wildflower Program, to address these issues and explore ways to improve wildflower preservation efforts. We all appreciate our region’s natural beauty, but protecting wildflowers isn’t just about pretty flowers—they also protect pollinators and support ecotourism, both vital to Florida’s economy. Ecotourism alone generates $20 billion in Florida annually, and Alachua County’s scenic roads and landscapes attract nature enthusiasts, photographers and visitors.

As part of this effort, conservation improvements are being prioritized for key roads in Florida’s Scenic Highway Program within Micanopy and its surrounding areas, and the county is refining mowing practices, increasing coordination with utility companies and conducting a comprehensive assessment of wildflower areas this spring in partnership with the Florida Wildflower Foundation.

The County’s efforts with Forward Focus have not gone unnoticed. The Gates Foundation recently awarded the initiative a $200,000 grant, allowing the effort to extend beyond its original scope and provide access to professional development, networking opportunities, coaching and expert resources to better serve its communities.

Keep informed and be part of this effort via the Forward Focus website as we come together in service of our eastern communities.

Eric Godet is president/CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber