Alachua County has received a statewide Innovative Partnership Award from the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) for its project, “Converting Federal Investment into High-Wage Workforce Opportunity in Alachua County,” recognizing one of the most significant and strategically coordinated economic development initiatives in East Gainesville’s history.

At the center of the initiative is a $36 million investment in the U.S. Army Reserve Equipment Concentration Site (ECS), the largest economic development investment within the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) district, according to a county press release. Local leaders have identified the area as a long-term priority for redevelopment and economic growth.

Through collaboration between Alachua County’s Economic Development and Public Works departments and Santa Fe College, the project has evolved beyond a traditional infrastructure investment into a long-term workforce development strategy designed to create sustained economic mobility opportunities for local residents.

“This recognition validates a core principle of economic development: alignment with community partners creates opportunity,” said Sean McLendon, economic development manager for Alachua County, in the press release. “By connecting federal infrastructure investment directly to workforce training, we ensured that local residents are positioned to benefit from the jobs being created right here in our community.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the Heavy Diesel Mechanic Training Program, launched in August 2025 through a partnership with Santa Fe College. The program uses existing county Public Works facilities to avoid new capital construction costs while providing state-approved, hands-on training aligned with military and private-sector workforce demand in a field projected to have approximately 25,000 statewide job openings.

“At Santa Fe College, we create meaningful pathways from education to employment,” said Paul Broadie, president of Santa Fe College, in the press release. “This partnership exemplifies that commitment in action, connecting students directly to high-demand careers while supporting the workforce needs of our region. It’s a model for how education and economic development can work hand in hand.”

The initiative combines federal capital investment, Santa Fe College curriculum, and coordinated efforts between Alachua County Economic Development and Public Works to create a direct workforce pathway for residents. County officials said the project reflects the County Commission’s ongoing focus on expanding economic opportunity in eastern Alachua County while creating long-term systems that support workforce development and economic growth.

“This reflects what becomes possible when county leadership across departments and our partners move in alignment,” said Michele Lieberman, Alachua County manager, in the press release. “We are not only delivering real training and job opportunities today but also building a lasting system that connects residents to high-wage careers and strengthens economic mobility for years to come.”

For more information, contact McLendon at 352-548-3764 or smclendon@alachuacounty.us.